Growing up, when hair growth wasn’t a concern and your plait hung thick and low (please hug your mother for all that relentless hair-oiling therapy you hated at the time), almost ready for a live-action Rapunzel audition, no one appreciated the gift. Then adulthood hits, work stress and lifestyle chaos set in, and suddenly hair loss becomes as inevitable as seasonal gloom, jokes on you. And if you live in Dubai, the hard water will do a number on your strands, leaving you spending on vitamins, oils, and every gadget claiming to boost circulation. In those moments, you might catch yourself looking like RoboCop in your quest for a solution, which is why we spoke to Maria Dowling, Founder of mariadowling Salon Dubai, to separate fact from hype and explain what really works.
Red light therapy has been gaining traction, and scientifically it has real backing. “Although it is referred to as low-light laser therapy (LLLT), Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of LED light to penetrate the scalp. There, it kickstarts a cascade of chemical reactions that ultimately result in stimulating hair follicles and providing them with the necessary resources to remain in the growth phase of your natural hair growth cycle for longer,” Maria explains, which basically means your follicles get a fighting chance. Studies suggest it can increase hair growth by 35 to 51 percent over sixteen weeks, and while most research focuses on androgenetic alopecia, benefits have been reported for other types of hair loss too, making it more than just a trendy gadget.
Hair growth vitamins are another booming market, but do they actually work? Maria weighs in, “Hair growth vitamins claim that their products can improve hair growth, shine, thickness, and strength. But in many instances, despite their claims and celebrity (paid) endorsements, there is little scientific evidence to prove these claims. For hair growth, it is vital that your diet includes protein, which is essential for hair growth, as it’s the main building block of hair. You should also ensure your diet has iron, zinc, omega-3 and vitamins A, B12, C, D and E as deficiencies in these nutrients have been linked to hair loss, poor hair growth, and weak hair.” While a balanced diet remains key, supplements can sometimes help fill nutritional gaps, and Maria suggests pairing them with routines that truly support scalp and hair health, such as occasional nourishing clay treatments or simple tools like a shower filter to protect strands from harsh water.
These small steps, done consistently, give your hair the environment it needs to thrive.
Lifestyle factors are equally important, and Maria is clear about how easily habits can sabotage hair growth. “It is common to lose 60-100 strands a day but any more than this is considered excessive hair loss, and this can affect up to 80% of men and 50% of women, but lifestyle has a massive impact on the hair. For instance, if you are currently worried about hair loss, check the status of your hair currently. If there is evidence of new hair growing, then it generally means that 3-6 months before there was some factor that triggered the hair loss. Stress can trigger both hair breakage and hair loss. When hair starts to become brittle due to stress, it is prone to break and so you need to use an enforcing shampoo to encourage hair strength. Concerning hair loss, there can be a real vicious circle. Basically, when most people start to experience hair falling out, they panic and the stress levels rise, which increases the amount of hair loss. So really the best thing to do is to keep calm and try to reduce the stressful elements of your life. What you eat affects the condition of your skin and hair, while certain medications can impact hair growth, sometimes triggering shedding or thinning. Take a look at your diet and make sure you are ticking all the boxes in terms of nutrition. Also check your levels of iron and vitamins B and/or D and if these are low, they can trigger hair loss.”
At the end of the day, hair growth is a mix of science, self-care, and patience. Red light therapy gives follicles a boost, a balanced diet lays the foundation, and mindful lifestyle choices ensure your efforts stick. Adding occasional treatments like a nourishing mask, weekly hair oiling or even simple tools like a shower filter can subtly support your hair without overcomplicating the routine.
Products that actually help give your hair a boost
Solaris Cloud Nine – Red LED Hair Growth-Stimulating Scalp Massager
Solaris NY Intensive Red LED Hairband Supporting Growth
Vichy Dercos Aminerxil Clinical R.E.G.E.N Booster, 90ml
Hello Klean Black Shower Head Filter
Laduora Duo 4-in-1 Pod Based Scalp & Hair Care Device
Nutrafol Hair Loss Thinning Supplement Hair Vitamin for Women
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Viviscal, Hair Growth Supplement
