If you are suffering from excessive hair loss or pattern baldness, don’t worry you are not alone, because 70% of other men have the same problem too.

Each hair on your head has a growth cycle. With male pattern baldness, this growth cycle begins to weaken and the hair follicle shrinks, producing shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, the growth cycle for each hair ends and no new hair grows in its place. This is a gradual process, and the faster you take action the more hair you can save.

The first step to preventing, and hopefully reversing, baldness is to identify the cause. Yes, your genes do play a role in your susceptibility, but other factors like hormonal or nutritional deficiencies are likely to play a part too. Micronutrients are extremely important support systems for the health of your hair, and a poor diet can speed up hair loss dramatically. Some of the most needed nutrients for healthy hair are:

  • Vitamin A: Eat red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables to boost your intake of vitamin A. Liver is also an exceptionally rich source.
  • Vitamin B5: Found in mushrooms, avocados, sunflower seeds and sweet potatoes; vitamin B5 can increase blood flow to your scalp, thus improving growth.
  • Zinc: Zinc deficiency is a known cause of hormonal imbalance and hair loss. Load up on zinc by eating eggs, milk, and nuts.
  • Protein: The primary component of hair is a protein called keratin. You need to make sure you are getting enough protein to nourish your hair and allow new hair follicles to be formed.
  • Omega 3: Oily fish such as salmon will positively affect every aspect of your health, including promotion of healthy hair growth.

There is a lot of nonsense out there and unscientifically backed products that are a waste of your money. Stick to tested products that have been approved by the FDA, such as Rogaine or Propecia. These products do work, but be aware that their main roll is to prevent further hair loss, rather than fix the damage that has already been lost (another reason why early action is key).

Changing up your shampoo can also help prevent further hair loss and strengthen your hair follicle. Look for a compound called Ketocanzole in the shampoo labels. This is an anti-fungal chemical found in shampoos such as Nizoral. It acts as a double agent by preventing dandruff and also blocking the production of testosterone in your hair follicles, which leads to stronger hair and less shedding.

If you prefer to take the all natural route when it comes to hair loss, there are a few options out there you can try:

  • Rubbing crushed garlic or garlic paste onto your scalp can help fight hair loss. Garlic has many compounds that are beneficial to the hair, including copper, selenium, and vitamin B1.
  • Fenugreek paste is an old folk remedy that seems to work with many men facing the issue. Soak half a cup of fenugreek seeds in warm water overnight. They should be soft by the next morning. Grind the seeds to a fine paste. Apply the paste to the scalp and leave it on for at least 2-3 hours. Wash the paste off with water.
  • Aloe Vera gel helps balance your scalp’s pH and promote healthy growth. Repeat this 3 times a week alongside other hair loss treatments to magnify their benefits.