Although many people might think of hair loss as something that happens only to men, the American Hair Loss Association reports that some 40 percent of all hair loss sufferers in the United States are female. While some of this hair loss may be because of conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, other causes of women's hair loss include styling techniques, poor nutrition and other easily preventable reasons.
Step 1
Cut unhealthy foods from your diet. Certain types of foods and additives can actually exacerbate hair loss. These foods include include aspartame, which the FDA has linked to thinning hair, and hydrogenated oils, which suppress the essential fatty acids needed for healthy hair.
Step 2
Eat right to improve hair growth. Beef and chickpeas are great sources of zinc and vitamin B-6, both of which are necessary to supply hair with needed protein. Fish also contains B-6 and supplies the essential fatty acids that can promote the health of your skin, nails and hair. Iron and vitamin E, both of which help get needed blood and oxygen to your scalp, can be found in almonds and soybeans. Oranges and strawberries contain vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of iron and helps to develop the collagen necessary for hair growth.
Step 3
Avoid wearing your hair in tight or uncomfortable styles. Braids, cornrows and buns can all damage hair, particularly if you never let it "take a break" by wearing it down. Chemical treatments, such as perming and straightening, can also be damaging, as is the use of heated rollers and other styling implements.
Step 4
Massage your scalp daily. You can massage it while you shampoo, or while you are just watching TV or working at the computer. Massage helps to promote blood circulation in the scalp, which is needed in order for hair to grow. A few drops of rosemary oil added to 1 tbsp. of olive oil may be massaged into the scalp prior to shampooing. Rosemary has antibiotic properties that help cleanse and disinfect the scalp and clear away the sebum that may be blocking hair follicles and preventing growth.
Step 5
Check with your doctor if you are on any medication to see if it may lead to hair loss, and, if so, if there are any alternatives or a lower dosage that you could use. Some medicines that may cause your hair to fall out include anticoagulants (blood thinners), gout medications, antidepressants and birth-control pills.
Tips and Warnings
- Lavender, cedarwood and thyme essential oils may also help promote hair growth. You can apply them the same way you would apply the rosemary oil, mixed into olive oil and massaged into the scalp.
- If you are taking a vitamin supplement, be sure it does not contain too much vitamin A--more than 100,000 IU daily can lead to hair loss.
Things You'll Need
- Beef
- Chickpeas
- Fish
- Almonds
- Soybeans
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Rosemary, lavender, cedarwood and thyme essential oils
- Olive oil
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