1. Eat a well balanced diet with a combination of complex carbohydrates, protein and low fats. Avoid high sugar snacks.2. If you need to lose weight, avoid fast crash diets which can often cause hair loss. Follow only a doctor recommended diet with no stimulants.3. Take a multivitamin with a small amount of iron, especially during the childbearing years. Hair is extremely sensitive to small iron deficiencies.4. Learn to deal with stress better: meditation, yoga, exercise, etc5. Avoid hair care practices that are harsh on your hair and can damage hair and its root. Examples include frequently pulling back hair in a tight manner, corn rows, tight braids, using a hot iron, straighteners, excessive blow drying, hot curlers, prolonged perms for curl or chemical straighteners.6. If you must colour hair, have it done professionally using products that do not contain peroxide and ammonia.7. If you are a young woman on oral contraceptives, make sure it is the type that can help rather than contribute to hair loss. If your hair is naturally thin, have an open discussion with your doctor before starting any hormones.8. Examine your extended family including grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. If there is a family history of hair loss in men or women, be aware that it could happen to you and seek help at the earliest sign. Seek out a hair loss specialist.9. Have your hair styled and treated by a professional stylist. They may be the first person to notice a slight change. Seek help early!10. Get annual physical check-up and have your doctor check you periodically for iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, diabetes and nutritional deficiencies.
