Hair loss is a devastating and scary experience for anyone. It can feel distressing, embarrassing, and can deeply affect one’s self-esteem. In general, we assume that men make up most of the hair loss victims but 40% of middle-aged women in the US will experience baldness in her life. Generally, people assume baldness is genetic and there’s not much that can be done to prevent this from happening. However, your overall physical and emotional well-being can contribute to your hair loss and hair growth. By adding or changing just a few small things in your daily routine, you can improve your hair growth and prevent further thinning.

 1. Understand the differences between female and male hair loss

Although hair loss affects both men and women, it impacts their lives very differently, both physically and emotionally. With men, baldness most commonly begins with a receding hairline, as early as the teen years in some cases. With women, the line where they part their hair starts to widen, or they have thinning around the scalp as early as their 20s.  

The emotional response can be quite different between the sexes. Even though balding can be upsetting for anyone, it is often seen as more socially acceptable for a man to be bald or balding than it is for a woman. This creates an extra level of anxiety in a woman and therefore can impact her more emotionally. 

2. Identify the cause of your own hair loss

If you’re noticing your hair thinning, it’s important to first examine your health. Hair thinning can be caused by factors that have nothing to do with a family history of hair loss. Some factors that can contribute include your diet, what medications you’re taking, unusual or rapid weight loss, recent surgeries, your menstrual cycle, and your daily hair and beauty routine. Beware of over-treating your hair, using harsh hair products, or wearing your hair too tightly. 

3. Essential oils can reactivate your scalp

Luckily, there are plenty of techniques to help with hair loss naturally such as massaging the scalp with aloe vera, coconut oil or essential oils. Essential oils are most beneficial when used as part of an ongoing longterm routine basis. The most effective oils to aid in hair loss are lavender, rosemary, lemon, and peppermint. Stimulating the scalp in other ways, such as with acupuncture, can also be highly effective. 

4. Add supplements to your daily nutrition intake

Supplements are a great way to prevent and stop hair loss and thinning in women. Biotin has been shown to promote hair growth, thicken the hair strand, and prevent hair loss. It’s one of the safest and most effective supplements you can find over-the-counter. It’s also great for lengthening and strengthening nails and improving your complexion. 

 5. Use exercise to increase blood flow to the scalp

Another method for preventing female hair loss is exercising or activities that help improve blood flow to the head and scalp. Most cardio and aerobic exercises, such as jogging or dancing, are great for increasing blood flow. Obviously, exercise is a great cure-all and is essential for whole body health. Even taking a brisk walk every day is a small habit that could be very helpful as part of a wider routine in preventing your hair from thinning any further. It improves cardiovascular health and lowers cortisol levels in the body. Stress is a major contributor to numerous illnesses by lowering the body’s immunity, so it should come as no surprise that the more you stress about your hair loss, the more hair loss you’re likely see. 

6. Get an at-home low level laser therapy hat

For many, a more direct approach to combatting hair loss in women is to purchase an at home, low-level, laser therapy cap. These work by delivering red laser therapy directly to the scalp; increasing blood circulation and oxygen to the hair follicles (8). There are many on the market with the cheapest options going for around four hundred dollars. Some people report great results with certain models, but again, everyone is different and will respond to various treatments differently. If you’re considering purchasing one of these devices, do your research to find a model that would work best for your specific type of hair loss, and be sure to choose one that is FDA cleared.

 7. Stay committed to your goal even if it takes a while

Whatever method you choose to try, it’s important to be consistent and allow enough time for these treatments to take effect. Results may take months to be noticeable so it’s important to keep a routine for at least a few months to determine whether or not you’re seeing an improvement in your hair thinning. Hair growth operates on a painfully slow cycle, and it can be hard to see baby hairs when they are first coming in.

8. Monitor your progress consistently

Use a magnifying mirror to monitor results, and take photos every couple of weeks. Keeping track will also help you determine if there are any factors you may not have considered that positively or negatively contribute to your results and you can alleviate the methods that don’t work. Don’t forget to consult your doctor with questions about these methods, especially if you’re on any medications that might exacerbate your hair loss.

Hair loss and thinning often sneak up on women, delivering feelings of panic or devastation. While the above tips do not guarantee hair growth, take comfort in knowing that there are safe, harmless options to help you that you can try immediately.