Treating hair loss for women

We are quick to associate hair loss with our male counterpart but many women will tell you that hair loss affects them too. When hair loss occurs, it’s important to understand the causes for it which will then allow you to effectively treat the root of this problem.

What causes hair loss?

To be honest it’s not easy to answer as hair loss among women can be complicated affair with many factors coming into play.  In a nutshell, hormonal changes in women can cause the hair follicle to shrink, resulting in thinner and thinner hair. These are the very same hormonal changes responsible for postpartum hair loss, hair loss during perimenopause and menopause. Constant dieting, especially yo-yo dieting can cause hair loss. Let’s not forget ‘stress’ and genetics thrown into the mix.

Read more: Gain the Upper Hand On Aging, Because There’s Only So Much Makeup Can Do.

 What happens when your hair falls out?

Understanding the hair cycle will give you a clearer picture about hair loss and why it happens. The hair cycle has three phases, namely the growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen) and the resting phase (telogen). When hair loss occurs as a result of any of any of the earlier mentioned causes, it disrupts the hair cycle and shortens the growth phase.

A good anagen phase typically lasts between six and eight years while a shortened cycle can be as short as one or two years. Besides hair loss and shedding, the length of your hair can help be an indicator that you might be experiencing hair loss – if your hair can’t seem to grow past a certain length, there may be something disrupting your hair growth cycle.

In men, hair loss often starts across at the top of the head whereas in women, hair loss typically starts at the temples and at the hair parting. This usually starts off as hair miniaturization ie the shrinking of the hair strand. Hair becomes thinner, more transparent, weaker and cannot grow as long. She might then notice her temples receding and her hair parting appearing wider as the hair growing here are less dense.

Effective hair loss treatments

Good news is that hair loss need not be permanent. Here are a few doctor-approved hair loss treatments to regain your locks.

Minoxidil

This ingredient is one of the most well-studied topical hair loss treatment and is readily available over the counter in two and five percent concentrations. It has been found to be particularly helpful in encouraging hair growth in women with thinning hair.  When it comes to using minoxidil, it should be noted that continued use is required to maintain its effects.

To try: Hair Recovery Strengthening & Rejuvenating Serum is a hair tonic containing 5% minoxidil and helps to improve fine or thinning hair while preventing hair loss.

Read more: What is a medical grade facial and why you should get one

Supplements

Vitamins such as Biotin, Vitamin B3 (aka Niacin) and Vitamin C together with minerals such as Zinc and Iron are known to provide essential nutrients for healthier, longer hair. Ensuring that you consume enough of these nutrients can help to prevent hair loss for both men and women.

To try: Viviscal Professional is a clinically proven dietary supplement for fuller, thicker hair. Backed by more than 25 years of research, this oral supplement helps to nourish thinning hair from within and is suitable for both men and women of all hair types.

 

Lasers

Lasers have been shown to be a potentially promising hair loss treatment. The wavelength of the light from the laser stimulates your cells to kickstart hair in the growth phase.

To try: Revage 670 laser is an FDA-approved low-level laser therapy with clinical studies showing that this treatment can increase hair density by 40% and an impressive 85% success rate in halting the progression of hair loss. This treatment is tailored for both male and female hair loss and is suitable for all skin types, skin and hair colour