It is estimated that half of all women will suffer from hair loss by age fifty.
It’s safe to say that hair loss is a true cosmetic epidemic.
While hair loss can diminish confidence, it can also signal that something is not quite right.
From hormones to diet to hair products, the root causes of hair loss are vast. And truthfully, everyone’s hair loss is different.
So, what are some of the root issues contributing to hair loss? How can you stop your hair falling out?
In this comprehensive article, we’ll talk about what causes hair loss in women and our top eleven hair loss prevention tips to save your luscious locks.
11 Tips For Hair Loss Prevention
Supplements, diet changes, and help from your doc can help you prevent thinning hair. Just keep in mind that everyone is different!
1. Iron Supplementation For Thinning Hair
Iron deficiency is super common and a well-known cause of hair loss. But, research is still unclear on what level of iron deficiency can lead to excess hair shedding.
You can test your blood iron levels with your doctor on a complete blood count test. After testing, supplementing with an iron supplement may help.
Iron supplements hurt your stomach? Opt for a whole-food based iron supplement to avoid stomach pains and issues associated with iron toxicity.
2. Antioxidants May Help
When free radicals damage the components of cells, it creates oxidative stress. The fatty acids of the oils on the scalp are particularly prone to oxidation. When free radicals oxidize fatty acids, it results in a lipid peroxide.
In balding scalps, measurements of oxidative stress are higher than in non-balding scalps.
This means that preventing fatty acid oxidation might help to reduce hair loss. Including antioxidants in your diet neutralizes the free radicals that lead to oxidation.
Some antioxidant-rich foods are blueberries, green tea, and goji berries.
3. Keep Locks Hydrated and Moisturized
Tangled, knotted hair is more than just a nuisance.
Pulling and tugging on knots in hair can cause breakage and hair fallout at the root. Keeping your hair hydrated and moisturized can help to prevent hair shedding associated with aggressive brushing.
Look for moisturizing ingredients in your hair care products. For example, glycerin and aloe vera juice are hydrating. Combined with nourishing oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or avocado oil, it makes for the perfect moisturizing product. You can also look for hair care system advertised as “moisturizing” as opposed to “volumizing” which can strip hair.
4. See Your Doc About Your Hormones
A hormone imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss. This is especially true in older women.
Estrogens are hair-friendly whereas male hormones, called androgens, can be a cause of hair loss. An imbalance in thyroid hormones is also linked to hair loss.
Hormone imbalances are a hugely complex issue and require the help of your doctor. Schedule an appointment and request a blood or urine panel to test your hormone levels.
5. Take a Deep Breath
Researching how to prevent hair loss can be a stressor in itself. It’s ok, take a deep breath.
De-stressing can help you prevent stress-related hair loss. Activities that can help you de-stress are deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and journaling.
Underlying problems like chronic back pain can also be a source of stress.
6. Take a Good B-Vitamin Complex
Folate and B-12 are responsible for red blood cell production. Because the blood delivers nutrients to the scalp for hair growth, building the blood is important.
Take a B-complex with folate as opposed to folic acid and methylcobalamin as the B-12 form.
7. Add a Protein Shake to Your Routine
More than ninety percent of the hair shaft is made up of protein. A diet low in protein doesn’t provide the precursors needed for hair growth.
To prevent hair loss, consider upping your protein intake during the day. Adding a protein shake to your daily routine may be a good way to do this.
There are various shakes available for both vegans & omnivores alike.
8. Skip The Dye
While hair dye may not directly influence hair loss, it can cause breakage.
Hair strands are weakened when colored. This is especially true during bleaching sessions. As a result, breakage during styling is more likely.
When hair strands break close to the scalp, it can seem like hair is thinning. Because of this, it may be a good idea to lay off the hair dye.
If you’re interested in the connection between hair dye and your hair falling out, you can find more info here.
9. Go Sulfate-Free
Sulfates in shampoos and conditioners can be drying to hair and the scalp. As hair grows drier and more brittle, it can become prone to breakage. Excess breakage can contribute to a thinner look and feel of hair.
To prevent breakage caused by sulfates, look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Moisturizing oils and repairing proteins are a plus.
10. Use an Oil Mask
Using oil masks can help to maintain the health of the scalp and hair shaft.
The natural moisturizing agents in our body are oils. When we produce less oil than usual or outside factors influence the oil levels in our hair, oil masks can help to replenish and nourish tresses.
Some of the most popular oils to use are coconut oil, olive oil, and argan oil.
11. Get Upside-Down
A popular hair growth method among the beauty community is the Inversion Method. It involves hanging upside down for four minutes each day for a whole week. The premise behind the method is that increased blood flow will result in faster hair growth.
Hanging upside down for long periods of time may not be for everyone. However, there are other ways of getting inverted that are more enjoyable. Yoga, headstands, and stretching can all provide some inversion time.
Losing Hair Is Hard, But Thinning Hair Is Preventable
Being proactive in hair loss prevention is key to keeping your hair intact.
From dietary, lifestyle, and medical interventions, there are many ways you can be vigilant about avoiding losing your hair.
While you’re researching how to stop hair loss, don’t hesitate to look into more health and lifestyle tips on Let’s Be Game Changers!