How to Deal with Female Hair Loss

Losing hair can be a very traumatic experience, especially for women. I started losing mine when I was 16, at the ripe age of youth when hair is a fashion statement and a crowning glory. Hair loss is a physically noticeable condition that can become an impediment to one's self-confidence and can dampen one's self-image. This is why dealing with hair loss the proper way and providing support for those who suffer from this condition, is such an important task. The article What You Ought To Know About Hair Loss discusses some of the most common causes of hair loss. In this article, I will give invaluable tips from personal experience in dealing with this traumatic affliction.

Hair follicles go through a life cycle, shifting from various phases before subsequently shedding and going into dormancy for a few months, after which they sprout new growth again. Hair in itself is composed of dead cells called keratin, which are proteins that are not soluble in water (otherwise, your hair would dissolve into the water every time you shower). Shedding hair is a daily occurrence, and up to 100 hairs a day is the normal count. You should be wary if you start exceeding this number. Here are a few ways to deal with the problem:

1. Lower stress levels

Stress is the number one inducer of excessive hair loss. Usually, when women go through periods of excessive stress, agitation or trauma, nutrients are diverted from the hair to other parts of the body where they are more needed, causing greater hair fall. Once you observe that your hair starts falling out in greater numbers than usual, it might be that your body is telling to slow down and give it some rest. Relax, do breathing and stretching exercises throughout the day to help your body recover from stress. If your heir fall starts reducing back to the normal count, then so far, so good.

2. Eat right

Lack of nutrition or an imbalance of vitamins may also be the culprit for excessive hair loss. Anemic women may be prone to this especially, so consult your doctor and take the proper iron supplements. Taking a multivitamin everyday also helps fill up the nutritional gaps. Don't take too much vitamins though. Too much of anything may be more harmful than helpful.

3. Consult a doctor

If self-remedies don't work, then you should consult a doctor. Hair loss may be symptoms of some graver condition you might have developed or contracted. You shouldn't be scared; early detection is best when it comes to chances of treatment and perfect recovery. Hair loss might be the telltale sign of an internal infection that you might not even feel. It's your body's way of telling you something's wrong. The doctor may then recommend some diagnostic tests for you like blood count or the hair pull test. In the hair pull test, some pieces of hair are pulled out from different parts of the scalp and looking through the microscope, the doctor may be able to tell the ratio of healthy vs. weak follicles on your scalp. Some doctors might also have your hair sent to the laboratory for an analysis of its composition. The dermatologist would be the best doctor to visit for initial consultation.

4. Use light shampoos

Many shampoos out in the market today are quite strong. I can tell because my hair falls out excessively when I use them. Some of the dandruff shampoos are especially strong. Using a mild shampoo like a baby shampoo or a baby wash might help minimize hair loss.

5. Do your research

There are so many products out in the market today that promise you hair regrowth. My experience with them? Female hair loss is much more complicated than male pattern loss, and we can't take Propecia to prevent hair loss like men do. Drugs like Rogaine do help, but individual response and efficacy is different from one person to another. If you have a sensitive scalp like I do, you might develop dandruff from it. Discontinue use if you develop adverse reactions to the drug. Before going on any drug regimen, it's best to do your research, ask around from those who've used it before, and consult your doctor. Don't be too willing to dab anything that promises hair growth onto your scalp. These drugs work, but don't expect a miracle. Tough to have to break the bad news, but you'll most probably not get back that luxurious crown of hair you once had. More often, new growth is in the form of "peach fuzz", which are really thin strands that easily fall out. Often, stopping a drug regimen leads to the loss of any new regrowth. The new hairs are weak, and they simply fall out.

6. Go natural

There are many plants that have traditional nutritional value for the hair and scalp. Aloe vera is very popular, and while the application of its raw sap may not lead to regrowth for everyone, it at least reduces the oiliness of the hair. Oily hair tends to shed more. Botanical applications are better, since they are natural, and might elicit some good effects without any harmful side effects. If you would like to explore, feel free to do so. There are many alternative treatments available that you can do at home. As long as it's natural, there's no harm in trying.

7. Don't expect a miracle

When most people start using a product, they pin up unreasonably high expectations. Whatever treatment you are on, you can't expect a miracle, no matter how hard you hope for one. Chances are, regrowth will be minimal and even if it's significant, it's difficult to hope to get back the head full of hair you once had.

8. Keep clean

A dirty, oily scalp tends to shed more hair. Shampoo at least once every two or three days, depending on the oiliness of your hair.

9. Resist hair styling

Hair styling products can ruin your hair, irritate your scalp and possibly lead to more hair loss. Stay away from perms, hair dyes, straightening chemicals, and the like. Minimize the use of hair sprays. If you must, you can apply a light gel or wax on your hair tips for styling. Use a wide-toothed comb and don't frizz or tease your hair. Avoid fine-bristled brushes. Be as gentle to your hair as possible.