Dr. U on KCAL 9 to discuss hair loss: Hair loss is an endemic source of cosmetic discontent—oftentimes hair loss can even lead to depression, mood swings, lowered self-esteem, and social phobia. The millions of people that suffer genetic baldness, or hair loss due to an illness or other trauma, are constantly searching for a viable means of hair restoration, or at least concealment. For men and women alike, the search seems daunting and endless. Unfortunately, there is no “cure.” However, there are things that can be done to mitigate hair loss. And depending on the degree of hair loss, they range from simple home remedies to surgical solutions.
KCAL 9 News welcomed renowned hair transplant specialist Dr. Sanusi Umar onto the show to discuss the simple things that can be done to catalyze hair restoration on your own.
Dr. U on KCAL 9 Discusses Home Remedies for Hair Loss
“There are a number of causes of hair loss,” Dr. Umar affirmed to show hosts Dave Gonzalez and Sandra Mitchell, “but there are a number of things you can do to minimize the extent.” Some of these hair restoration remedies include:
- Eating a healthy diet, full of the right proteins, vitamins, and nutrients.
- Taking vitamins if your dietary choices are restrictive
- Protecting your hair against the sun—UV rays damage hair and cause breakage.
- Condition your hair and prevent drying it out with harsh chemicals
Dr. Umar named several foods that are helpful in preventing hair loss, which incorporated spinach, broccoli, chicken, beans, and salmon. The goal is to consume foods that are rich with iron, biotin, protein, and essential oils. Vitamins like B-12 make for a helpful hair restoration supplement if you don’t eat the right foods. As for UV protection, simply putting on a hat in prolonged sun exposure helps, or using hair products that contain an HPF (like SPF for skin). To further prevent drying and breakage, be sure to condition your hair regularly and avoid chemicals like alcohol, bleach, and chlorine.
When Hair Loss Is Beyond the Aid of Natural Remedies
Dr. Umar moved down the line of foods and products placed on the KCAL 9 News display counter, to end with the more aggressive hair restoration treatments. For more serious or advanced hair loss, like pattern baldness, FDA-approved Rogaine (minoxidil) is a topical treatment available to both men and women. The doctor also mentioned propecia (finasteride), which is an FDA-approved, prescription only pill for hair loss prevention.
Dr. Umar acknowledged that Rogaine only really helps about 30% of users, so for patients who are beyond the help of medications, surgical hair restoration remains an option.