Hair loss in women can occur for various reasons. Some causes are genetic and unavoidable, while others may be preventable. Taking steps to ward off preventable hair loss is crucial to maintaining your full head of hair. Check out these 5 must-know tips for women to prevent hair loss.
Well Balanced Diet
Just like the other systems in your body, your hair follicles need adequate nutrition to grow healthy hair. Eating a balanced diet will help ensure your follicles receive the nutrition they need to function correctly. Vitamins and minerals required include:
- Iron
- Zinc
- B12
Since hair is comprised primarily of keratin, it is also crucial to consume adequate amounts of protein. Biotin promotes hair growth, and water ensures proper hydration. Lean meats, fish, nuts, beans, and leafy greens are great options. If you struggle to consume the nutrients needed for hair production in your diet alone, taking a doctor-approved vitamin supplement can help.
Let Loose
Avoid tight hairstyles if at all possible. Wearing your hair down or in loose hairstyles is ideal. Tight hairstyles that pull at the hairline pull on the hairs and cause stress, which can cause existing strands to fall out and damage the follicle. Damaged hair follicles may either function improperly or not at all. This means you may experience thinning or hair loss. Hairstyles you should steer clear of include tight:
- Ponytails
- Buns
- Cornrows
- Braids
If you like your hair off your neck, opt for alternatives that do not pull on your hairline.
Go Natural
Heat can do wonders in transforming your hair. It can also cause massive damage. The bottom line is that heat is tough on hair, causing strands to fracture, which leads to brittle hair that is susceptible to breaking and falling out. Ideally, let your hair dry naturally. However, if this is not an option for you, use heat with care. Follow these tips for minimizing damage to your hair when using heat:
- Do not leave the heat on one section of your hair for long, less than 10 seconds.
- Do not crank your heating tool all the way up. Use the lowest setting possible.
Avoid Chemicals
Chemical processing is harsh on your hair. Avoid it at all costs. This includes:
- Chemical straightening
- Bleaching
- Lightening
- Coloring
- Perms
Chemicals can cause a myriad of problems, including:
- Damaging the hair shaft
- Weakening the strand of hair
Both of these can lead to hair loss and thinning. When possible, keep your hair natural.
Care for Your Scalp
Without a healthy scalp, you will not have a healthy head of hair. When you're in the shower, be sure to clean the scalp thoroughly with a quality shampoo. Use your fingers to give yourself a scalp massage. This will increase circulation to the hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth. A clean scalp also removes dirt and oil from hair follicles, keeping them clean and healthy, which will also stimulate healthy hair growth.
When Prevention Doesn't Work
There are times when prevention isn't cutting it. You have followed all of the prevention tips but are still experiencing hair loss. What can you do? There's no need to worry. LH Hair is North Carolina's premier hair restoration studio. We offer a full line of hair loss solutions to fit any budget. Whether you are interested in promoting natural hair growth or a complete hair restoration system, we have you covered. Our certified stylists will conduct a thorough analysis and present you with your options. Schedule your free consultation today and begin a new chapter with great hair!
