Hair loss is an upsetting experience for men, but for women it can be even more traumatic. A woman's hair is considered an important part of her attractiveness and its loss can have a profound impact on her self-esteem. Although pharmaceutical remedies are available, they are expensive and not always effective. Home remedies are less expensive and less likely to cause side effects.
Causes
There are several main causes for hair loss: Andronic alopecia, often called female pattern baldness, is caused by the hormone testosterone, or the male hormone. While women can experience a receding hairline similar to men's hair loss, most often women's hair first becomes fine on top of their heads.
Alopecia andreata occurs when the immune system attacks parts of the body, creating an inflammation that causes hair to fall out. Another cause of hair loss in women is telogen effluvium. It produces hair loss all over the body as well as the scalp and may be triggered by physical or emotional stress.
DHT is a hormone that, if produced in excess, damages hair follicles. The follicles may then die or produce weak hairs that break or fall out quickly.
Illness or surgery can cause temporary hair loss, as can some medications. Lack of certain vitamins, or even too much of vitamins A, B or C, can contribute to hair loss. Women's hair styles often aggravate hair loss; tight ponytails, braids, updos and cornrows can stress the hair as can dyes, straighteners and overuse of heat producing devices like curling irons, flat irons and hot curlers.
Supplements
Biotin is a B complex vitamin found in many foods, including bananas, walnuts, salmon, sardines and egg yolks. Lack of biotin can lead to fragile hair that breaks and falls out. Most people do not get enough biotin from their diets, so a supplement can help stop hair problems.
Multivitamin supplements such as Hair, Skin & Nails from Nature's Bounty contain biotin as well as other vitamins intended to contribute to healthy hair.
Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy, available in health food stores and supermarkets, that helps block the damage caused by DHT. Follow the dosage recommended on the bottle.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of sulfur that is a component of the amino acids that are part of hair protein. It can be taken as a supplement.
Scalp Treatments
Natural hair loss remedies should begin with a clean scalp. A natural routine to prevent or control hair loss may include essential oils and cleansing agents derived from plants.
Sage is an herb with several healing properties. The essential oil of the herb is extracted and can be used for as well as such ailments as acne and skin wrinkles.
Sage can be combined with apple cider vinegar to clean your scalp. Both of these products can be found in health food stores. Use only raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Mix 4 oz. of apple cider vinegar with 4 oz. of water; add 10 drops of the sage essential oil, then pour this solution on your hair. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave it for half an hour, then shampoo as usual.
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