Ladies - What Can You Do About Thinning Hair?

If you thought only men experience hair loss with age, it might be news that at least 1/3rd of women experience it. The difference? While hair loss leads to balding in men, it leads to thinning hair in women. So, if you are anxious about your thinning crowning glory, you are indeed not alone.

Almost half of all menopausal women experience hair thinning, which has to do with your hormones! Before we tell you how to take care of your thinning hair, you must understand more about the female pattern of baldness!

Did you know that increased stress levels can lead to more hair fall?

Why Is Your Hair Thinning?

You can suffer from hair loss or thinning because of certain medications or treatments. This article does not address such hair loss or thinning, instead we are looking at the hair thinning due to the natural ageing process.

Our metabolism begins to slow down with age and even hair undergoes natural changes. Loss of hair colour, changing hair texture and thinning of hair are common ageing problems women face, sometimes as early as their 30s. To keep your mane beautiful, it is essential to give extra attention to them!

Hair is made of protein and grows at an average of 0.5 inches a month. Diet and nutrition determine how fast your hair grows. As you grow older, your hair has a shorter life cycle, meaning you experience shorter hair falling more often. With age, thinner hair replaces hair that falls.

Hair loss in women can occur due to a variety of reasons:

  • Hereditary or familial traits
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Stress
  • Menopause

Women in the pre-menopausal and menopausal phases experience a constant change in their hormonal levels. Female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) stimulate hair follicles but have diminished levels in menopause and after, and the consequent dominance of testosterone stops hair follicles from growing new hair. With time, hair follicles stop regenerating, and hair thins out and falls.

Your Guide to Managing Hair Thinning!

Here are some effective ways to take good care of your tresses as you age gracefully:

  • Wash your hair less often
    The number of times you wash your hair depends mainly upon the hair type and nature of the scalp. However, frequent hair washing can lead to dryness and make your hair strands brittle regardless of hair type. Frequent hair washing means the overuse of hair care products, which may damage your hair.
  • Choose the right hair products
    Regardless of age, it is essential to choose the right kind of hair care products. From shampoo to conditioner and serum, picking the one that suits your hair is vital. Avoid heat styling or chemical treatments if you are experiencing thinning hair or hair fall. Cutting back on intense physical or chemical damage to your hair allows it to repair itself and bounce back healthy. Choosing organic, sulphur-free, paraben-free and safe hair products safeguards your hair and prevents further damage and hair fall.
  • Conditioners and volumisers can save the day
    Thinning hair can give your mane a dull and limp appearance, often lowering your confidence levels. Applying a suitable conditioner after washing helps lock in the moisture giving your hair the required hydration and volume. Volumisers are hair care products that help further improvement in hair volume. Check with your dermatologist if you are unsure about the right products to pick.
  • Eat a healthy, nutritious diet
    While you can’t beat age and genetics, modifying your diet to include protein-rich and nutritional foods that are excellent for your hair can help:
    • Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are packed with folate, iron, vitamins A and C and plenty of magnesium.
    • Eggs are rich in healthy fats like omega-3 that nourish your hair and provide the required amount of protein for hair growth and thickness.
    • Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish like mackerel and salmon
    • Antioxidant-rich berries like strawberries and blueberries are loaded with vitamin C that promotes collagen production, which is necessary for hair growth. Vitamin C also boosts immunity.
    • Including vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acid-rich avocados in your diet is good for your hair.
    • Taking multivitamin supplements once a day may help as they can supplement your diet with nutrients needed for a healthy body and mind, including strong hair.
  • Consult your doctor
    While you do your best to keep your hair strong, it is always good to consult your dermatologist and your medical practitioner for your thinning hair. Apart from medications and nutritional supplements, your doctor may recommend specific prescriptions like minoxidil for your thinning hair.

Key Takeaway!

Nobody has the same amount of hair at 60 as they did when they were 20. However, by taking the required precautions and making slight lifestyle changes, you can still flaunt your beautiful locks as you grow older.

You should speak to and get advice from your doctor or dermatologist before following any of the suggestions in this article, because the contents of this article are general in nature and do not address your specific circumstances.

O50s
Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide

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