How To Reverse Female Hair Loss
According to ancient literature, womens hair symbolizes strength, physical attraction, health, femininity, and even social status. Then as now, hair is a symbol of self, and our hairstyles are a powerful form of self-expression.
When a woman experiences excessive hair loss, it can ravage her sense of self and be so distressing as to cause depression, crippling anxiety, and withdrawal.
For most women with excessive shedding, the issue is one of genetics and hormonal imbalances. For these women, the hair-loss pattern is generally diffuse and there is thinning all over the head or there is hair loss at the crown and the temples .
Less commonly, the hair loss is due to an autoimmune condition and tends to fall into these categories:
- Alopecia areata: patchy baldness on scalp
- Alopecia totalis: total loss of scalp hair
- Alopecia universalis: total loss, head to toe
- Alopecia ophiasis: a band of loss above the ears, wrapping around the neckline
- Alopecia diffusa: diffuse thinning
The American Hair Loss Association states that women comprise 40 percent of the estimated 6.6 million Americans who suffer hair loss. And were much more likely than men to search for answers. In my mid-40s, after suffering from mild alopecia areata off and on for 30 years, I graduated to the alopecia ophiasis pattern and became one-third bald.
In most cases, hair follicles can be signaled even if youve struggled for years and even if youre bald.
1. Heredity
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What Is Androgenetic Alopecia
Almost every woman eventually develops some degree of female pattern hair loss. It can start any time after the onset of puberty, but women tend to first notice it around menopause, when hair loss typically increases. The risk rises with age, and it’s higher for women with a history of hair loss on either side of the family.
As the name suggests, androgenetic alopecia involves the action of the hormones called androgens, which are essential for normal male sexual development and have other important functions in both sexes, including sex drive and regulation of hair growth. The condition may be inherited and involve several different genes. It can also result from an underlying endocrine condition, such as overproduction of androgen or an androgen-secreting tumor on the ovary, pituitary, or adrenal gland. In either case, the alopecia is likely related to increased androgen activity. But unlike androgenetic alopecia in men, in women the precise role of androgens is harder to determine. On the chance that an androgen-secreting tumor is involved, it’s important to measure androgen levels in women with clear female pattern hair loss.
Skip The Overly Restrictive Diets
Not getting enough nutrients or the right nutrients can affect both hair growth and fullness. That’s why it’s important to eat a range of healthy foods, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. “Your body needs adequate nutrients to support healthy hair,” says Jessica Cording, R.D., author of the forthcoming Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress & Anxiety, who warns against diets with more forbidden foods than permitted foods. “If you’re only eating the same few foods, and cutting out a lot, you’re setting yourself up for being deficient in certain nutrients.”
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Style Over Substances: Giving The Illusion Of Thickness
You might not be able to plump up your hair shaft permanently to boost fine or thin hair.
However, just as the magician has their assistant, you can achieve a sleight of hair. There are treatments available that plump up the hair shaft until theyre shampooed out, explains Sarah Moscato-Goodpaster, co-owner of Witch Hazel Salon in Indianapolis.
Creating the illusion of thicker, fuller hair always starts with the products pre-styling, Moscato-Goodpaster says.
I like to use a fiber-based prep product paired with a root lifter of some kind. Once the hair is prepped, I always blow dry the hair in the opposite direction from where it would fall naturally. This will cause lift at the root.
A sneaky trick? Most certainly. But if it makes your hair look thicker and you feel better, why not give it a go?
Hair loss can also happen as a result of pregnancy we took a look at what you can do about it.
Try A Straightening Treatment For Thinning Out Hair
A quick and easy way to knowing how to make your hair thinner is to alter the way you style your hair. This can either be done with the use of a straightening treatment or by adding in some layers. A straightening treatment, whether temporary or permanent, minimizes the volume of thick hair. Opt for a keratin treatment if youre indecisive about doing anything permanent, especially if you have curly hair texture and wont ever think about parting ways with those awesome ringlets. Keratin treatments last around three months and dont change your texture. Score! Plus, they make your hair smoother, finer, and easier to manage.
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Other Beneficial Oils For Hair
- Castor Oil: Castor oil is 90% ricinoleic acid and is rich in vitamin E and omega-6. When applied topically, it may help to encourage blood circulation in the scalp and healthy hair growth. Castor oil may be massaged into the hair or applied to damp hair and worn as a mask for several hours.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for creating healthy, full locks. According to OnlyMyHealth.com, olive oil is rich in vitamin A and E, helps to remove sebum buildup , and works to seal in moisture and protect the keratin component in hair.
Parabens and sulfates damage hair and wreak havoc in the body.
How Can Women Get Thicker Hair
Some companies market products to people of different genders and promise to make the hair appear thicker and fuller. These may also help slow hair loss. The AAD reports that some shampoos can lock in moisture and reduce breakage, preventing hair thinning.
Anyone who suspects that they have hair loss should see a dermatologist, who can identify the cause of thinning or shedding hair and recommend the right treatment. The doctor may prescribe minoxidil, a drug that can stimulate hair growth and slow balding.
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How To Keep Your Hair From Thinning
Take these steps to preserve your strands as you age.
Can you give me thinning hair that makes me look older? said no woman ever to her stylist. Thick, vibrant hair is a hallmark of youth and vitality, which is why we all want it. Shampoo commercials promise us luscious locksplus, watch any red carpet event, and you can bet that a majority of the celebs are rocking extensions in order to fake that fullness. Many of our brides wear clip-on extensions for the same reason our celebrity clients wear them, notes Lauren E. Hack, beauty guru at LAUREN+VANESSA, because your hair will look amazing.
Sadly, as we add more candles to the birthday cake, our hair can lose some of this lusciousness. As we age, hair decreases in density and the individual hair strands become thinner, says Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills and a clinical instructor at the University of Southern California. Individual hair strands have a two to seven year life cycle, but as we get older, the hair follicle shrinks and the rate of hair growth slows down, says Shainhouse. The hairs produced become much finer, until, eventually, the follicle can even stop producing new hairs, she says. Yikes. Luckily, there are steps you can take to preserve your strands. Here are five ways to deal with thinning hair.
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How To Style Your Hair To Make It Look Fuller
Pre-Styling Tip: Try Hair Building Fibers
Before I start styling my hair, I use Toppik Hair Fibres. Although this was specifically designed for people who are balding, I have found it to be very useful for adding some oomph around the front of my hair. The microfibers completely cover any thinning and give the illusion that you have a lot more hair than you actually do. This product just gives me an extra bit of confidence when Im on a night out. You can get them in any hair color.
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Don’t Forget Vitamin C
Vitamin-C-rich foods can act like a healthy ager for the scalp. Not only can the antioxidant protect hair follicles from free radical damage, which research shows can sabotage hair growth and thickness, but it can encourage fuller hair. “Vitamin C plays a really big role in collagen production and that helps strengthen hair,” says Cording. Citrus isn’t the only super source of vitamin C, thoughâBrussels sprouts, broccoli, red pepper, kale, strawberries, and kiwi also deliver.
How Can I Make My Hair Grow Super Fast
Hair growth is different for everyone. Dr. Umar says how quickly your hair can grow will depend on your hair follicles’ health and how well they can produce new hair strands and be influenced by other facts such as genetics, diet, nutrition and pre-existing conditions. The same goes for the question: How can I get thick hair in a month? It depends. Here are some expert-backed tips to stimulate hair growth:
Keep your scalp happy. Like previously mentioned, keeping your scalp clean and healthy is essential. So, anything you can do to step up your scalp care is a step towards hair growth.
Eat healthy. What you eat also affects your hair. Dr. Umar recommends a wholesome, well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet. Your hair will thank you.
Avoid tight hairstyles. As cool as tightly pulled back hairstyles look, Dr. Umar recommends avoiding them as much as possible if you want to grow your hair fast. We’re talking styles like tight ponytails, buns and braids.
Address pre-existing conditions first. Pre-existing conditions also affect hair growth, so it’s essential to address those first. “These would include thyroid imbalances, androgenic alopecia and immune system disorders,” says Dr. Umar.
Do product research. “Although this may sound like a boring tip, it would be worth your while to first see if there are any research studies, real-life video testimonials of actual customers which support the effectiveness of their ingredients,” shares Dr. Umar.
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Trim Hair Every Six Weeks
Get rid of your split ends by taking an inch of hair, twirling it around with your finger, and trimming the extra bits of hair that stick out. These are your split ends, and getting rid of them leads to healthier, thicker hair. You can also schedule a regular cut for a simple cleanup every six weeks.
Keep Your Hair Healthy And Hydrated
Castor oil is a great natural remedy that can give your hair a gentle sheen. Try using it as a deep conditioning mask, massaging the castor oil into your hair and roots then covering it for 1 to 2 hours.
After that, youll want to shampoo and condition your hair. Slapping too much oil onto your locks can risk leaving your hair limp and greasy. And that, quite simply, is not the vibe for which youre going.
Green recommends indulging a little bit. Massage your scalp and consider mixing up your own DIY hair mask using bananas and grapeseed oil. You can then apply the mixture directly to your hair.
The grapeseed oil provides fatty acids that make the hair thicker, Green recommends. Bananas provide plenty of B-vitamins and potassium. These protect the hair shaft and prevent split ends.
Green also suggests that the combination stimulates blood flow in the scalp, protecting the hair shaft and contributing to longer, thicker, healthier hair.
Coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil may also be effective hair oil treatments, according to Tran. Jojoba even mimics sebum, the naturally occurring oil that usually keeps hair healthy and prevents dryness and brittleness.
While coconut oil doesnt have much evidence behind it on the hair growth front, it can provide a range of other benefits.
We also gave rosemary essential oil a try.
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Whats Actually Causing Your Thinning Hair
The first thing to know about hair loss is that its actually a bit complex. Your hair grows in three stages, SELF explained previously. These include a growth phase from a root in the hair follicle, a transitional phase when the growing stops, and a resting phase, after which the hair falls out and the follicle takes a break before growing another hair.
Its totally normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology , which you might notice on your pillow in the morning, on your hairbrush, or in the shower. If you go a few days without showering, you might notice more than a single days worth of hair in the shower, which may be a little disconcerting, but is still totally normal.
Youre born with about 100,000 follicles on your scalp, and youll never gain or lose any, the AAD says. However, as you age, some follicles may stop growing hair and you may experience hair loss . When and how this happens is influenced by a bunch of factors, including our genetics and the natural hormonal changes we experience as we age, Shilpi Khetarpal, M.D., dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, tells SELF.
Once you know what youre up against, there are some easy ways to help manage thinning hair at home or with the help of an expert. Here are the top tips we learned from dermatologists and hair stylists on how to protect your hair and restore some of its fullness and shine.
Eat To Benefit Your Hair
Regularly consuming certain nutrients and foods can make a difference when it comes to having thick, lush strands. Seek out lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, B-complex vitamins, and iron, suggests GH Nutrition Director and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN. Top sources to support healthy hair growth include:
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Hair Style: The Big Sexy
For a more naturally unkempt look:
Use The Right Shampoo & Conditioner
It’s obvious but bears repeating: Different hair types require specific products that cater to their exact needs. Cutler salon senior stylist Jenny Balding says those with fine hair should look for volume-building shampoo and conditioners, such as the Redken High Rise Volume, to boost the appearance of thickness and add shine. For those with coarse hair, Balding suggests products that tame frizz and moisturize, like Living Proofs Perfect Hair Day Conditioner and finish with a nourishing cream A good rule of thumb is to pick a shampoo that gently cleanses the scalp and a conditioner that boosts hydrating , says Lars Skjoth, the CEO and founder of Harklinikken.
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Dandruff And Contact Dermatitis
Irritated scalp or the scientific term Contact Dermatitis is also one of the reason for hair loss. Dandruff can also lead to thinning hair as the dandruff clog healthy hair follicles.
Dandruff can be caused by irritated, oily skin, contact dermatitis from exposure to certain hair products, a yeastlike fungus and not shampooing your hair often enough. When your scalp is irritated and you scratch at it too much, this can also result in hair loss, according to Francesa Fusco, M.D., as told to Self.com. Luckily, hair loss caused by dandruff is easy to cure with shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione.
Volumizing Shampoo And Conditioner
Most shampoos and conditioners leave a residue that is supposed to help moisturize hair, which is great but not for fine hair. These shampoos and conditioners can actually weigh down hair, making your fine hair look even thinner. Try finding a shampoo and conditioner that says its volumizing they cleanse without adding weight to hair!
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Reduce The Appearance Of Thinning
If youve found a balding spot or area causing insecurity, rest assured in knowing that there are several non-surgical solutions to refer to. While forgoing surgery or hair transplants, anyone experiencing thinning hair or hair loss can utilize hair dye and other products to improve its appearance. While waiting for hair to thicken, using tricks such as coloring hair closer in color to your natural skin color will reduce the appearance of the thinning, Bailey suggests. Haircuts such as layers or other styles to emphasize fullness can also hide unwanted bald spots, and Bailey notes several other types of products for flat, brittle or thin hair. Using products that add volume and friction to help style hair in a way that obscures the appearance of the scalp will improve the appearance, she says. Drawing attention away from the scalp is important, as Bailey adds that for women, hair loss is typically worse over the crown of the scalp than it is along the frontal hairline.
Use Dry Shampoo On Your Roots
Not only does dry shampoo help refresh your thin tresses, but it can also add volume to it. To try this hack, grab the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo and spray it directly onto your roots, making sure to hold the can six to eight inches away from your head. With your fingers, massage the product through to make sure it is evenly distributed, and you’re all set.
Editors tip: If you have darker tones, you can use the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair instead. And if you have lighter tones, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair. Neither will leave you with white residue just lifted, voluminous hair.
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