Pro Tips from a Dermatologist Series: How to Stop Hair Loss and Promote Growth

A balanced diet provides all the vitamins and minerals most people need for good health — including healthy hair. However, some people have vitamin deficiencies that require supplements to boost levels and deliver benefits. If you notice thinning hair or hair loss, talk to your doctor about having a lab workup to test your blood for key vitamins and minerals. If you’re found to have a deficit, your physician might recommend taking one of the following as a supplement:

• Vitamin D: produced in humans when ultraviolet rays from the sun strike the skin
• Iron: found in many types of food including red meat, poultry, tofu, greens, dried fruits, and nuts; creates hemoglobin that helps carry oxygen through your blood
• Biotin: also known as vitamin B7; breaks down fats and carbohydrates and is found in egg yolks, oats, mushrooms, and spinach
• Nutrafol: a multi-vitamin natural supplement said to increase hair volume and reduce shedding

Insider tip: Be cautious when supplementing your diet. Too many vitamins and minerals can have an adverse effect. Only take vitamin supplements under the advice of your physician.

Here’s the bad news: our hormones can fluctuate wildly as we age, resulting in many side effects such as hair thinning and hair loss. 

The good news? That can be easily remedied with some hormone testing and possible hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Thyroid issues, elevated testosterone levels, and low estrogen secondary to menopause can all contribute to hair issues — but all can be treated by balancing out-of-whack hormones (which has numerous other health benefits, as well).

If you think you could benefit from HRT, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.

Hair loss causes a lot of stress. But stress also causes hair loss. You can see how it can become a vicious cycle. It’s time to break that cycle for good by prioritizing self-care and building healthy habits and routines, like these top three stress-busters:



1. Meditating daily
2. Getting regular exercise
3. Dedicating more time to sleep and rest

This stress-related hair shedding is called telogen effluvium, and you may notice it for 6-12 months after a period of severe stress or heightened emotions. Fortunately, it is self-resolving… if you resolve your stress triggers.