As a hair transplant surgeon, I spend every day helping patients navigate hair loss, whether they’re in the early stages of thinning or considering measures like surgical restoration. One question I’m asked all the time is “what do you do to keep your own hair healthy?”
The truth is that there’s no miracle cure or viral hack that guarantees great hair. Healthy hair growth is usually the result of consistent habits, good nutrition, understanding your genetics, and addressing any problems early on.
Genetics play a major role in determining hair thickness and whether someone is likely to experience hair loss. But there are a number of practical steps I personally follow to give my hair the best possible chance of staying healthy.
I prioritise my overall health and focus on key nutrients
Your hair is a reflection of your overall health. Hair follicles are highly active structures that require a steady supply of nutrients to function effectively. If your body is lacking vital nutrients, or recovering from illness, your hair growth is likely to be impacted.
I focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. And the nutrients I pay particular attention to for my hair are iron, vitamin D, and biotin, as these all play important roles in supporting normal hair growth and overall follicle function.
But it’s important to remember that rather that it’s not about looking for shortcuts and the latest supplement trend. Consistency is more important.
And if someone notices increased shedding or thinning, I would always recommend discussing it with a medical professional rather than self-diagnosing.
I take care of my scalp
Lots of people invest heavily in hair care products while neglecting the scalp itself.
Healthy hair grows from healthy follicles, and healthy follicles depend on a healthy scalp environment. That’s why I include scalp care as part of my overall grooming routine.
A gentle scalp massage can help stimulate circulation and avoiding overly harsh products can reduce unnecessary irritation. I also prefer shampoos that are free from unnecessarily aggressive ingredients that can strip away the scalp’s natural oils.
When it comes to hair care, simpler is often better.
I avoid excessive heat and styling damage
I regularly see patients who are causing avoidable damage to their hair through daily habits. Excessive heat styling, harsh treatments, and aggressive brushing can weaken hair shafts over time, leading to dryness, breakage, and the appearance of thinner hair.
While these habits don’t necessarily cause genetic hair loss, they can worsen the condition of the hair you already have.
I always recommend treating hair gently. If you use heated styling tools regularly, use lower temperatures whenever possible and get the right heat protection products.
I exercise regularly and manage my stress where possible
Stress can have a significant impact on hair health.
For me, regular exercise (I love cricket!) plays an important role in maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. Physical activity improves circulation and helps manage stress levels, which can be beneficial for overall health, including hair health.
No amount of expensive hair products can compensate for chronic stress and poor lifestyle habits.
I don’t ignore the early signs of change
One advantage of working in hair restoration is that I know what warning signs to look for.
A lot of people wait until they have lost a significant amount of hair before seeking advice, but early intervention generally means a better range of treatment options.
If I noticed increased shedding, thinning around the temples, or reduced density, I would definitely investigate the cause.
Hair loss can stem from genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, stress, or a combination of all of these things. Identifying the root cause early is often the key to achieving the best outcome.
I stick to the treatments that are proven to work
Social media is full of supposed hair-growth secrets and while most are harmless, they lack robust scientific evidence.
As a surgeon, I prefer to focus on treatments that have repeatedly demonstrated results. For patients experiencing hair loss, options like Minoxidil, Finasteride and hair transplantation all have varying levels of evidence depending on the individual case.
The most important thing is receiving advice tailored to your specific form of hair loss rather than relying on generic online recommendations.
My golden rule
If there’s one piece of advice I would give, it’s don’t wait until your hair loss becomes advanced before taking action.
Losing between 50 and 100 hairs per day is completely normal, but if you’re noticing increased shedding, a widening parting, thinning temples, or a reduction in overall density, it’s worth speaking to a medical professional.
Healthy hair growth is rarely about a single product or treatment. It’s about taking a holistic approach that includes nutrition, scalp care, stress management, and early intervention when problems come up.
