How Common Is Hair Loss In Women
Many people think that hair loss only affects men. However, it is estimated that more than 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss. The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss , which affects about one-third of susceptible women, which equals out to some 30 million women in the United States.
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.
How To Thicken Hair
When it comes to making thin hair thicker, combating the issue at the source is often the best option. As such, lifestyle changes can be incredibly useful for preventing and treating hair loss. In particular, your diet can have a significant effect on your hair, so be sure to watch what you eat and drink. Adding more protein, Omega 3, iron, and vitamin C to your diet as well as drinking more water and less alcohol can seriously improve the health and growth of your hair. Alternatively, speak to your doctor about taking supplements or hair growth vitamins if you arent getting enough nutrients naturally. Due to its power to increase circulation, regular exercise is another factor that can help thicken your hair.
As for your hair itself, be sure to treat it carefully to maintain its health and ability to grow. Not only does this mean that you should use specialized products, but it also requires limiting your use of hairdryers and hot styling tools. As high heat can damage your hair and cause breakage and hair loss, allowing your hair to dry naturally is ideal if youre looking to thicken your locks. If you must use a dryer, be sure to put it on a low setting and use a heat protectant spray. If, after making these changes, your hair still requires an extra boost, consider trialing natural hair remedies, regrowth treatments, and volumizing products.
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How To Stop My Hair From Falling Out
Is your hair shedding? Your scalp may be sweaty. Perspiration creates a moist environment that allows the natural fungus on the scalp to thrive. The resulting inflammation and itching can lead to follicle damage, making hair vulnerable to fall-out, says Roberts-Cooper.
One of the most natural ways to stop hair from falling out and thinning? Honey. Research shows applying honey, which is a natural antifungal, to the scalp every other day eliminates fungus in one week, plus leads to a noticeable drop in shedding in four weeks.
To make a honey hair mask: Mix two tablespoons of honey with 2/3 cup of warm water. Massage into scalp and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
Make Sure You Have Enough Protein In Your Diet
Hair mostly consists of keratin protein, which is produced using amino acid building blocks obtained from your diet.
To maintain a constant protein supply for your follicles, eat some with every meal, whether its poultry, lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts or beans. If you eat a plant-based diet, you may be more prone to thinning hair as some amino acids essential for healthy hair and micronutrients are often difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities without taking a vegetarian-friendly supplement.
Do not skip meals, as this puts your body into survival mode so that the supply of protein and nutrients to hair follicles is reduced.
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Tips For Possible Complete Hair Loss
- Ask about a wig before you start treatment, so you can match the colour and texture of your real hair.
- If you are feeling adventurous, choose a wig for a whole new look why not try the colour and style you’ve always wanted!
- Think about having your hair gradually cut short before your treatment starts – this might help you get used to seeing yourself with less hair.
- Some people shave their hair off completely to avoid the distress of seeing their hair fall out.
- Wear a hair net at night so you won’t wake up with hair all over your pillow, which can be upsetting.
- Keep your head warm in cooler weather – some people wear a soft hat in bed.
- Rub in oil or moisturiser if your scalp feels dry and itchy, try unperfumed products such as Epaderm, Hydromol or Doublebase.
- Try a moisturising liquid instead of soap if your scalp is dry, for example aqueous cream, Oilatum or Diprobase.
- Protect your scalp by covering your head in the sun – your scalp is particularly sensitive to the sun.
How Thinning Hair Occurs In Women Vs Men
A healthy scalp has around 80 percent of its hair follicles in the growing stage while the other 20 percent is in the resting stage. Hair thinning and loss occur when that vital growing state either slows down considerably or stops.
What causes hair to thin out for women? Just like our bodies change with age, most women notice some hair thinning as they get older. This is quite natural. Its said that by the age of 50, half of women will complain of hair loss. If a womans thinning hair is related to female-patterned hair loss, then the thinning is believed to be 90 percent genetic and 10 percent hormonal. Youll probably be surprised to learn that female-pattern baldness affects about 30 million American women. You cant change your genetics, but thankfully, you can work on the hormonal aspect .
Thinning hair in women typically occurs slowly all over the entire scalp without a recession of the hair line . If a woman has female-pattern hair loss, it can lead to extreme hair thinning but rarely leads to baldness.
What about thinning hair in men? For men, hair thinning can start as early as puberty and progress for many years to come after that. The thinning usually begins above the temples and travels around the perimeter and top of the head. Ultimately, this can result in a ring of hair often referred to as a horseshoe remaining along the bottom of the scalp. For a lot of men, hair thinning continues until there is no hair left resulting in a completely bald scalp.
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Famous International Hairstylists Explain Why They Recommend Viviscal Hair
Ted Gibson Lead Hairstylist New York Fashion Week,Ted Gibson salons in NYC and Fort Lauderdale
This is the time when I older women clients start to tell me, My hair isn’t quite how it used to be. The biggest complaints: thinning and gray tresses. A daily supplement like Viviscal is fantastic for growing hair.
Trisha Buller Leading Trichologist, Clinic and Salon Owner
Our hair is a barometer of our inner health. Nutrition, minerals and vitamins play an important role in maintaining healthy hair growth, so a balanced diet is essential. When were under stress or have experienced ill health, it will have an adverse effect on our hair. I am seeing more and more people complaining of fine, weak, limp hair lacking in shine and luster. Supplements such as Viviscal include Biotin and Zinc, as well as other key ingredients crucial for healthy hair.
Tabatha Coffey Hairstylist and TV Host of Bravos Tabatha Takes Over
I cant believe how well Viviscal hair growth supplements have transformed the look and feel of my hair! The results Ive experienced have allowed me to regain confidence in my hair and appearance. Im excited that Viviscal can help other women experience the same success that Ive had.
Adam Reed Creative Director of Percy & Reed London
Errol Douglas President of Fellowship for British Hairdressing
Specific results are not guaranteed and results may vary.
Based on Nielsen AOC L52 wks ending 12/30/17 Existing hair growth
Can Hair Grow Back After Thinning
The good news: You absolutely can regrow thinning hair. In fact, the answer may already be in your pantry. Read on to find out how typical items in your kitchen honey, apple cider vinegar, and even an avocado can help thicken hair naturally and solve some common age-related hair problems that may have you feeling less than confident.
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Bondi Boost Procapil Hair Tonic
- Price: $
The Bondi Boost Procapil Hair Tonic is a leave-in formula with 3 percent Procapil to reduce and prevent hair fall and lead to new hair growth. The spray also contains horsetail leaf extract and saw palmetto, both of which are often used to reduce hair fall.
In a 2019 study comparing alternatives, like Procapil, to 5 percent minoxidil in people with androgenic alopecia, the participants who used Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil saw significantly better clinical recovery in terms of hair growth.
The spray has quite a few positive reviews, with a 4.7 out of 5 star average rating on the product website. Of the 137 reviews, there are no 1 star reviews and only two under 4 stars. Both of those reviewers note they havent used the product long enough to give it a fair assessment.
Always follow the specific instructions given on the box or bottle. Here are a few general tips to help you make the most out of your hair growth products:
- Thoroughly massage in scalp treatments to help stimulate the hair follicles.
- Dont overdo it. Using excessive amounts of your product will only cause buildup and block the hair follicles.
- Stick with a new product for a few weeks or even a month results wont appear immediately.
- Take hair supplements with food to avoid side effects.
Cosmetic Options For Hair Loss
When medical treatments fall short, women can also consider cosmetic options to make up for lost hair, such as wearing a wig. At the other end of the spectrum is hair transplantation, a surgical procedure that moves active follicles from the back of the scalp to areas where the hair is thinning. Once transplanted, the hair grows normally.
Hair transplantation is typically performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. In appropriate patients, it can be extremely successful, but it wont work for everyone, says Dr. Scott. One drawback is the expense: it can cost thousands of dollars and is not covered by insurance. The procedure also requires recovery time. And it may not be appropriate for women who have diffuse thinning across the whole scalp. Its more effective in treating smaller, more defined areas of balding.
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Brush From Ends To Roots To Reduce Breakage
So much damage and breakage can happen at the fault of your hair-brushing technique. Make sure to use the bottoms-up method as well as tools that are gentle on your hair. “It’s vital to detangle from the bottom up, starting at your ends not your scalp,” explains Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Haircare. “When you comb hair from the bottom up, you are working with less surface area to untangle at one time.” Be extra gentle on your endsthat’s where breakage comes from.
Use a boar-bristled brush for finer hair texturesthey’re strong enough to detangle and minimize breakage but gentle enough that they won’t pull out hair strands.
What Are The Common Causes Of Hair Loss In Women
What causes hair loss?
- Hair style: Your style of hair can cause hair loss when your hair is arranged in ways that pull on your roots, like tight ponytails, braids, or corn rows. This type of hair loss is called traction alopecia. If hair follicles are damaged, the loss can be permanent.
- Vitamin deficiency.
- Over processed scalp hair .
What causes anagen effluvium hair loss?
- Toxic substances, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and some medications. These cause sudden hair loss that can occur anywhere on your body. It happens to hair in the growth stage. Sometimes, this type of hair loss can be permanent if your hair follicles are damaged.
What causes telogen effluvium hair loss?
- Extreme physical stress or shock to your body: This causes temporary hair loss. This category includes events like losing a lot of weight, surgery, anemia, illness and having a baby.
- Extreme emotional stress: mental illness, the death of a loved one, etc.
- An abnormal thyroid.
- Medications and supplements: blood pressure medicines, gout medicines and high doses of Vitamin A.
- Hormone changes caused by pregnancy, menopause or birth control pills.
What causes FPHL ?
- Genes: Your familys genes can cause thinning of hair along the top of your head.
- Aging: Hormone changes as you age can cause balding.
- Menopause: This type of hair loss often gets worse when estrogen is lost during menopause.
There are also some conditions that affect hair loss:
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Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
- Price: $
Shea Moisture hair products are often touted for their powerful ingredients. The main ingredient of this shampoo is castor oil, which contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.
The shampoo also contains shea butter to hydrate, soften, and protect from breakage and damage. Its ideal for chemically-treated hair and seals the hair cuticle for enhanced smoothness and shine. Peppermint stimulates and invigorates the scalp, while apple cider vinegar clarifies.
This shampoo has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Of the 4 percent negative reviews, most customers warn against doctored, diluted products that came from fake sellers, so be careful when purchasing online.