Receding hair line? Here are 7 fixes from an expert

The unfortunate truth is that 50% of us will experience hair loss by the time we reach 50, says Dr. Corazon Almira T. Mella, dermatologist at Makati Medical Center.

"Some men experience hair loss as early as in their 20s," she adds.

Mella points to genetics and hormones as the two "key players that contribute to hair thinning and loss."

"Stress, certain medications, and a diet deficient in vitamins and minerals have likewise been known to affect hair growth," Mella continues.

Fortunately, there are things you can do. Below are seven Mella suggested.

1. Check your shampoo. There are shampoos that are specially formulated to strengthen scalp and make hair more robust. Mella advises to use shampoos that are sulfate-free.

2. Get a better haircut. Guys with receding hairlines should consider a more flattering hairstyle. Slicked back hair, close-to-the-scalp buzzcut, and shaving it all off to go bald will hide the hairline problem.

3. Eat better. Lean protein, healthy fats, and vitamins are all good things for the hair. "Omega-3-rich food like salmon and mackerel are said to promote hair growth," Mella said. Eggs meanwhile strengthens hair, thanks to biotin and vitamin B7.

4. Relax. Stress can affect hair, so much so that stress-induced hair loss has a name! It's called Telogen Effluvium and it is defined as "the excessive shedding of resting hair after some metabolic stress hormonal changes, or medication." Resting hair is also known as Telogen hair, and it comprises about 15% of a normal, healthy person's scalp.

It can affect both men and women, though this study says "women tend to be more susceptible because of postpartum hormonal changes."

"Telogen Effluvium, hair falls in clumps following a stressful situation. It certainly doesn't help men with receding hairlines," Mella said.

So go for walks to clear your head, get at least eight hours of sleep, and engage in regular exercise.

5. Considering getting a prescription. Consider getting a prescription for minoxidil (a topical medicine which stimulates hair growth) and finasteride (an oral medication that reduces the production of a naturally occurring hormone responsible for hairloss). 

Mella however warns that "these medications are not a cure, and will only work for as long as your continue using them."

6. Ready for minimally invasive procedures? There's micro needling, which stimulates the production of collagen, Low-level laser therapy, which triggers hair follicle activity. Exosome Therapy meanwhile relies on growth factors. There are also Platelet-Rich Plasma injections where a patient's concentrated platelets promote growth factors for hair follicles. 

7. Consider hair restoration surgery. Here, the surgeon transfers the follicles from the sides of a person's head to the portion where thinning or loss occurs. It sounds complicated yes but in Makati Med, it's actually just an outpatient service.

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— LA, GMA Integrated News