To get an accurate diagnosis for the underlying cause of your hair loss and find effective treatment options, you need to start by meeting with a hair loss specialist. The Philadelphia area’s Dr. Thomas Griffin of the Griffin Hair Restoration Center explains that thinning hair or excessive hair loss from the scalp can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or aging. With so many potential causes, a correct diagnosis is crucial to choosing a hair restoration approach.

An especially common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also called male pattern baldness in men or female pattern baldness in women. This is a genetic condition that men may suffer from starting from as early as the teens or early 20s. It results in the hairline receding along with reduced hair growth on the crown and frontal scalp.

In women, the condition leads to general thinning of the hair all over the scalp and usually begins in a person’s 40s. Hair transplantation is one of the most effective ways of treating this condition, as it moves robust follicles from another part of the scalp to an area that has thinning hair or no hair. This type of surgery has been performed for decades to restore a fuller, natural-looking head of hair, but the techniques that are used for it have become more advanced.

Although there are many advantages associated with male hair transplant surgery—such as restoring a natural-looking hairline that doesn’t make it obvious to others that you’ve had the treatment and improving your self-esteem—aftercare is still very important. It’s critical for patients to adhere to the instructions and suggestions their doctor gives them after a hair transplant. The results from hair transplantation are considered to be permanent and may even last a lifetime.

However, this treatment does not prevent hair loss. The hair that is transplanted will continue to grow naturally and at some point, when you get older, the follicles may start producing less hair. That means it’s indeed possible that your first hair transplant won’t be your last. Continue scrolling to see what you can do to preserve the results from this procedure for as long as possible and prevent further hair loss.

Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Getting the right nutrients from your diet is critical for promoting hair growth, strengthening hair follicles, and preventing future hair loss. You need to focus on foods that encourage hair growth to increase the rate of cell regeneration after transplantation. Experts recommend getting enough B-complex vitamins such as B7 (biotin) and B12 to improve the overall structure, quality, and growth of hair strands. Include plenty of zinc, iron, and vitamins E, C, and A as well. Iron and zinc deficiencies are known contributors to hair loss.

Avoid Certain Activities Immediately After Transplantation

Right after you’ve had hair transplant surgery, you’re advised to refrain from engaging in certain activities that could interfere with healing and hair growth. Patients will need to avoid going into saunas, steam baths, or solariums for two months. Avoid heavy exercise—such as running, weightlifting, gym work, or sports that could cause excessive sweating—for at least 15 days. Avoid excess moisture in humid conditions. And avoid any swimming to ensure that the surgical areas are dry and free of contaminants. Direct sun exposure on the scalp can also be damaging during the first two months.

Consider Other Hair Loss Prevention Options

To preserve your natural hair and the grafted follicles, you can talk to your doctor about taking proactive measures to delay hair loss, such as hair loss medications like Minoxidil or non-surgical treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Cut out bad habits that contribute to hair loss like washing with shampoo too frequently.

The best way of restoring fuller, healthier hair is by having a consultation with a knowledgeable hair loss specialist. Call Griffin Hair Restoration Center of Philadelphia directly at (215) 561-9100 or send a message online via contact form.