Hello and happy Friday to you all! (well at least for me!) 🌟
So today, I'm looking back at a topic that's both sensitive and significant: female hair loss. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair, receding hairlines, or overall hair loss, we all go through it at some point and we need to stick together and help each other out. I've been through a few periods of hair loss - mainly after having children but also a seasonal occurrence i've noticed in the last few years. As i've tried a fair few products, some good - some awful, I thought it was only right to share what i've learnt on female hair loss supplements. Let’s explore the science behind female hair loss, the best supplements to combat it, and other complementary therapies that can enhance your results. Ready to reclaim your luscious locks? Let’s get started!
Understanding Female Hair Loss
The Cycle of Hair Growth and Hair Loss
Before we delve into the causes and solutions for hair loss, it's essential to understand that hair growth and hair loss are part of a natural cycle. Each hair follicle undergoes a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). During the anagen phase, hair actively grows for several years. The catagen phase is a short transitional stage that lasts a few weeks, after which the hair enters the telogen phase. In the telogen phase, hair rests and eventually falls out to make way for new hair growth. On average, it is normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, when the cycle is disrupted, and hair falls out more quickly than it regrows, noticeable hair loss occurs.
Causes of Hair Loss at Different Life Stages
1. Teenage Years
Hormonal Changes: Puberty can trigger hormonal fluctuations that affect hair growth. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause hair thinning.
2. 20s to 30s
Stress and Lifestyle: High-stress levels, poor nutrition, and lifestyle changes can lead to hair loss. Birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives might also play a role.
3. 40s to 50s
Pregnancy and Postpartum: Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can cause significant hair shedding. The stress of childbirth and caring for a newborn can exacerbate the issue.
Perimenopause and Menopause: The decrease in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can lead to thinning hair and hair loss.
4. 60s and Beyond
Aging: Natural aging leads to slower hair growth and increased hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies and chronic health conditions can also contribute.
Key Ingredients to Look For in Hair Loss Supplements
1. Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Benefits: Biotin supports keratin production, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
Sources: Nuts, eggs, and legumes.
2. Collagen
Benefits: Collagen provides amino acids that are necessary for keratin production and helps maintain scalp health.
Sources: Bone broth, fish, and collagen supplements.
3. Saw Palmetto
Benefits: Saw palmetto helps block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.
Sources: Saw palmetto berries and supplements.
4. Iron
Benefits: Iron is crucial for carrying oxygen to hair follicles. Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss.
Sources: Red meat, spinach, and iron supplements.
5. Vitamin D
Benefits: Vitamin D stimulates hair follicles and helps create new ones.
Sources: Sun exposure, fatty fish, and vitamin D supplements.
6. Zinc
Benefits: Zinc plays a vital role in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps keep oil glands around follicles working properly.
Sources: Shellfish, seeds, and zinc supplements.
Top Female Hair Loss Supplements
Top 3 Products in the US
Ingredients: Biotin, Iron, Zinc, and AminoMar marine complex.
Benefits: Supports existing hair growth, nourishes thinning hair, and promotes healthier, thicker hair.
Price: $39.99 for a one-month supply.
Extra: The Viviscal shampoo is also great (and good value too) - you can get it here
Ingredients: Saw Palmetto, Biotin, Collagen, and Ashwagandha.
Benefits: Targets root causes of thinning hair, such as stress and hormonal imbalances.
Price: $79.00 for a one-month supply.
Ingredients: Biotin, Collagen, Saw Palmetto, and Reishi Mushroom.
Benefits: Supports hair growth, strength, and shine while reducing hair thinning.
Price: $56.99 for a one-month supply.
Top 3 Products in the UK
Ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin C, and AminoMar C marine complex.
Benefits: Promotes existing hair growth and nourishes thinning hair.
Price: £35.99 for a one-month supply.
Extra: I love the Viviscal shampoo to give my hair a boost - you can get it here
Ingredients: Iron, Biotin, Vitamin D, and L-Lysine.
Benefits: Supports healthy hair growth and addresses nutritional deficiencies.
Price: £40.00 for a one-month supply.
Ingredients: Millet Extract, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, and L-Cystine.
Benefits: Improves hair growth and thickness while reducing hair loss.
Price: £35.00 for a one-month supply.
Other Therapies to Consider
While supplements can work wonders, combining them with other therapies can enhance your results. Here are a few complementary therapies:
1. Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), involves exposing the scalp to specific wavelengths of red light. This non-invasive treatment penetrates the skin to stimulate cellular activity in the hair follicles.
How It Works: Red light therapy works by increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by the cells, enhancing their function and promoting hair growth. It can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, creating a healthier environment for hair to thrive.
Benefits: Promotes hair growth, reduces inflammation, and strengthens hair.
2. Scalp Massages
Scalp massages are a simple yet effective way to stimulate hair growth. By using your fingers or a specialized massaging tool, you can increase circulation to the scalp, which helps nourish the hair follicles.
How It Works: Massaging the scalp increases blood flow to hair follicles, promoting hair growth. The physical stimulation encourages the movement of nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots, supporting their growth and health. Additionally, scalp massages can help reduce stress, which is a known factor in hair loss.
Benefits: Can help reduce stress and stimulate hair follicles.
3. Essential Oils
Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lavender have been used for centuries to promote hair health. These oils can be diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the scalp to support hair growth.
How It Works: Essential oils improve circulation and promote hair growth. They contain compounds that can penetrate the scalp and enhance blood flow, which brings more nutrients to the hair follicles. Some essential oils also have antimicrobial properties that help maintain scalp health.
Benefits: Improve circulation and promote hair growth.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp. This process stimulates the body's natural healing response, which can promote hair growth.
How It Works: Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the scalp. These tiny punctures stimulate the production of collagen and increase blood flow, which can enhance the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles. Microneedling also helps to improve the absorption of topical treatments like minoxidil.
Benefits: Stimulates collagen production and enhances the absorption of topical treatments.
Conclusion
Female hair loss can be a challenging experience, but understanding the causes and the best supplements available can make a significant difference. By incorporating supplements rich in biotin, collagen, saw palmetto, iron, vitamin D, and zinc, you can support healthy hair growth and address the root causes of hair loss.
Remember, combining supplements with other therapies like red light therapy, scalp massages, essential oils, and microneedling can enhance your results. Stay consistent with your routine, and soon you'll notice healthier, fuller hair.
Stay curious, stay hairy, and keep biohacking, lovelies! 🌟💁♀️
References:
Olsen, E. A., Messenger, A. G., Shapiro, J., Bergfeld, W. F., Hordinsky, M. K., Roberts, J. L., ... & Whiting, D. A. (2005). Evaluation and treatment of female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 52(2), 301-311.
Rossi, A., & Fabbrocini, G. (2016). Nonsurgical therapy for hair loss. Clinics in Dermatology, 34(2), 255-262.
Pratt, C. H., King, L. E., Messenger, A. G., Christiano, A. M., & Sundberg, J. P. (2017). Alopecia areata. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 3(1), 1-17.
Lang, F., Reider, N., & Steffen, C. (2018). The effectiveness of topical red light therapy in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 36(6), 328-335.
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