Although men are more likely to experience hair loss, thinning hair still remains a common problem among women as well. Society typically shames those who experience hair loss and can made them feel demoralized. So understandably, not many like the feeling of losing hair, and it is usually associated with getting older. However, life is not about the destination; it is about the journey. In a way, most of society has a brainwashed standard of hair and its quality. Why can’t we just be happy with what we have?
That being said, there’s nothing wrong with trying to prevent it. Women usually lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. However, if this becomes more noticeable, there could be an underlying problem.
There is a multitude of strategies to try, ranging from identifying vitamin deficiencies to other underlying health conditions. There are several ways to treat women’s hair loss, depending on the cause. Here are five causes to watch out for and five cures to try.
Five Causes of Female Hair Loss
1. Birth Control Pills
Women take birth control pills for a variety of reasons, but they work mainly by stopping ovulation through the actions of estrogen and progestin. Women who have a predisposition to hormonal hair loss or those who are sensitive to hormones in their bodies could run into hair loss problems.
2. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoos have gotten far more popular in recent years. They wash the hair quickly and keep it looking clean. However, when overusing this product, it clogs pores and irritates the scalp. Thus, it irritates our growth cycle and weakens the follicles. Some shampoos can have up to 30 different ingredients, including various chemicals that help with the stability and presentation of the shampoo. Some of these ingredients have been found to impact hair loss. Each of these ingredients has a specific purpose. But, over time, some of them may lead to different problems and health concerns.
3. Dieting
New studies have shown a direct correlation between hair growth and our nutritional intake. If we have inadequate protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B, vitamin A, or biotin intake, hair loss can arise. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, play a key role in the health of your skin, hair, and nails. Some foods that are rich in omega-3 include walnuts, fatty fish (like salmon or tuna), chia seeds, and soybeans.
4. High-Heat Appliances
Something as seemingly innocuous as hair appliances could be contributing to hair loss. The high heat can damage hair by breaking down its hydrogen bonds. Never use hair products that heat above 347 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Lack of Sun
There is a link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, and it is often one of the common causes of thinning hair or hair loss in men or women. Sun provides our bodies with vitamin D, which is vital for the growth of hair. Along with hair benefits, it is crucial for bone development.
Five Natural Treatments for Female Hair Loss
1. Fish Oil
Omega-3 fats are nourishing for our hair because they thicken it and reduce inflammation. Along with salmon oil pills, you can get amazing omega-3s from foods like tuna, salmon, white fish, and sardines. The best option would be to take both the fish oil pill and include omega-rich foods in your diet.
2. Zinc
Zinc has traditionally been used to treat hair loss. Its potential benefits include hair follicle growth and crucial enzyme development. It also stops hair follicle regression and accelerates the recovery of hair follicles. You can get zinc from seeds, nuts, dark chocolate, beans, and mushrooms.
3. Iron
Studies prove that iron deficiencies can be related to hair loss disorders like alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. The best way to increase iron intake is to eat foods that are rich in it. Some examples are spinach, egg yolk, Swiss chard, beefsteak, tofu, broccoli, or potatoes.
4. Vitamin D
Our hair follicles are extremely sensitive to hormones, so vitamin D plays a crucial role in cell development, calcium homeostasis, and immune regulation. Alopecia areata is very common with people who have a vitamin D deficiency. It is best absorbed from direct sun exposure. Experts say ten minutes of direct sun exposure will allow our bodies to absorb up to 10,000 units of vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D in your diet from cheese, yogurt, eggs, tofu, and salmon.
5. Vitamin B5
Our bodies use vitamin B5 to metabolize carbs, protein, and fats, thereby turning them into nourishment for all cells. Our hair follicles need these nutrients to function properly and to increase hair growth. Foods with vitamin B5 include chicken, sunflower seeds, salmon, avocados, tomatoes, and broccoli.
With so many known remedies, why not give them a shot to try and boost your scalp health? If your hair is vital for your desired appearance, perhaps you’ll find these solutions to be especially meaningful.
