Without any treatment, female pattern hair loss can progress from a widening part to overall hair thinning. Female pattern hair loss is a progressive condition which means many women will continue to lose their hair. However, unlike men many women do not lose all their hair. Treatment can deliver the best results when started at the first signs of hair loss.

Did you know?

• 24% of women say losing their hair is like losing a limb.

• the average age of women with thinning hair is 25-35.

• by age 50 years almost 50% of women will complain of thinning hair.

• female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common form of hair loss in women and occurs in women with Androgenetic Alopecia.

Stages of hair-loss

Stage 1 – Minimal hair loss which can be camouflaged by hair styling techniques.

Stage 2 – Characterised by a decrease in volume and widening of the middle part.

Stage 3 – Overall thinning on the scalp, which can lead to a see through look on the head.

In a brusque interview, London Trichologist Dr Philip Kingley said, “Like a peacock’s brilliant feathers, hair is a secondary sexual characteristic. You don’t need it to keep you either warm or cool, so its primary function is to increase attractiveness.”

So where does this leave women with thinning hair?

Here are our 9 top tips to help you deal with thinning hair;

1. Reduce your stress.

I know it is easier said than done, but if you can take some time out and just breathe, it could seriously help! Severe, chronic and even sudden stress can wreak havoc on your body. This may lead to your weakened immune system attacking your hair follicles as a way of coping with your body’s stress. The good news is, once you reduce your stress levels, often (not always) your hair will start to grow back. So in the meantime, take up yoga, master meditation and try to remove yourself (as often as you can) from highly stressful situations.

2. Eat well and get moving

It’s simple, our bodies thrive on good food and exercise. Not only does it nourish our insides, but exercise will also help to release that ever-so important serotonin, to make you feel happier. Hair loss can be a vicious cycle, we lose our hair so we don’t feel great about ourselves, and when we are down in the dumps, our body isn’t loving life. So let’s focus on what we can control, and that is what we put in our bellies and how often we get moving. Even a light 30 min walk 3-4 times a week will help clear the mind and get your serotonin pumping,

When it comes to what we put in, the hair gets off on good proteins, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Next time you visit the supermarket make sure you stock up on fish, leafy greens, lean meats and chicken, nuts and beans. For more information on how to best eat for hair thinning and tailor your diet for specific autoimmune conditions, talk to a qualified dietician.

3. Add some volume to your thinning hair with a human Hair Topper

Hair Toppers are a great way to not only cover the areas on your head that may be experiencing hair loss, but they also add that fabulous volume to your thinning hair. Just a quick flip and clip and voila, you have sudden volume.

Hair toppers come in a range of colours and bases that cover smaller to larger areas on the scalp.

Toppers, also known as Crown Extensions can be made from beautiful natural looking human hair, which can be cut, styled and even coloured to blend in with your natural thinning hair. We recommend a high quality human hair, and a 100% Virgin European Hair topper if you wish to colour the hair to blend in with your natural hair.

 4. Leave the clips, hot iron tools and curlers behind

Reduce the use of hair curlers, straighteners or clip in hair extensions, all of which have a tendency to add extra strain to your already fragile hair. When you hair is thinning and can easily snap, it is essential you give it extra TLC and avoid any extra external pressures.

5. Try switching to wig to take the pressure off your thinning hair (or to cover up greater hair loss)

Hollywood actress Keira Knightley, in a recent interview confesses “I have dyed my hair virtually every colour imaginable for different films. It got so bad that my hair literally began to fall out of my head! So for the past five years I’ve used wigs, which is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to my hair,” she told InStyle UK.

Knightley has worn a range of stunning human hair lace front wigs. The lace front hair line gives the illusion that the hair is coming out of the scalp. Lace front wigs are also a go to for makeup artists as the lace can be further blended to the scalp with makeup to give an even more natural looking hairline.

Wigs are becoming increasingly popular for women experiencing hair thinning, as they can sit on top of your natural hair and blend in beautifully. For the most natural look, go for a human hair wig.

7. Minoxoldil

Minoxidil is one of the most commonly sold products to help fight hair loss, and is used to help women who are suffering from gradually thinning hair or larger areas of hair loss on the top of the scalp. You may recognise it by its more popular name, Rogaine. The 5% strength Topical Minoxidil solution is safe for women, and does not require a prescription. Typically when applied to the scalp twice a day, 40% of individuals (both men and women) will see new hair growth. Hair growth can tend to appear within 2-8 weeks on the patches and areas where Minoxodil has been applied.

8. Cortisone Shots

This treatment is not for the faint-hearted. Cortisone shots are known to be painful, so I wouldn’t recommend rushing into this option until you are fully informed or prepared to take on this treatment. Cortisone shots have had a solid success rate for women experiencing less than 50% hair loss. The shots work by injecting cortisone directly into the scalp, blocking the hormonal activity that induces hair thinning. For more information on Cortisone shots, contact your local dermatologist.

9. Be kind to yourself

When a woman loses her hair, she feels like a huge part of her identity and sexuality has gone with it. The good news is, these days there are so many options to help get your hair looking amazing again if you just show yourself a little extra love, trust me, your hair will thank you for it. Ask your partner, mum, brother, friend or anyone special to you, for a daily head massage!

Whether you are young or older, your hair is sensitive to the environment around it, and giving it some TLC every now and again can not only prevent hair loss, but it will also stop frizziness, breakage and flyaways!

What do you do to look after your hair? SHARE with us below.

Image source Shutterstock.

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