Hair Loss

Hair Loss Do’s and Don’ts : Practical Tips and Treatment Options in Australia

Created on 10 January 2019 and Last updated on 1 September 2025

Quick Answer: Hair loss affects men and women across Australia, often beginning in the twenties. While genetics and hormones play a key role, lifestyle choices and health factors can make a difference. Avoid over washing, heavy styling products, and self-diagnosis. Focus instead on balanced nutrition, stress management, medical consultation, and exploring treatments such as minoxidil, finasteride (for men), PRP therapy, and hair transplant surgery in Melbourne, Adelaide, or other major cities.

Why Knowing What Helps (and Hurts) Matters

Many people try to manage hair loss with home remedies, excessive washing, or styling tricks. Unfortunately, some of these habits may make thinning more noticeable or accelerate shedding. Understanding simple do’s and don’ts can support scalp health and help patients make better choices while considering clinical treatments.

  1. Don’t Over wash Your Hair
    Washing hair too often strips away natural oils that protect the scalp. Daily shampooing with hot water and harsh chemicals can lead to dryness and brittleness. Most people do well wash every two to three days with sulphate-free shampoo and lukewarm water.
  2. Don’t Overuse Styling Products
    Heavy gels, waxes, and sprays build up on the scalp, clogging follicles and making hair brittle. Alcohol-based styling products are especially drying. Switch to lighter alternatives and reduce frequency of use.
  3. Don’t Hide Loss With Combovers
    Trying to conceal thinning with long hair or combovers often draws more attention. Keeping hair trimmed or exploring new hairstyles is usually more flattering. Some patients consider cosmetic camouflage like scalp micropigmentation (SMP) to create the illusion of density.
  4. Do Support General Health
    Healthy hair growth relies on good circulation and nutrition. Smoking and excessive alcohol reduce nutrient absorption and blood flow to follicles. A diet rich in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins supports stronger hair. Hydration also plays a role in maintaining scalp health.
  5. Do Reduce Physical Stress on Hair
    Treat hair gently. Pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel. Limit tight hairstyles, avoid high-heat tools, and reduce over-brushing. Whenever possible, let hair air dry naturally to minimise breakage.
  6. Do Manage Internal Stress
    Chronic stress can affect hormones, sleep, and eating habits, all of which may influence hair loss. Simple strategies such as mindfulness, exercise, and speaking with a professional can help reduce stress-related shedding.
  7. Don’t Self-Diagnose Hair Loss
    One of the biggest mistakes patients make is assuming all hair loss is the same. Genetic male or female pattern baldness is common, but thyroid conditions, iron deficiency, autoimmune issues, and stress can also cause shedding. Only an AHPRA-registered doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis.
  8. Do Explore Clinical Options
    Evidence based treatments are available in Australia and can slow or even reverse thinning in some patients. These include:
  • Topical and oral medications: minoxidil for men and women, finasteride for men
  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy: growth factors from your blood are reinjected into the scalp to support follicles
  • Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): non-invasive devices that may stimulate circulation
  • Hair transplant surgery (FUE or FUT): relocating follicles from donor areas to thinning zones, performed by AHPRA-registered doctors

Patients researching hair transplant Melbourne cost or FUE hair transplant Adelaide should know that suitability depends on donor supply, hair type, and long-term planning.

  1. Do Understand Recovery Expectations
    Regardless of treatment, results take time.
  • Medication: benefits often appear after 3–6 months of consistent use
  • Supportive therapies: PRP or laser sessions may take months before visible improvement
  • Surgery: transplants require 12–18 months for full results, with shedding and early regrowth phases along the way

Being patient and following medical instructions are key to achieving natural results.

  1. Don’t Believe in “Miracle Cures”
    Be cautious of products or clinics that promise instant regrowth, scar-free surgery, or guaranteed results. Hair loss treatment requires individualised planning and realistic timelines.

FAQs

Q: Does shampooing too often cause baldness
A: Overwashing may weaken hair but does not cause genetic hair loss.

Q: Can diet alone fix thinning hair
A: No. Nutrition supports scalp health, but genetic causes require medical treatment.

Q: Are natural oils or home remedies effective
A: They may improve scalp condition but are not proven to treat androgenetic alopecia.

Q: What is the best treatment for men with hair loss
A: Medications like finasteride and minoxidil are first-line. In advanced cases, FUE or FUT hair transplant surgery may be recommended.

Q: What is the best treatment for women with hair loss
A: Topical minoxidil is common, with PRP or laser therapy as supportive options. Surgery may be considered for localised thinning.

Q: How much does a hair transplant cost in Melbourne or Adelaide
A: Costs depend on technique and graft numbers. A consultation provides the most accurate estimate.

Why Patients in Australia Choose Medihair

At Medihair, our doctors provide diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and long-term support. Clinics in Melbourne and Adelaide specialise in FUE and FUT hair transplant surgery, as well as medical and supportive therapies. Our focus is on safe, evidence-based care with realistic expectations.

Book a Consultation

Medihair offers an obligation-free consultation online or in person.

To book, call 1300 355 325 or Click Here.

Disclaimer: All medical and surgical procedures carry risks. Results vary between individuals. This article provides education only and does not replace medical advice. Always seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before starting or stopping treatment. Images, if used, are for illustrative purposes only.

AUTHOR

Bianca Shaw

A well-respected surgical stylist, Bianca Shaw has worked in the hair loss industry for 28 years, educating and supporting patients, and working alongside many of Australia’s leading surgeons. Qualified in Trichology and Hairdressing, Bianca was initially trained by a leading hair transplant surgeon and can perform a range of procedures including hair line design, placement of grafts for maximum density, and the dissection and implantation of hair follicles.

Having worked for leading hair loss companies, and managing a number of successful hair transplant practices, Bianca is committed to helping patients understand the treatment options available, ensuring they make the best decision and get the best results to improve their appearance and quality of life.