Underlying Causes For Hair Loss
Numerous problems can trigger female hair loss. Some are external, such as taking certain medications, frequently wearing hairstyles that pull the hair too tight, or even a stressful event such as surgery. In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition.
Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia. Women with this condition might notice a widening of the part at the top of the head, often beginning when a woman is in her 40s or 50s. You might experience this if you inherit certain genes from one or both parents. Hormonal shifts that occur during menopause may also spur it.
Another trigger for hair loss in women is an inflammatory condition affecting the scalp. That might be eczema, psoriasis, or a condition called frontal fibrosing alopecia, which typically causes scarring and hair loss sometimes permanent at the front of the scalp above the forehead.
Other common causes of hair loss include overuse of damaging hair products, or tools such as dryers and other devices that heat the hair. Underlying illness, autoimmune conditions such as lupus, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances may also cause hair to shed.
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.
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.
Also Check: What Causes Extreme Hair Loss
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.
Hair Thinning Treatment For Females
Other than Regaine for Women, there arent any treatment options for women experiencing hair loss. However options such as hair transplant, steroid injections and wigs could be considered.
If youre a man currently suffering from male pattern baldness, you may be able to effectively treat your thinning hair by using prescription treatments. Visit our online clinic to learn more.
References
Recommended Reading: What Vitamins Are Good For Thinning Hair
Why Does Hair Fall Out
The hair on your head goes through a life cycle that involves growth, resting, and shedding. Its common for people to lose around 100 hairs a day.
If you experience more sudden loss, loss in patches, or overall thinning, you may want to see your doctor.
Some shedding is temporary and may respond well to changes in diet, certain treatments, or lifestyle changes. Other loss may be more permanent or not stop until an underlying condition is treated.
By age 40, of all men will experience hair loss due to hereditary conditions like androgenic alopecia . Likewise, more than half of women will experience genetic hair loss before the age of 70.
Other causes of hair loss include:
- medical conditions, like alopecia areata, scalp infections, or trichotillomania
- hormonal changes from pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid issues
- medications or supplements, such as those used for cancer, high blood pressure, depression, or arthritis
- radiation treatment for conditions like cancer
- stress, whether physical or emotional
- styling practices, like wearing tight ponytails or cornrows
Hair Loss Happens As We Age
About half of all women will have some element of hair loss by the age of 50, and by the age of 60, approximately 80 percent of women will experience some hair loss, says Glynis Ablon, MD, an associate clinical professor at the University of California in Los Angeles and a dermatologist at Ablon Skin Institute and Research Center in California.
We all know hair loss or balding can happen to men in midlife, but we dont talk about it as much when it comes to women, she says. It usually impacts women in a different way, especially their self-confidence. Someone like Bruce Willis can just shave their head look fine, but it tends to be a bigger deal for women, says Dr. Ablon.
RELATED: 10 Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause
The good news: Various treatments are available to address hair loss in menopausal women, says Stephanie S. Faubion, MD, the director of the Center for Womens Health at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the medical director of NAMS. There are simple fixes for female pattern hair loss, but we shouldnt assume that is always the reason for hair loss sometimes there are underlying issues causing the condition, says Dr. Faubion.
You May Like: Will Rogaine Stop Hair Loss
How To Prevent Hair Loss In Women Plus Best Products To Help According To Experts
Shop TODAY is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
At some point in all of our lives, our hair starts to get a bit thinner. If your once-thick mane looks a tad sparse these days, youre likely wondering whats behind the hair loss and what you can do to fix it.
On our quest to understand what causes hair loss, the Shop TODAY team consulted top dermatologists for their expertise. While you should always consult a doctor for more intensive treatments tailored to your unique situation, there are a few ways to treat thinning hair at home.
We asked the derms to share a few of their go-to products that can help encourage hair growth and restore fullness, as well as got to the bottom of what causes hair loss in women and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. From shampoos and supplements to leave-in treatments, these are some of the solutions they suggested.
Dr. Angela J. Lamb, a New York City board-certified dermatologist, is a fan of this three-step hair-thickening system that includes shampoo, conditioner and a hair treatment that is designed to strengthen strands and volumize your locks.
Food Fixes For Thinning Hair
Eat your way to fuller, stronger hair with these essential eats
Dealing with dull, weak, or thin strands? Take a look at what you’re putting on your plate. Theres a strong link between your overall nutrition and the state of your strands.
“One of the first ways I can tell how healthy someone isand if theyre eating nutritiouslyis by looking at their hair,” says Whitney Bowe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Dull, thinning, or breakage-prone stands can be dead giveaways that you aren’t getting all the nutrients you need.
Load up on the following 7 foods to make sure you’re getting the key nutrients your hair’s craving.
MORE:
Also Check: How To Take Care Of Fine Thin Hair
Things You Should Do If Your Hair Is Thinning
When it comes to addressing the challenges of thinning hair, it can be difficult to know where to start. From prescription drugs to folk cures, there are infinite options but which ones are safe, effective and will work for you?
To help, weve put together this handy list of our top tips. Plus, what products you should use to combat thinning hair ASAP.
Hair Thinning Treatments That Are Unlikely To Work
A few mentions on some popular remedies and treatments that claim to treat hair thinning but actually their efficacy is questionable:
1. Anti-thinning shampoo
Thickening shampoos although these can help the appearance of your hair looking thicker, these do not actually impact the diameter of your hair follicle, therefore not leading to a permanent solution of hair thinning problem. In addition, anti-thinning and thickening shampoos simply dont stay sufficient time on your scalp to affect the hair growing function of the follicles: i.e. only for the duration of the hair washing procedure.
2. Biotin
Biotin, or vitamin B-7, is a water-soluble nutrient thats naturally found in foods such as nuts, lentils, and liver. However biotin deficiency is fairly rare: some people such as pregnant women and people who drink high amounts of alcohol may develop mild deficiencies. If you eat a balanced diet, its unlikely that youre low in biotin and taking extra biotin supplement will not help with hair thinning
You May Like: How To Help Thinning Hair Grow Back
Krastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp And Hair Serum
- Price: $$$
This scalp serum contains a blend of plant-based ingredients, like gluco-peptides and wheat protein, and it claims to transform your hair in 7 days. Its designed to reduce breakage, add shine, soften, thicken, and strengthen hair.
According to Kérastase, the serum can dramatically reduce breakage due to brushing, so this option is best for people with brittle, weak hair.
Reviewers report more shine and less frizz, with a 4.5 out of 5 star average rating. Many 1 star reviews state that reviewers didnt notice any difference.
Its important to note that the website suggests checking with a medical professional before use if you have a dry scalp.
Final Thoughts On Natural Treatments For Thinning Hair
I hope you find these natural treatments for thinning hair to be effective. Remember that change wont happen overnight and consistency with natural treatments for thinning hair are key to optimal results.
If youre a woman experiencing hair thinning, hair loss experts recommend getting tested for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances as a good starting place. If you can get to a fixable cause of your hair thinning, the great news is that hair will often grow back and continue growing at a healthy rate once the underlying cause of your hair thinning is addressed. If youre a man or woman and youre afraid that its all just genetics, dont throw in the towel. While a family history might not be in your favor, you can still do a lot through your diet and lifestyle to slow down hair thinning and preserve your mane for as long as possible.
With a consistent, patient approach, natural treatments for thinning hair can help your scalp get back to work growing your hair as it should as often as it should or, at the least, help to to thin out at a slower pace. I know hair thinning is not easy to deal with, but I encourage you to give natural treatments for hair thinning a try and not put vanity before health because the conventional options can cause seriously alarming health issues that are a lot more concerning and damaging than a thinning head of hair.
Read Also: Can Anesthesia Cause Hair Loss
Could Your Hair Loss Be Stress
Excessive levels of stress can cause hair loss in men and women. Many people do not realize that stress can have a physical impact on your body. Severe stress over the course of a few months can lead to extreme fatigue during the day and hair loss.
If you start to notice your hair thinning, eliminating stress is a great first step. You can start engaging in more activities you enjoy and try to decrease the number of extreme stressors in your life. If stress was the cause of your hair loss, then when your stress level decreases, it’s likely that your hair will grow back.
Nourish Your Hair With Nutrients
According to American Hair Loss Association, the right nutrients can revolutionize your thinning hair. Some important vitamins for hair growth are as follows:
Zinc Zinc is important for all tissue growth. A zinc deficiency can result in hair loss.
Iron As previously stated, iron deficiency can cause hair loss, because iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to hair cells.
Biotin Biotin is one of the top hair loss supplements. It works by improving the keratin support system in your body.
Vitamin A, E Vitamin A is needed for all cell growth including hair cells since hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can prevent hair cell damage, which would hinder hair growth if left unchecked.
Vitamin C Vitamin C also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radical damage and encourage hair growth.
Omega 3 fatty acids Fatty acids commonly found in fish like salmon can encourage hair growth. One study found that supplementing with fish oil increased hair growth in women with thinning hair.
Antioxidants Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help hair growth by scavenging free radicals, which are unstable atoms that cause damage to cells throughout the body. They can also damage hair cells and ultimately result in hair loss.
Food for hair loss are rich in vitamins and minerals. Here are some foods that can help thicken hair naturally. Remember: you are what you eat and this is reflected in your hair, skin and nails.
Read Also: Does Rogaine Prevent Hair Loss
Treatments And Home Remedies
Most cases of thinning hair are treatable at home. Consider the following 9 options, and talk to your doctor before taking any supplements:
1. Scalp massage
Perhaps the cheapest method of getting thicker hair is a scalp massage. It doesnt cost anything, and there are no side effects. Best done on dry hair by gently applying pressure with your fingertips around your scalp encouraging blood flow. Massaging your scalp 2-3 times a week for 5-10 minutes at a time can stimulate blood flow to your scalp, therefore enabling better delivery of nutrients to your hair follicles. Massaging your scalp while hair is wet is not recommended, as wet hair is more fragile, therefore it can lead to more hair damage.
2. Dermaroller
Dermaroller is by far one of the cheapest and easiest tools to use when it comes to localised treatment of hair thinning and hair loss. Dermaroller is a hand-held tool with a long handle and a drum covered in small metal needles, mostly made of titanium or stainless steel. Micro-wounds that are produced by rolling a dermaroller across your scalp works from two angles: it increases blood flow to the area, and induces local production of collagen. Other variations of microneedling can be done by using a derma stamp or derma pen. This can also be combined with an essential oil applied to the scalp for maximum anti-thinning effect on your hair.
3. Multivitamins
4. Essential oils
5. Folic acid supplements
6. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
7. Minoxidil
8. Spironolactone
What Is Male Pattern Baldness
Put simply, male pattern baldness refers to a loss of hair on the scalp in men. It can be identified by the hair it affectsthe condition wreaks havoc upon the top of your head, Dr Friedmann explains, while the back and sides are spared.
Male pattern baldness generally progresses in one of three ways: a receding hairline, thinning of the hair on the crown, or a general thinning of the hair all over the top of the head, he says.
Read Also: What Is The Best Straightener For Thin Hair
Biotin And Low Level Laser Therapy
Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for your health. You most likely get plenty of it in your diet in egg yolks, yeast, liver, and other foods. Thatâs good news because too little biotin can cause hair loss. Does that mean that taking mega-doses of it will give you more hair? Probably not. No scientific studies have shown biotin to prevent or treat hair loss. Learn more about biotin and hair loss.
You may have heard that laser combs, brushes, hoods, and caps can help halt hair loss. The theory is that when hair follicles absorb laser light at a certain level, it stimulates hair to grow. But thereâs not enough evidence that any of these devices restore hair or prevent balding.