Hair loss: most effective dietary supplements

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

Hair life cycle

A healthy hair goes through three phases: • Anagen: the active growth phase, during which approximately 85 to 90% of hairs are present to maintain good hair density. • Catagen: the regression phase, during which the follicle detaches from its blood supply. • Telogen: the resting phase, before the hair falls out and a new cycle begins. To support this cycle, hair requires 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 progressive and often localized. DHT, derived from testosterone, reduces hair follicles, leading to miniaturization. Treatments such as 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 patches of baldness on the scalp. • Telogen effluvium: Often triggered by stress or nutritional deficiency, it causes diffuse hair shedding a few months after the triggering event. • Anagen effluvium: Sudden hair loss during the growth phase, frequently associated with treatments such as chemotherapy.

Treatments to slow hair loss

• Medications: Minoxidil, often prescribed for androgenetic alopecia, stimulates the growth phase. Finasteride, for its part, blocks DHT. However, the latter can cause side effects, such as decreased libido. • Nutrition: An adequate intake of proteins, sulfur-containing amino acids (cystine, methionine), zinc, and silicon is essential for keratin, which provides hair structure. Vitamin B8 (biotin) helps fight hair loss, while vitamins B5 and B6 strengthen hair elasticity. • Herbs and essential oils: Extracts of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) help modulate the effects of DHT. Essential oils of thyme, rosemary and cedar, applied with a gentle massage, improve microcirculation, promoting growth. Carrier oils such as castor oil or jojoba oil nourish and strengthen the scalp. Stress is often an aggravating factor, especially in cases of telogen effluvium. Taking steps to manage it, such as practicing relaxation techniques, is an important step toward better hair health. To prevent hair loss, it is recommended to maintain a diet rich in essential nutrients, manage stress, and favor hairstyles that do not damage the hair. Gentle care and the use of products without irritating agents also help preserve scalp health.