Hair loss in women happens to about one-third of all women and can happen at any time. It is more common in post-menopausal women and can be as high as two-thirds of women after menopause. Hair loss can affect women emotionally more often than men, since women are expected to have hair and thinning is not as common in women. Hair loss, also known as, Alopecia, can have a severe impact on a woman’s quality of life and emotional health.
Hair Loss Treatment for Women
There are medical and natural treatments that have shown promising results in studies and some are very helpful in keeping your hair for just a little more time.
1. Get Enough Nutrition
| Nutrition | Description |
|---|---|
| Protein |
Protein helps to increase hair growth and make hair stronger. The RDA for protein is 2 to 3 servings of lean meat or combined 4 to 5 servings of beans and dairy. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
People who have hair loss need to be eating a variety of sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Sources include fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. This helps keep the scalp healthy and lower inflammation. Try to eat 2 to 3 servings of salmon, mackerel or sardines every week. You can also use 2 tbsp. flax seeds daily on your food. Walnuts are also a good source of omega-3s if you do not have a tree nut allergy. |
| Iron |
If you are anemic, you may lose more hair than usual. Taking iron supplements should only be done under the advice of a physician. You can increase iron in your diet by eating fortified cereals, blackstrap molasses and dark leafy greens. |
2. Take Supplements
Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Taking a multivitamin supplement daily can help to fill in the nutritional gaps your hair needs to grow. These vitamins can also be helpful for hair growth:
- Vitamin B complex – at least 1,000 mg daily
- Beta carotene – 25,000iu daily
- Biotin – 50mg daily
- Vitamin C – 1,000mg twice daily
- Amino acid complex – 2 grams three times daily before meals
- Vitamin E 40iu, Selenium 100mcg, Iron 50mg daily, Zinc 50mg daily, Copper 2mg, Silica 250mg twice daily.
When hair loss is due to trauma, heavy periods or dieting take 1,000mg vitamin C with 50mg Iron to increase absorption. Another way to increase absorption of nutrients is to take a digestive enzyme and a tablet of hydrochloric acid prior to eating a meal. Then take ½ tsp. powdered acidophilus twice daily between meals. Lastly, inositol choline 200mg twice daily can help reduce hair loss with non-scarring alopecia.
3. Apply Herbal Remedies
| Herb | Description |
|---|---|
| Saw Palmetto |
Herbal medicine practitioners recommend saw palmetto to help block the male hormone dihydrotestosterone, which causes male pattern baldness. The dosage is 160mg two times daily. |
| Arnica |
Arnica helps with hair growth by increasing healthy blood flow to the scalp area. It can be applied to the scalp in cream or rinse form two times a day. |
| Emu, Jojoba or Kalaya Oil |
These oils can be applied directly to the scalp and hair as a conditioner to help increase and stimulate healthy hair growth. |
| Licorice |
You can add licorice to your shampoo for extra help in blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which increases hair loss. |
| Rosemary |
Rosemary can help your hair appear fuller. Massage 2 parts almond oil and 1 part rosemary oil and massage into your scalp 20 minutes daily. |
| Sage |
Sage has long been used to help prevent hair loss. Use it as a rinse or in your shampoo daily. |
| Safflower |
Safflower expands blood vessels and can increase the blood flow to the scalp area. Use safflower oil to massage the scalp for 20 minutes daily. |
4. Change Hair Care Practices
- Some hair care practices can break or damage the hair and scalp.
- Using flat-irons, curling irons and blow dryers consistently can contribute to hair loss.
- Hair coloring and chemical processes can also damage the hair and scalp causing hair loss.
- Try to keep brushing and washing to a minimum and avoid the use of hair ties and rubber bands in the hair.
5. Try Thickening Tricks
- There are products that can color the actual scalp area beneath any thin spots.
- Have your stylist add in some hair extensions or purchase “clip in” hair to help fill in any gaps.
- Short hair appears thicker than long hair. Try a new short style that suits you.
- Part your hair to one side or the other. This can help cover thin spots and add a more full appearance.
- Buy hair products that boost the fullness and body of the hair.
6. Check Drugs and Supplements You Take
Certain medications can contribute to hair loss as a common side-effect. Some of these drugs are blood pressure pills, anti-thyroid medications, blood thinners, antidepressants, hormones, drugs lowing cholesterol, naproxen, anti-inflammatories and retinoids.
7. Manage the Stress in Your Life
Stress can be a major factor in hair loss at any age. If hair loss is the actual source of your stress, see a doctor to see if there is a treatment to help you.
Meditation, yoga, exercising, listening to music, watching movies and chatting with your friends are all helpful techniques to reduce stress.
8. Seek Medical Help
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Medication |
Minoxidil applied to the scalp can help regenerate hair follicles to grow hair. Hair only grows when product is used, therefore it must be used long-term. Spironolactone is a diuretic medication that helps to reduce male hormones in the body (androgens). This medication has side-effects and adverse reactions. |
| Hair Transplants |
Hair follicles can be removed from other areas of the scalp or body and transplanted into the areas of thinning. There are risks of infection with this procedure. |