Hair loss:

Losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is normal, whether in the shower or while brushing. But if you’re noticing more than usual, there’s a chance you are experiencing hair loss that might get worse over time. Although in some cases hair loss can be genetic, there are steps we can take to minimise the impact.

With this in mind, Doctor Sandy Skotnicki - dermatology advisor at Hims - spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk about the best ways to protect your hair.

She said: “If the thought of hairline thinning is of concern, do not panic - you can take steps to strengthen your hair or treat hair loss.

“It’s critical to learn the most common signs of baldness, so you can take action as soon as possible to avoid it happening further.”

One way to prevent hair loss, she said, is through diet.

Specifically upping your protein intake could have benefits.

“Eating a diet rich in protein sources such as poultry and fish is vital,” Dr Skotnicki said.

“Your hair is made up of protein filaments called keratin, which makes protein an essential part of your hair-healthy diet.”

This was backed by a study published in Biotechnology Reports in 2018.

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“Application of K31 resulted in marked improvements in smoothness, diameter and mechanical strength of the damaged hair.”

Dr Skotnicki also recommended upping your intake of certain vitamins to boost hair health.

She said: “Other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can play a crucial role in maintaining a good level of hair density such as zinc, vitamin C, E and biotin, which is a form of vitamin B7 that often lacks in people suffering hair loss.

“Low vitamin D has now been associated with male pattern baldness.

“Finally, low iron levels, in particular in women, can cause a prolonged hair shed. “

Avoiding stress is also key, she said. “Stress triggers telogen effluvium, which is diffused hair thinning across your entire scalp,” Dr Skotnicki added.

“Try to assess the cause of the trigger of stress in your life and make note of how it's making you feel and how your body responds.

“Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can not only relieve stress but also boost mood, which can result in reducing the production of stress hormone cortisol and increasing production of mood-boosting hormones.”

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Incorporating new products into one's well-established routine is never easy or intuitive. Lucky for us, many protein treatments are created with ease of use in mind, so adding a new step can be quick and seamless rather than complicated and time-consuming. Brumfield breaks it down for us.

First things first, she says, "make sure your hair is clean and free of any build-up before applying a protein treatment." Otherwise, "your hair will not be able to absorb any proteins from the treatment."

When in doubt? "Protein treatments should be applied and by following the manufacturer’s instructions," she advises. So if the bottle says it should be applied to clean, build-up-free hair, be sure to cleanse before use. Then leave the treatment on for the time specified in the product's instructions, and wash out.

As for how often you should break out your go-to protein treatment, Brumfield advises, "Protein treatments should only be used when your hair needs it. Using protein treatments when your hair doesn’t need it will not have any benefits for your hair. You should only use protein treatments if you experience symptoms like breakage when combing, loose curl definition, or low elasticity."

Unlike deep conditioners, which can be incorporated weekly or even bi-weekly into your routine for maintenance, these treatments are more like triages for your curl woes.

Below, some of the most effective protein treatments money can buy, as recommended by hair experts and reviewers alike.

The Best Protein Treatments for Natural Hair

Best Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair: Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve(opens in new tab)

Best Protein Treatment for Color-Treated Hair: Verb Reset Repairing Hair Mask(opens in new tab)

Best Protein Treatment Overall: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment(opens in new tab)

Jamaican Mango & Lime LUXURY treatmentBEST HEAT-PROTECTING PROTEIN TREATMENT

Jamaican Mango & Lime LUXURY Smoothing & Strengthening Crème

$14 at Jamaican Mango & Lime

Brumfield says that this protein-powered pick "wraps moisture inside hair fibers and forms a barrier to help protect against thermal straightening of up to 450 degrees."

Pros: protects from heat damage; great for damaged hair; made with natural hair in mind; affordable; expert-approved

Cons: contains phosphates

Verb Reset treatmentBEST COLOR-SAFE PROTEIN TREATMENT

Verb Reset Repairing Hair Mask

$20 at Sephora

Reviewers write that this popular product tamed their frizz and softened their hair, all without stripping or dulling color. Plus, it's easy to use: Just apply after shampooing, leave on for five to seven minutes, and rinse.

Pros: color-safe; made with natural ingredients like green tea extract and quinoa protein; affordable

Cons: contains phosphates

Jamaican Mango & Lime VANITY treatmentBEST ARGAN OIL-INFUSED PROTEIN TREATMENT

Jamaican Mango & Lime VANITY Silkening Shampoo

$14 at Jamaican Mango & Lime

Looking for an easy way of incorporating protein into your haircare routine without having to make time for an extra treatment? Brumfield says that this shampoo is great for creating "sleek, straight looks without harsh chemicals." Plus, she says, it's "formulated with marula and argan oils, which moisturize and soften strands."

Pros: expert-approved; contains natural ingredients

Cons: contains sulfates

Jamaican Mango & Lime HUSH BEST PROTEIN TREATMENT FOR A SILK PRESS

Jamaican Mango & Lime HUSH Hair Glass Serum

$14 at Jamaican Mango & Lime

Brumfield recommends the products in Jamaican Mango & Lime's Smooth Moisture line, like this serum. She calls it "a great product with proteins throughout the system that are designed strengthen and protect hair during a silk press." She adds that the products in this line are independently tested, and that those tests have "shown that the system actually increases the strength of hair strands and prevents damage during the heating process."

Pros: protects hair from humidity; enhances shine; doesn't need to be rinsed out; easy to use

Cons: contains silicones

Olaplex no. 3 treatmentBEST SCALP-SUPPORTING PROTEIN TREATMENT

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector

$30 at Sephora

Countless reviewers swear by Olaplex for reviving hair that's been damaged by heat, bleach, dyes, and more. One writes, "Thank goodness for these products they have strengthened my curl patterns and keeps my scalp balanced."

Pros: clean; color-safe; great for all curl patterns; repairs damaged hair; great for scalp health

Cons: high price for a small bottle

Aphogee two-step protein treatmentBEST SOFTENING PROTEIN TREATMENT

Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair 16 oz.

$25 at Amazon

This treatment promises to restore damaged, limp curls to their shiny, defined glory within six weeks or less. Reviewers say that these effects often materialize in even less time, yielding soft, healthy curls that feel stronger even to the touch.

Pros: quick results; easy to use; affordable

Cons: strong smell

Redken rinse-out protein treatmentBEST PERM-SAFE PROTEIN TREATMENT

Redken Extreme CAT Anti-Damage Protein Reconstructing Rinse-Off Treatment

$28 at Ulta

This popular formula from Redken is recommended for use one to three times a week, for three to five minutes each time it's applied. Reviewers write that they immediately noticed an improvement in how bouncy and healthy their curls looked, and users with damaged hair attest that this treatment made their hair look and feel stronger with just a few uses.

Pros: great for repairing damaged hair; perm-safe; good for all hair types and curl patterns

Cons: contains sulfates

Curlsmith bond curl rehab salveBEST PROTEIN TREATMENT FOR DAMAGED HAIR

Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve

$29 at Ulta