Hair loss is a very common problem for women, and most will experience some form of it during their lifetime. Hair loss in excess of 50 to 100 hairs a day may indicate a serious problem. Though hair loss is partly genetic, you do not have to let your genes get the best of you. Targeting hair loss with hormonal balance, proper diet, supplementation and gentle hair care, women can significantly improve their hair health.
Hair Loss Causes
Hair loss can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalance, genetics, immune disorder, thyroid disease, nutrient deficiency, cosmetics irritation or allergies, radiation and chemotherapy, blood loss, drugs, surgery and scarring. Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium are two forms of temporary hair loss. Alopecia areata is characterized by small, round patches of hair loss. Telogen effluvium is sudden hair loss in large handfuls, during washing or brushing. Female pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is caused by hormonal imbalance, specifically too much of the androgen hormone DHT.
Hormonal Imbalance
DHT, or dihydrotestosterone ,is an androgen hormone produced from testosterone. DHT is directly implicated in female pattern baldness because it over-stimulates receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shut down. Hormonal imbalance is caused by birth control pills or other estrogen-based drugs, pregnancy, menopause,or endocrine disease. Natural DHT-blockers include saw palmetto, nettle root, pygeum, pumpkin seed oil and fo-ti. Other herbs for hormonal balance include dong quai, ashwaganda, damiana, black cohosh and sage.
Nutrition for Healthy Hair
The American Diet is typically high in saturated fat, animal protein, salt and sugar, causing hair loss. Deficiencies in iron, zinc amino acids and B vitamins can also lead to hair loss. Many hair-loss problems can be significantly improved by changing dietary habits. Get adequate quality sources of protein, which is needed by every cell in the body, especially the scalp and hair follicles. A well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and iron-rich foods should provide all the nutrients needed for optimal hair health.
Dietary Supplements
There are many dietary supplements available for hair loss. A good multivitamin and mineral supplement will ensure optimal nutrition. Consider a B-complex to provide B vitamins, which may be missed in your daily diet. Take fish or flax seed oil daily for omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for healthy hair growth. Other supplements for hair health include silica, vitamin C, beta carotene, biotin, folic acid and ginko biloba, which increases circulation to the scalp. "Hair, skin and nail" products combine these supplements to promote healthy hair. Shen Min makes a popular line of products, offering gender-specific ones, as well as a DHT-blocker for extreme hair loss.
Gentle Hair Care
Mothernature.com says to treat your hair gently. Avoid vigorous towel drying, opting for air drying instead. Comb, brush and style your hair when it is dry to avoid excess breakage. Never tease or back comb, because this can encourage hair loss. Switch shampoos with the season to decrease shedding. If you color or perm your hair, use care and follow the instructions to avoid damage. Avoid shampoos and treatments with lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, cocamide DEA and alcohol. Choose castille-, decyl polyglucose-, flax seed- or guar gum-based products. Topical treatments such as jojoba, henna, silica and biotin can improve hair health.
One home remedy is to combine 1/2 tsp. rosemary essential oil and 1/2 tsp. jojoba oil, blending until smooth. Apply this to the hair, leave it in for a few hours, then rinse off. Another topical remedy from Homemademedicines.com combines 1 cup aloe vera gel, 4 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp. nettle root, 1/2 tsp. vitamin E oil and 1/2 tsp. rosemary oil, to be applied topically once a day.
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