Hair loss is stressful. Some try to embrace it as an unavoidable aspect of aging, but most people would prefer their hair stayed on their head. An increase in shed strands caught in a brush or shower drain can be particularly disheartening for people who know hair loss runs in their family. While it’s tempting to throw in the towel, there are preventive measures you can take to mitigate hair loss by investing in scalp care.

Healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp. As skin that remains mostly hidden (until hair loss issues arise), the scalp tends to get less care and attention. However, a study by the L’Oréal Professional Academy showed scalp skin ages up to 12 times faster than other body skin. So, if you want healthy hair – start at the root.

Below are three ways you can take care of your scalp and help your head shed less hair.

1. Shampoo gently

Not all shampoos support a healthy scalp. According to Healthline, you should avoid products with sulfates, which strip away natural hair oils and can cause scalp dryness and irritation. While scalp irritation and dryness do not directly cause hair loss, the itchiness makes it more likely that people will scratch their scalp, causing damage to the hair follicles.

Choose shampoos that will clean and nourish your scalp, ridding it of dead skin cells. As you shampoo, gently massage your scalp using your fingertips. Giving yourself a scalp massage feels good and increases blood flow to your hair follicles, encouraging growth. You can also buy a scalp brush to help you gently apply shampoo and massage your scalp.

2. Try a topical serum

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. It is triggered by high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen hormone present in men and women. This hereditary type of pattern hair loss can begin as early as your late teens or early 20s. However, many people don’t seek help until thinning progresses to a significant loss in density or a visibly receding hairline.

Prevention is key. Start with an anti-DHT shampoo or better yet, a topical hair serum.

If you’re already experiencing hair loss, you may need to be more aggressive about scalp and follicle care.

3. Feed your scalp with supplements

Your nutrition impacts your hair’s health. Even with a balanced, nutritious diet, you may be missing some important nutrients vital to maintaining healthy hair and scalp.

Vitamins and nutrients that impact scalp and hair health include:

* Vitamin A

* Vitamin B

* Vitamin C

* Vitamin D

* Vitamin E

* Iron

* Zinc

* Protein

Taking a daily multivitamin or hair supplement can help you nourish your scalp and follicles from the inside out. Check with your doctor to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support a healthy head of hair.

While there is no magic cure for hair loss, every little bit of help can decrease the amount of hair you lose. By following these three tips you can improve your scalp’s health and help reduce hair loss as you age.