Hair Health Protocol

What is Hair Health Protocol?

A multi-factor approach to hair health addressing the most common nutritional, hormonal, and mechanical causes of hair thinning and loss. Targets iron/ferritin optimization, scalp blood flow, stress reduction, and key nutrient support for the hair growth cycle.

Is there evidence for it?

How do you do Hair Health Protocol?

1. 1.Get blood work: test ferritin (target 70+ ng/mL for optimal hair growth, not just 'normal' 15-30), vitamin D (target 40-60 ng/mL), thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4), and zinc. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional cause of hair loss.
2. 2.Daily scalp massage: 4-5 minutes of firm circular pressure across the entire scalp using fingertips. Research shows this increases hair thickness by stimulating dermal papilla cells. Can be done while shampooing or with a scalp massage tool.
3. 3.Address stress: cortisol spikes push hairs from growth phase (anagen) into shed phase (telogen). Aim for 150+ min moderate exercise weekly (lowers chronic cortisol ~20%), plus daily stress management practice. Telogen effluvium (stress-induced shedding) typically resolves 3-6 months after the stressor resolves.
4. 4.Targeted supplementation: Biotin 2,500-5,000mcg/day (primarily helpful if deficient — limited evidence for healthy individuals), Vitamin D3 5,000 IU/day, Iron bisglycinate if ferritin is low (take with vitamin C for absorption, away from calcium/coffee).
5. 5.Topical support if needed: 5% minoxidil (OTC, most studied topical) applied to scalp 1-2x daily shows up to 45% increase in hair count after 6 months. Commit to at least 6 months before assessing results — early shedding is normal and expected.

How long does it take?

5 minutes scalp massage daily, supplementation ongoing, 6+ month assessment.

Is it hard to start?

medium.

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