If you have found yourself on this web page, you’re likely concerned about hair loss or someone dear to you is concerned about their hair loss. Women’s hair loss, while really quite common, is still a pretty taboo subject. We don’t talk about it. We just pretend it’s not happening, spend a small fortune on hair products that promise miracles, and silently mourn the loss of our hair.
If you’ve noticed that your hair is getting progressively thinner, ignoring the issue is by far the worst action you can take.
While some hair loss problems can resolve themselves, some will simply get worse as time goes on.
Step 1: Diagnose the Cause of Your Hair Loss
Figuring out why you’re losing your hair can be a tail-chasing experience. Hair loss can be triggered by changes in stress, diet, hormones, health, or even the condition of your scalp.
I’ve identified seven primary causes of hair loss in women in this article. Educate yourself on what may be causing your hair loss, and have a conversation with your hairstylist if you’re having trouble figuring out the issue.
Step 2: Take Great Care of Your Hair and Scalp
No matter what the trigger of your hair loss, taking excellent care of your scalp can not only prevent further hair loss but can also reverse and regrow your hair in some cases. I highly recommend switching your hair care to a line like Nioxin that will prime your scalp for optimal hair health and growth.
Along the same lines, it’s important to limit chemicals and high levels of heat on your hair. Highlights and perms are the two biggest chemical triggers for increased hair thinning and should be avoided whenever possible.
Styling your hair with low or no heat is highly recommend for thinning hair, as your curling irons including flat irons are famous for adding to the problem. Whenever possible, allow hair to air dry instead of using a hairdryer. If you must use heat to style your hair, protect your fragile hair with products that are designed to keep the heat damage to a dull roar.
The bottom line is, if your hair is noticeably thinning, you should be babying your hair as much as possible until you can resolve the issue.
Step 3: Take Care of Your Heath
Another viable step you can take in a healthier, thicker head of hair is to get your health under control. A healthy diet can truly eliminate many of your hair loss concerns. If you’re not healthy, your hair can’t be healthy. A diet rich in these hair growing nutrients are essential to a full head of hair.
Step 4: Talk to Your Doctor
Hair loss can often be the first visible signs that a health issue is lurking, and keeping quiet about the issue isn’t going to help matters. The sooner your healthcare professionals document your hair loss, the sooner patterns can be identified. Your doctor can perform some basic blood tests to rule out or confirm health conditions that may be triggering your hair loss.
Also keep in mind that thinning hair can be a side effect of medications that you may be taking and allowing your doctor to document your side effects may be an important aspect of your medical treatment. Alternative medications may be available for your health condition if hair loss is a concern.
Step 5: Seek Professional Help
Many hair stylists specialize in hair loss and thinning hair. Some salons cater to clients with hair loss and finding the right hair stylist to help you cope with your thinning hair is incredibly helpful, especially on an emotional level. Losing your hair can be a very depressing issue. If your hair stylist isn’t familiar with hair loss treatments, hair pieces, and products to help you she may know someone that is an expert in the field of hair loss. I often refer my clients with thinning hair to a more knowledgeable stylist if and when the problem gets beyond my comfort level.