Hair Loss, Be Gone: How to Plump Up Your Strands
By Allison Lax
Thinning Hair? We’ve been there. Why it happens and what can be done.
Picture it: you’re in the bathroom, combing your luscious mane…that doesn’t seem to be all that luscious anymore? Whether your thinning hair has been a longtime struggle or came on fast & furious, hair loss can be a devastating problem, taking a massive toll on your psyche and self-confidence. The causes are more varied than you’d think, including internal factors such as genetic predisposition, vitamin and mineral deficits, drug interactions, hormonal imbalances, and even (scratch that, especially) stress.
First, take a breath and know that you’re not alone. According to UCLA Health, up to 40% of women will have noticeable hair loss by age 50. But fear not! Methods to prevent, stop, and even regrow thinning hair have come leaps and bounds in terms of efficacy and availability. So be kind to yourself, put away the hat, and read on to discover the best products and treatments to restore your locks to their former glory.
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Time to Change Your Shampoo
Shampoo for thinning hair can be a good place to start when it comes to your hair regrowth journey. While there are countless shampoos that claim to strengthen your locks, the proof is in the ingredients. While the antifungal ketoconazole (found in Nizoral) has historically been used to treat skin infections, it is also clinically proven to support hair growth. If you prefer to go a more natural route, look for moisturizing formulas like Pura D’or Anti Thinning Biotin Shampoo, which contain argan oil, Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Saw Palmetto. Pro tip: the last two ingredients are also great vitamins to take orally for strong, thick strands!
Get Hair Growth Vitamins
While Biotin and Saw Palmetto are certainly powerhouses when it comes to hair regrowth, that doesn’t mean they’re the only vitamins that will do the job! Keratin, selenium, and zinc are also key ingredients to incorporate into your routine if you want to grow thick, healthy locks. Luckily, Nutrafol Women includes all three (and also benefits your skin and nails)!
Minoxidil
If your hair loss is advanced (aka, you can see a significant amount of scalp at your crown, part, hairline, or temples), it may be time to look into stronger options. Minoxidil, the main ingredient in superstar hair regrowth product Rogaine, is a dermatologist-recommended ingredient clinically proven to increase blood flow to the scalp and extend your hair’s natural regrowth cycle. Like most regrowth therapies, a one-time use isn’t going to cut it; consistency is key to achieve optimal results. With regular use, you can expect to see progress in about two to four months. Once you see improvement, don’t stop, as hair loss will begin again shortly afterwards. While several products on the market contain this powerhouse ingredient, we prefer to stick with Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam–a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Winner!
Laser Therapy and Home Devices
If you’re ready to pull out the big guns to tackle thinning hair, laser therapy is your new BFF. While in-office treatments such photobiomodulation or low level light therapy (LLLT) are certainly an option, a more affordable place to start is with home devices, such as the iRestore Essential Hair Regrowth System or Hairmax Hair Growth Laser Band 82 Comfort. These devices use red light therapy to treat hair loss (especially the genetic kind!). You can also choose which one works best for you based on the kind of coverage you need, as they are available in hat, headband, or comb form. With regular use, your hair follicles will be stimulated, leading to increased hair growth and a happier you!