There is a general belief that hair loss is mostly a guy issue, but the facts say otherwise. Women are almost as likely as men to experience everything from mild thinning of their precious strands to significant or, in extreme cases, complete hair loss at some point in their life. Before you despair about all that hair you shed in the shower or comb out each morning, it’s perfectly normal to lose between 50 and 100 strands a day. The worry alarm should go off when you start spotting a considerable amount of hair on your pillow or if your strands fall out easily without tugging.
When it comes to hair thinning in women, we differ somewhat from men. Our hair usually starts withdrawing along the hairline and on the top of the scalp, while men’s hair loss happens at the forehead and crown. Before you tackle the best ways to treat thinning hair, it’s important to know what’s causing the hair loss.
Possible causes of thinning hair in women
Hair loss can be hereditary (alopecia aerata) or brought on by a variety of medical conditions, the most common being hormonal imbalances, anemia, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and skin disorders, such as dermatitis or psoriasis. It can also be triggered by psychological or physical trauma, such as periods of intense stress or large injuries, particularly those that require surgical procedures. Persistent use of hair dyes and various other styling products, especially if paired with constant blow drying and ironing, can weaken hair. Our strands can get damaged and start breaking, which can slowly lead to hair thinning and hair loss, particularly during pregnancy or menopause.
How to treat thinning hair in women
If you have already started losing hair, it’s important you do something about it right away. The longer you wait, the harder it is to reverse the process, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, especially if your hair loss is sudden and extreme. For mild hair loss, there are a number of excellent thinning hair products that can help. Click through the slideshow above to learn your options.
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Hair loss
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Hair loss #1
At a loss? Here's what to do about it.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hair loss #2
Art Naturals Argan Oil Shampoo Hair Growth Treatment, $25.58 at Amazon
This organic shampoo is a true multitasker. It not only nourishes fine hair with proteins and botanical oils for improved volume but also prevents strands from falling out thanks to DHT blockers. DHT is a hormone that limits blood supply to follicles. Massage into scalp regularly to allow DHT blockers to promote hair growth. No wonder this shampoo is one of Amazon's top sellers.
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Hair loss #3
Nioxin 2 Hair System Kit, $45 at Amazon
If your hair is gradually becoming thinner, it’s time to try a system that addresses hair loss. This kit comes with a cleanser, scalp therapy conditioner and scalp treatment that work in synergy to combat early-stage hair loss. The cleanser removes residue, the conditioner strengthens and hydrates strands, and the scalp treatment makes sure roots get all those precious nutrients that protect follicles and stimulate hair growth. Reviewers noticed good results after only 30 days of continued use.
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Hair loss #4
Amplixin Intensive Hair Growth Serum, $39.97 at Amazon
Damaged hair follicles can reap benefits from biotin (also known as Vitamin B7), which is one of the key ingredients of this powerful hair growth serum. It's a leave-in product formulated with natural components that revitalize hair and add moisture and shine from the roots to the tips.
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Hair loss #5
Viviscal Professional Strength Hair Growth Supplement, $61.00 at Amazon
Healthy hair comes from within, so a hair growth supplement can be beneficial. This product is clinically proven to help nourish thinning hair and boost growth via a proprietary marine complex along with valuable nutrients Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Biotin, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Apple Extract.
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Hair loss #6
Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam, $22.57 at Amazon
This once-a-day foam is the only hair regrowth topical treatment for women with FDA approval. Minoxidil is a substance proven to activate hair follicles and stimulate regrowth of hair with reported visible results after persistent use for 24 weeks.
According to one reviewer, it's worth every penny and more: "This product is so good. I noticed a significant reduction in hair fall within a week of using this product, which is what kept me positive. In two months of usage, I could see regrowth and I can not be happier."
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Hair loss #7
iRestore Laser Hair Growth System, $595.00 at Amazon
Advanced or extreme hair loss that is either hereditary or doesn't show signs of improvement after continuous use of thinning hair products might still benefit from laser treatment. This FDA-approved medical device uses laser technology to treat thinning hair in a non-invasive and pain-free way. It's recommended to use at home for 25 minutes every other day for best results. Visible hair growth is expected within three to six months of regular use.
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Hair loss #8
Laritelle Fertile Roots Hair Oil, $44.90 at Amazon
This oil softens hair shafts and rejuvenates hair at its roots. Beneficial natural ingredients include lavender, patchouli, rosemary and ginger to prevent hair loss, while clary sage boosts strength at the cellular level to counteract premature hair thinning and reverse the damage caused by chemicals and heat. Regular use improves blood circulation, accelerates hair growth and restores hair's natural color and shine.
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Hair loss #9
Aveda Thickening Tonic, $29.00 at Amazon
This tonic from Aveda is designed to make fine, thinning hair appear thicker and healthier. It's manufactured from almost 100% natural ingredients and creates an extra layer around hairs for visibly enhanced thickness. It's a temporary solution if you still haven’t lost much hair and need an instant boost of volume.
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Hair loss #10
Living Proof Thickening Cream, $27 at Ulta
This cream deposits thickening particles on thin hair strands to improve their texture and increase volume. It's formulated without silicone and safe for chemically treated hair. Almost all reviewers agree that the cream leaves hair feeling soft, thick and smelling great, without weighing it down.
