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The Best Products, Supplements and Expert Advice for Thinning Hair and Hair Loss
Feature: Long Read
Words by TONY WILKES
Here’s a head-scratcher. According to the American Hair Loss Association, two out of three men will experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 35. The figure increases to 80% among those aged 70. While it’s therefore more common than not to face a level of follicular thinning – and though some of the world’s most distinguished men are bald – the fact remains that, for a lot of us, hair loss isn’t a choice. It alters our appearance and, for many, can shake self-confidence. So, what’s to be done? We’ve spoken to leading experts about possible ways to promote healthy hair growth, as well as scoping out the best products and prevention treatments on offer at Harrods. And, if all else fails, how to simply embrace your new look. Read on...
Expert Picks
Meet six of the best haircare products to prevent hair loss or promote strong hair growth – and all available at Harrods.
Patricks SH1 Ultra Thickening Treatment Shampoo, Conditioner and RD1 Anti-Hair Loss Spray
Originally an award-winning barber shop, Patricks launched its cutting-edge products after seven years of working with the best labs and chemists in the world. Its SH1 Ultra Thickening Shampoo was tested by the Hearst Institute on 700 men and awarded first place for active hair thickening. It’s packed with strengthening proteins and, like the refillable RD1 Anti-Hair Loss spray, works to block DHT – a hormone which, in excessive amounts, can hinder hair growth. Patricks’ bestselling conditioner contains over 20 actives to strengthen your hair, making it the brand’s most potent anti-hair loss treatment yet.
Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment
Professor Augustinus Bader is one of the world’s leading experts in regenerative medicine, developing technologies that harness the body’s natural ability to repair. Designed to stimulate regrowth, his namesake brand’s The Scalp Treatment serum works to refresh and soothe the scalp to optimise and strengthen hair follicles, reduce shedding, and hydrate your hair for greater volume and shine. In clinical and user trials, 92% of participants reported positive results.
Dimple Amani Miracle Hair Growth Gift Set
Healthy hair growth all starts with the hair follicle. Damaged or lost follicles means damaged or lost hair. Dimple Amani’s Miracle Hair Growth Serum is designed to stimulate hair follicles to restore thinning areas, nourish the scalp and deeply hydrate your hair to combat dryness and breakage. This handy gift set also includes a hand-crafted comb made from copper – known for its detoxifying qualities – that stimulates blood flow to your scalp, which is also essential for follicle health.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo and Serum
The women in your life may well have heard of Dr. Barbara Sturm. A favourite with red carpet royalty and editors alike, her innovative formulas are bolstered by two decades of research, and rejuvenate skin on a cellular level. This includes the scalp. The Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo and partnering Serum harness camellia and larch to nourish and strengthen follicles, while vitamin B5 works to restore and repair damaged hair.
Philip Kingsley Density Range
That Philip Kingsley is known as ‘the Hair Doctor’ is no surprise. His renowned hair loss solutions are over 60 years in the making, and effective in nine-tenths of men. Designed to thicken hair and reduce fall, the Density range is clinically proven to slow hair loss. A comprehensive starting point is the Density Discovery Collection, which includes a range of the brand’s bestselling products including shampoo, conditioner and scalp drops. To bookend the routine, try the Density Stimulating Scalp Toner and Density Preserving Scalp Foam.
Champo Pitta Growth Serum
The practice of using shampoo stems as far back as the 7th century in India. Rooted in this ancient heritage, Champo’s formulas are all produced in the UK using the best technology science has to offer. Its bestselling Pitta Growth Serum uses tetrapeptides and caffeine to bring volume to roots and stimulate the scalp for fuller, stronger hair. After a 12-week independent trial, 90% of users experienced reduced hair loss, while 88% reported visibly fuller hair.
Diet and Supplements
“Men don’t usually see a dietician because of their hair,” says Reshma Patel of The Wellness Clinic, a renowned nutritionist with over 15 years of experience. “Most men would put hair loss down to age or genetics.” But diet and nutrition can affect hair loss – and, on the flip side, can positively impact growth, as Reshma explains.
Can diet and nutrition affect hair loss and growth?
If hair loss is caused by a nutritional deficiency, then yes. You can definitely grow it back. Equally, if it’s a hormone imbalance and we re-balance them, it will also start to grow back. If a client’s hair is thinning, I would do a scan of their diet and a blood test. It’s important to analyse diet and see if they’re getting enough vitamins, micronutrients and omegas – whether they’re being absorbed or not, and how we can increase the absorbency of a meal in natural ways. If a client is deficient, I’d deliver a bespoke programme for them at The Wellness Clinic.
What foods and vitamins are linked to healthy hair?
Hair is primarily protein, keratin in particular. Unless you are vegan or vegetarian, we want a varied source of lean meats like poultry. Next to that, beans and legumes. This is the best way of getting your protein. Iron deficiency is also a known cause of hair thinning. Iron-rich foods include lean meats, lentils and spinach, and you can also buy bread, flour and cereals fortified with iron.
I would always check a client’s vitamin C. Iron and vitamin C are best friends. If you have enough iron but you’re deficient in vitamin C, you can’t absorb the iron. They work together. Good sources include citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli and potatoes. Zinc also plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair. You can get that from meat, shellfish, nuts and seeds. Vitamin D is a little more difficult. In the UK we do recommend taking a vitamin D supplement, because we don’t absorb it that well. Beyond that, Omega 3 is also important. The most standard source is fatty fish: salmon, mackerel and herring.
The one thing people don’t talk about in hair health is hydration. If you are dehydrated, you’ll notice it in your hair. It will be dry and brittle. Hydration is key.
Can you take supplements for hair thinning?
The number one thing people want to do is take supplements. If we see a deficiency from our tests, supplements would be fantastic. But supplements only work if you are actually deficient. Most people aren’t. They’re usually just low. A lot of people take supplements as an add-on to a great diet to be safe, which is fine, but it won’t make a difference. That’s why it’s important to come and have a test at The Wellness Clinic.
The Treatments
What if your hair thinning is genetic? Having a balanced diet will help you in many ways – but it will not prevent male pattern baldness. The general rule of thumb goes something like this: if your maternal grandfather went bald, so will you. Genetics, however, are more complex. While men take more DNA from their mothers, we are still a mix of both parents. Where your mother came in her family – was she the first child or sixth? – and where you come, also plays a part.
When considering treatments, a hair transplant is often the first port of call. That, however, should be the last resort – intended for those who have lost their follicles completely. The key is to catch it early and work with the follicles you’ve already got. At The Wellness Clinic, Dr. Marwa Ali offers PRP treatment, which uses highly nutritious platelet-rich blood plasma to boost collagen production in your scalp.
Spotlight On
Trichology with Ricardo Vila Nova
Eager to know if you have the balding gene? Using a unique DNA scan of a strand of your hair, renowned trichologist Ricardo Vila Nova can tell you. “We set out to create a new kind of hair treatment,” he explains. “We don’t use hormones.” Following your initial scan, Ricardo’s clinic at the Harrods Hair and Beauty Salon offers a bespoke treatment plan to revive your hair and scalp, from tailored shampoos and active hair masks to micro-needling and follicle jabs. With over 10 years of success, he’s earned his nickname: The Hair Whisperer.
Why Not Embrace It?
Seriously. Plenty of the world’s most respected and dapper men rock their baldness: Stanley Tucci, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Statham and Thierry Henry to name a few. But to wear it well, maintenance is required. Living without hair doesn’t negate a grooming routine.
First comes the razor to tidy any unwanted wisps. Hand-crafted in the UK, Truefitt & Hill’s are some of the best. Shampoo is still needed to keep your scalp clean, while generous moisturising is key. Beyond that, a good SPF is essential. Looking to treat yourself? Pay a visit to the Second Floor. Rooted in traditional Turkish rituals, ADAM Grooming Atelier offers a luxury grooming experience, from expert shaving to botanic facials and relaxing massages.
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