Hair Loss: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a phenomenon that can affect part or all of the scalp. Although it is a natural part of a hair's life cycle, significant loss can indicate hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, or scalp conditions, requiring appropriate attention and care.

Life Cycle of a Hair

A healthy hair goes through three phases: • Anagen: Active growth phase, where about 85 to 90% of the hairs are found to maintain good hair density. • Catagen: Regression phase, during which the follicle detaches from its blood supply source. • Telogen: Resting phase, before the hair falls out and a new cycle begins. To support this cycle, hair needs essential nutrients, including proteins, minerals such as zinc, iron, and silicon, as well as vitamins (B5, B8, A).

What are the main causes of alopecia?

• Androgenetic alopecia: Caused by increased sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), this form of hair loss is gradual and often localized. DHT, derived from testosterone, reduces hair follicles, leading to miniaturization. Treatments like finasteride can slow this process by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, although continuous treatment is necessary to maintain results. • Alopecia areata: This autoimmune hair loss causes circular bald patches on the scalp. • Telogen effluvium: Often triggered by stress or a nutritional deficiency, it causes diffuse hair loss a few months after the disruptive event. • Anagen effluvium: Sudden loss during the growth phase, frequently associated with treatments like chemotherapy.< 3>Treatments to slow hair loss

• Medications: Minoxidil, often prescribed for androgenetic alopecia, stimulates the growth phase. Finasteride, on the other hand, blocks DHT. However, the latter can cause side effects, such as decreased libido. • Nutrition: Adequate intake of proteins, sulfur amino acids (cystine, methionine), zinc, and silicon is essential for keratin, which ensures the structure of hair. Vitamin B8 (biotin) helps combat hair loss, while vitamins B5 and B6 enhance hair elasticity. • Plants and essential oils: Extracts of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) help modulate the effects of DHT. Essential oils of thyme, rosemary, and cedar, applied in gentle massages, improve microcirculation, promoting growth. Vegetable oils like castor or jojoba oil nourish and strengthen the scalp. Stress is often an aggravating factor, particularly in the case of telogen effluvium. Taking steps to manage it, such as practicing relaxation techniques, is an important step towards better hair health. To prevent hair loss, it is recommended to maintain a diet rich in essential nutrients, manage stress, and choose hairstyles that do not harm the hair. Gentle care and the use of products without irritating agents also help preserve scalp health.