If you’re wondering how to stop hair loss, thinning, and breakage, then keep reading. From proven treatments to practical lifestyle changes, we’re diving into everything you need to know about keeping your hair healthy and strong. Whether you’re facing hair loss due to genetics, stress, or environmental factors, there are steps you can take to manage and even reverse the process. From nourishing shampoos and serums to dietary tweaks and scalp care routines, we’ll guide you through effective, science-backed solutions for every hair type.
Reasons you could be experiencing hair loss
There are several reasons why you could be experiencing hair thinning and breakage. It’s important that you identify and treat any underlying health issues if you want to stop hair loss.
Hormonal imbalance: Hormones like DHT (dihydrotestosterone), cortisol, and thyroid hormones play significant roles in hair growth. Imbalances in any of these can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to shedding or slow growth. Conditions such as PCOS, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting hair health. A doctor can recommend hormone therapies or medications to address imbalances.
Vitamin deficiencies: Hair requires specific vitamins and minerals to grow. Low levels of iron, Vitamin D, B12, and zinc are common culprits in hair thinning. Getting a comprehensive blood test can pinpoint these deficiencies. If necessary, supplement with physician-guided doses or aim to consume nutrient-rich foods.
A poor diet: Hair is largely composed of keratin, a protein. A diet lacking in protein can halt hair growth and cause brittleness. Aim for protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and legumes to provide your hair with the building blocks it needs. Omega-3 fatty acids in foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds help nourish the scalp, creating an ideal environment for hair growth. These fats are also anti-inflammatory, which can be beneficial for the scalp. Free radicals from UV exposure, pollution, and stress can impact hair follicles. Including foods rich in antioxidants—such as berries, spinach, and sweet potatoes—helps to neutralize these effects. Vitamins A, C, and E are also crucial for scalp health. Vitamin A helps produce sebum, an oily substance that keeps the scalp moisturized. Vitamin C supports collagen production, essential for the structure of hair, and Vitamin E protects hair follicles from oxidative stress.
Stress: High-stress levels can shift hair follicles from the growth phase (anagen) to the resting phase (telogen), leading to increased hair shedding. Practicing yoga, mindfulness, or deep breathing daily can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Meanwhile, physical activity releases endorphins, which can naturally reduce stress.
Inadequate sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for hair growth, as the body regenerates and repairs itself, including hair follicles, during sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours a night to support this restorative process.
Choose the right hair products
Picking the right products can make a world of difference in supporting hair health and growth. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping your scalp’s natural oils, paired with conditioners rich in hydrating ingredients like keratin and argan oil to keep strands smooth and resilient. Hair growth serums with caffeine or rosemary oil can stimulate follicles and promote growth, while reducing the frequency of washes helps preserve the scalp’s natural moisture balance. By choosing products tailored to your hair’s needs, you can strengthen your locks and create an optimal environment for regrowth.
Our picks:
K18 Leave-In Repair Mask: The K18 Leave-In Repair Mask is a game-changer for damaged hair, using biomimetic technology to repair broken keratin chains and restore strength, softness, and elasticity in just four minutes. Buy here
Kerastase Specifique Ampoule Treatment for Hair Loss: Formulated with a blend of potent ingredients, including Aminexil to prevent collagen hardening around hair follicles and Vitamin PP to nourish and revitalize the scalp, this ampoule treatment helps create an optimal environment for hair growth. With regular use, it improves hair density, resilience, and reduces hair fall, providing visible results for fuller, more voluminous hair. Buy here
Vichy Dercos Energy + Stimulating and Anti Hair Loss Shampoo: Gentle enough for every day use, this shampoo is formulated with a blend of Aminexil, a clinically proven ingredient to fight hair loss, and energizing vitamins like B5 and B6, this shampoo promotes a healthier scalp and helps to reduce hair fall caused by breakage. Buy here
Dermedic Capilarte Treatment Serum: With regular use, this serum revitalizes both hair and scalp, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking fuller, more resilient hair from root to tip. It’s enriched with active ingredients like caffeine and niacinamide, this serum works to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, invigorating hair follicles and promoting stronger, healthier hair growth. Buy here
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector: The powerful at-home treatment repairs and strengthens damaged hair from the inside out. Formulated with Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology, it works on a molecular level to reconnect broken hair bonds caused by chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage. Buy here
Implement a scalp care routine
A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong hair. Start by incorporating regular scalp massages to boost circulation, delivering essential nutrients directly to hair follicles. Weekly exfoliation helps clear product buildup and oil that can clog follicles, ensuring a fresh base for growth. Try scalp treatments with essential oils like rosemary or tea tree, which are known for their hair-boosting properties and can help maintain a balanced scalp environment. With a little extra care, your scalp can become the ideal environment for fuller, healthier hair.
Our picks:
Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil: Infused with rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree oils, this formula stimulates and invigorates the scalp, helping to reduce buildup and soothe dryness. The lightweight oil hydrates without feeling greasy, setting the stage for healthier hair from root to tip. Buy here
Solaris Laboratories NY LED Intensive Scalp Stimulating Brush: Combining LED red light therapy with gentle vibration, this brush boosts blood circulation to hair follicles, helping to improve scalp health and encourage stronger, fuller hair. Compact and easy to use, this innovative brush brings the benefits of a salon-quality scalp treatment into your daily routine. Buy here
Ouai Scalp Serum: This powerful, lightweight formula designed to support a healthy scalp and encourage thicker, stronger hair. Packed with skincare-inspired ingredients like hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and adaptogens to protect against environmental stressors, this serum nurtures the scalp environment for optimal hair growth. Buy here
Virtue Scalp Topical Hair Supplement: Formulated with Alpha Keratin 60ku®, Virtue’s proprietary keratin protein, this topical supplement repairs and strengthens hair at the root, creating an ideal environment for growth. Additional ingredients like peptides and antioxidants help balance and soothe the scalp, protecting it from environmental damage. Buy here
Fable & Mane SahaScalp™ Wild Ginger Purifying Scrub: The rejuvenating scalp treatment refreshes and purifies, providing a clean foundation for healthy hair growth. Formulated with wild ginger and Himalayan salt, this gentle yet effective scrub exfoliates the scalp, removing buildup and impurities that can block follicles. Buy here
Limit heat styling and harsh treatments
Frequent heat styling and harsh chemical treatments can take a toll on hair health, leading to breakage, split ends, and thinning. When you can, let your hair air dry and keep heat styling to a minimum. If you do use hot tools, apply a heat protectant to shield strands from damage and opt for lower temperatures to reduce stress on hair. Likewise, limit chemical processes like bleaching and dyeing, or switch to gentler, semi-permanent options. By treating your hair with care, you’ll help maintain its natural strength and shine, reducing the risk of breakage and keeping it looking full and healthy.
Our picks:
Dyson Airstrait Straightener: The Dyson Airstrait brings salon-quality results to your routine, offering a safer, more efficient way to achieve straight, beautiful hair. Designed to smooth and straighten even the most textured hair types, the revolutionary styling tool straightens hair without extreme heat, using powerful, precisely controlled airflow instead. Buy here
Heatless Curling Set: A game-changer for effortless, damage-free curls. Designed to create soft, bouncy waves without any heat, this set includes a flexible curling rod and gentle hair ties that work overnight or in just a few hours. Simply wrap sections of damp or dry hair around the rod, secure, and let the set work its magic. Buy here
Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm: The luxurious, leave-in formula designed to enhance and define your natural texture without any heat. Infused with Oribe’s signature blend of chia seed, bio-fermented bamboo, and plant-based proteins, this balm strengthens fragile hair while providing light hold and frizz control. Buy here
Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Spray: The heat-protective formula shields hair from thermal styling up to 450°F, making it ideal for use before blow-drying or flat ironing. Buy here
Explore medical treatments
For those dealing with more persistent hair loss, medical treatments offer promising options. Consulting with a dermatologist can help you explore these advanced treatments tailored to your specific hair needs.
Minoxidil: FDA-approved minoxidil is a topical treatment known to stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth when used consistently. Originally developed as an oral medication for high blood pressure, it was discovered to have the unexpected side effect of hair growth, which led to its adaptation for topical hair loss treatments. It works by dilating blood vessels, which can improve circulation to the hair follicles, providing them with more oxygen and nutrients that encourage growth. It has also been shown to increase the size of hair follicles, which can result in the production of stronger, healthier hair strands.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy: This treatment involves injecting your own plasma, rich in growth factors, into the scalp to boost hair growth. In PRP therapy, a blood sample is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors and proteins that aid in tissue repair and healing. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into areas of the scalp experiencing thinning or hair loss. PRP is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that requires no downtime and involves only minor injections, making it a convenient option. It can also be combined with other treatments, like Minoxidil, to potentially enhance results.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) devices: LLLT uses cold lasers or red and near-infrared light to stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow, and encourage hair growth. These devices are FDA-cleared for hair loss treatment, especially for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in men and women, and are available for both clinical and at-home use. LLLT devices emit specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light (usually around 650 nm) that penetrate the scalp and reach hair follicles. The energy from this light promotes several beneficial effects, such as increased cellular activity and improved blood circulation to support stronger, healthier hair.
Harklinikken clinic: The Danish-born clinic offers a personalized approach to hair restoration, providing customized treatments and expertise in hair and scalp health. Known for their natural, science-backed formulas and individualized care plans, Harklinikken focuses on promoting sustainable hair growth by addressing the root causes of hair thinning and loss. Each client undergoes an in-depth consultation, allowing the clinic to create a tailored regimen with their unique Extract and haircare products, which are crafted without harmful chemicals. Visit the website for more information
Supplement Your Diet with Key Nutrients
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, healthy hair. Supplements like biotin and collagen can strengthen hair strands, while vitamins like D, C, and E promote scalp health and protect against oxidative stress. Minerals like zinc and iron are essential for healthy follicle function and growth. For those looking to target hormone-related hair loss, herbal options like saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil can be beneficial as they help block DHT, a hormone linked to hair thinning. By filling in these nutritional gaps, you support your hair’s foundation for improved growth and resilience.
Our picks:
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement: Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements are formulated to nourish thinning hair and promote growth using a blend of vitamins, minerals, and marine extracts. The key ingredient, AminoMar™ Collagen Complex, provides essential proteins from marine sources, supporting healthy hair. Alongside this, biotin (Vitamin B7) strengthens hair, skin, and nails, while Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant aiding collagen production and protecting hair from oxidative stress. Iron and zinc further support hair tissue growth and repair. Viviscal recommends taking two tablets daily for at least three to six months to see noticeable results. Buy here
Rite Hair Gummies: Formulated with a powerful blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and plant-based ingredients, Rite Hair & Glow nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair follicles, helping to reduce hair shedding and promote fuller, shinier locks. Packed with biotin, collagen, and antioxidants, it targets the root causes of thinning hair and brittleness, enhancing overall hair health and resilience. With consistent use, Rite Hair Gummies can be an integral part of your daily routine to achieve stronger, healthier hair you’ve always dreamed of. Buy here
Nutrafol Hair Growth Supplement: This formula is a clinically-backed, natural solution made to address hair thinning and promote healthy growth from the inside out. Combining powerful, bio-optimized ingredients like ashwagandha to combat stress, saw palmetto to balance DHT levels, and a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, Nutrafol targets the root causes of hair loss, including hormones, stress, and environmental factors. With separate formulas tailored to men and women, Nutrafol provides a personalized approach to thicker, stronger, and fuller-looking hair. Buy here
Get regular trims
While cutting your hair may seem counter-intuitive if your goal is to stop hair loss, regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Trimming every 6-8 weeks helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause hair to look thinner and more brittle over time. By keeping the ends fresh, you’ll maintain a fuller, healthier appearance and make it easier to style your hair with less breakage. Embracing regular trims can actually support long-term growth, as healthy ends are less prone to snapping or splitting, allowing you to retain length and strength.
The best salons in Dubai:
Chalk
Warehouse 63, Alserkal Avenue
04 346 6284
Pastels Beauty Salon
Ritz Carlton, JBR
04 399 5016
Rossano Ferretti
Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek Club
04 602 1717
Aveda
Galleria Mall, Jumeriah
04 818 8444
Laloge Beauty Salon
The Address, Downtown
052 498 8765
Main image: Instagram/@luisapiou
