Hair Care Tips For Women With Hair Loss

By Author: Kori Ellis
Total Articles: 15
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An Ounce of Hair Loss Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

From changing your diet to changing your styling habits, much can be done to prevent hair loss.

Unlike male pattern baldness, female hair loss is usually more spread out, or diffuse, resulting in thinning hair all over the head instead of in one particular area. You may not notice excessive hair falling out -- as some hair loss is simply due to hair growing back at a slower rate or not growing back at all, not necessarily falling out at a rapid pace. Any hair that does fall out you will likely notice in your brush, in the shower and on pillows rather than by looking in the mirror.

If you are experiencing hair loss, consult your doctor to investigate the cause. It may be due to hormone changes, medications, thyroid disorder, extreme stress or a number of other reasons. Whatever the cause of your hair loss, follow these hair care tips to keep your hair as healthy and strong as it can be.

Eating a balanced diet can prevent hair loss

Your diet doesn't ...
... just affect your body -- it also influences the health of your hair. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meat (or other protein sources such as eggs or tofu) and whole grains. Avoid processed food as much as possible. Pay attention to your vitamins and minerals. B vitamins, folic acid and biotin are all important for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin C also can aid in improving scalp circulation. Zinc can stimulate hair growth because it enhances immune function, while the amino acids L-cysteine and L-methionine can improve the quality and texture of your hair.

On the other hand, large doses of vitamin A (100,000 IU or more daily) over a long period of time can actually cause hair loss. Therefore, don't overdo it with vitamin A.

prevent hair loss, wash and dry gently

Many doctors recommend using baby shampoo if you are suffering from hair thinning or hair loss. Do not shampoo more than once a day -- preferably every other day. Most people don't realize that their hair can stay clean for two to three days.

When shampooing, lather gently, focusing on cleaning the scalp and allowing the shampoo to clean the hair itself as it is rinsed out with the water. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.

Blot your hair dry with a towel, rather than rubbing vigorously. Skip the blow-dryer, flatiron and other hairstyling tools whenever possible. If you don't have time to air-dry your hair,towel-dry it first and then use the blow-dryer for the shortest time possible, preferably less than five minutes. Although the low heat setting is preferred, 20 minutes on low heat actually does more damage than 5 minutes on high heat.

Don't twist up wet hair in a towel on top of your head or pull hair into a tight ponytail or use elastic hair bands -- these things will cause breakage. Also avoid using the chemicals in straightening or coloring hair products. If you need to dye your hair, consider henna or other natural hair dyes.

Try a home hair loss remedy

Although these remedies won't regrow hair, they can help to keep your scalp and hair healthy and rejuvenated.

Essential oil massage

Massage your scalp and the roots of your hair with a few drops of essential oil. Wrap your hair in plastic wrap and then place a warm towel around it. Leave it on overnight and then shampoo with a mild, moisturizing shampoo. Repeat weekly.

Eggs-and-honey treatment

Combine two egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of honey. Massage the mixture into your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo gently to remove any honey residue.

Aloe vera conditioner

The aloe vera plant is known for its powers to heal burns and treat skin conditions; however, it can also be used as a home remedy for hair loss. Simply skip using conditioner and instead massage aloe vera gel into your scalp.

After 15 minutes, rinse out the aloe vera. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water to avoid an oily scalp.

Author Bio:

Kori Ellis is a freelance writer who writes about health, beauty, and fashion. She is a contributing writer to HairLossDotCom and writes about hair loss treatments and hair loss conditions such as hair loss prevention.