Hair loss is an emotionally devastating process that can plague women and men of all ages. For most women hair loss involves breakage, shedding and thinning; the most common cause is improper grooming, according to the American Academy of Dermatology or AAD. However, hair loss may be the result of other factors including poor nutrition, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, alopecia or medications. Early treatment prevents further hair loss and boosts the chances your hair will regrow.
Step 1
Stop over-processing your hair, washing and grooming too often and using harsh chemicals and heat-styling appliances on your hair. All of these hair no-no's strip your hair of its natural oil and increase breakage and shedding.
Step 2
Choose better products for your hair. For instance, some hair relaxers contain harsher chemicals than others and will promote breakage and thinning. Natural oils help to maintain moisture and strengthen your hair to reduce breakage, while hair greases simply block pores and slow growth.
Step 3
Use products as directed. Leaving hair relaxers on for too long or relaxing hair too often can burn your scalp and destroy hair follicles, for example. Or, carelessly applying hot wax or bonding solution during the hair weave process can also damage your scalp and hair.
Step 4
Trim your hair to remove split ends. Wear a hairstyle such as braids, twists, a braided weave or a lace wig to minimize the amount of grooming you do to your own hair. Do not braid your hair too tightly or pull it back from your head too often; this can cause traction alopecia.
Step 5
Moisturize your hair with an anti-breakage hair product.
Step 6
Add more nutritious foods to your diet such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat protein. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, inadequate protein is one factor that increases hair shedding.
Step 7
Ask your doctor if a drug she's prescribing can cause hair loss. Several drugs can thin your locks such as some cholesterol-reducing medications, birth control pills and anti-arthritis and hypertension drugs.
Tips and Warnings
- If none of these conservative methods prevents your hair loss, visit your doctor for a check-up. You may need to have your blood tested to check for nutrient deficiencies or hormonal problems. Try to reduce stress because it's one of the causes of telogen effluvium, a condition in which too many hairs go into the resting phase and hair shedding increases.
- Be wary of hair loss scam products promoted on television, radio infomercials and the Internet, warns Paula Begoun, author of "The Original Beauty Bible." Consult your doctor or a dermatologist to learn more about hair loss prevention.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-breakage hair products
- Mild relaxers
- Natural hair oils
- Hair weave
- Lace wig
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Protein
- Whole grains
References
- YouTube: Recommendations for Women with Hair Loss
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Common Hair Loss Disorders
- MedicalNewsToday.com: Hair loss most commonly due to due to poor cosmetic grooming practices
- "The Original Beauty Bible"; Paula Begoun; 2009
- "Kinki Kreations"; Jena Renee Williams; 2004
Member Comments