Body + Mind is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through some of the links on our site.
Hair loss in women can be a traumatic experience, especially since most women attach their identities to their luscious manes. When you begin noticing thinning hair, it could bring a sense of extreme panic and loss.
Fortunately, you can try numerous treatment options and lifestyle changes to achieve healthy hair regrowth. Allow this helpful guide to explain why hair loss occurs and what solutions are available.
Thinning is typical of the hair cycle — on average, there are 100,000 hair follicles on the scalp that enter various stages of growth, fallout and regeneration. Most people lose 50-100 hairs daily in this natural process. When the cycle becomes disrupted, or the follicle cannot regenerate as quickly, you begin noticing a difference.
You’re not alone if you’re experiencing significant thinning — nearly 50% of women experience hair loss throughout their lifetime, which is often embarrassing and emotionally distressing.
There are many causes of hair loss in women, including the following:
New research suggests hair loss was common in patients with COVID-19. In fact, 62.5% of people developed hair loss symptoms a month after diagnosis, while 47.8% showed signs of significant thinning at least 12 weeks later.
Another study found that 15% of Black women develop central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia — a condition in which hair loss occurs around the center or crown of the scalp. This is because certain conditions — particularly breast cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure — are higher among people of color.
The earlier hair loss in women is detected, the better the chances of correcting the issue. Fortunately, modern medicine has paved the way for new hair solutions and treatment options to stimulate growth and rejuvenate long, healthy locks.
Minoxidil — also known as Rogaine — is the most widely prescribed treatment for hair thinning. Initially, it was given to patients with high blood pressure who noticed hair growth when they began taking it. Since discovering it can stimulate regrowth, the Food and Drug Administration approved a 2% over-the-counter solution for women. There is also a 5% solution for those who need more potent medicine.
The drug is not a cure-all — although it can encourage new growth, it can’t restore hair density. It also takes about two to four months before you notice any difference. However, some women say they don’t see results until six to 12 months of consistent use.
Anti-androgens may be another option for women who have hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Androgens are a male hormone that causes male-patterned baldness in women with excess production.
An endocrinologist can prescribe spironolactone to block the androgens, helping to balance your hormones, eliminate unwanted hirsutism and the correct hair growth on your head. If spironolactone doesn’t work, another medicine like finasteride may be better.
Ask your doctor to run bloodwork to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency. Often, a lack of adequate nutrients in your system goes unnoticed. Simple changes in your vitamin intake could be all you need to promote hair growth again.
A hair transplant is a drastic step in restoring your hair, but it is available to those with significant female-patterned hair loss. Early transplants entailed filling bald areas with a piece of scalp from the back of the head. However, new techniques are far less invasive and more effective.
Most specialists use the follicular unit transplant method, removing a strip of skin with hair follicles from the back of the head and placing it over the correct spot. In another method — the follicular unit extraction method — doctors remove individual hair follicles from the back of the scalp without removing any skin. They then transplant the hair follicles individually in the balding area.
Thinning hair weighs heavily on most women. Naturally, you’ll want to know how to encourage hair growth and strengthening. Here are four tips to restore your hair’s health for beautiful, long-lasting strands.
You can actually damage your locks more if you try too vigorously to correct female-patterned hair loss. It’s much better to take a more gentle approach to hair health. Opt for a clarifying shampoo or a product designed specifically for thinning strands. Brush your hair with a wide-toothed comb and allow it to air dry — the less heat you apply, the better.
Likewise, avoid tying your hair back in a tight ponytail or braids. While these styles are pretty and add variation to your looks, they may cause you to lose more hair. Attempt looser versions of these hairstyles instead.
Because vitamin deficiencies are a factor of hair loss in women, the key to healthier hair is ensuring your body is nourished with the essential nutrients. Eat a diet rich in protein, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, D and E to achieve the mane you’ve always dreamed of. Additionally, biotin — or vitamin B7 — stimulates keratin production and boosts follicle development.
A regular scalp massage feels great and helps improve circulation and encourage hair growth. Gently rub your scalp in circular motions once or twice daily to get the blood flowing. You might make it part of your morning or nighttime routine or take a few extra minutes in the shower to do this.
Learning how to cope with stress could significantly reduce hair loss. Explore relation techniques like yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises to keep your worries at bay. Another avenue is seeking a therapist or social group to discuss your concerns.
Indeed, hair loss is enough to make any woman feel less-than, but it isn’t an indicator of your beauty or worth. You can try several things to restore your hair to its glory days. Otherwise, you can attempt a new haircut or learn to embrace your new look for what it is.
Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter, and at any time you may unsubscribe. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
