How to Treat Women's Hair Loss

Hair loss can affect women of all ages, and is a result of a variety of environmental factors or health conditions. Having a healthy mane is largely considered a positive physical attribute, so when women experience hair loss it can lead to low self-esteem and loss of confidence. There is help, but the key is getting to the root of the matter.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamins
• OTC or prescribed medication (for specific types of hair loss)

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor to determine the cause of your hair loss.

  Visit your family physician if you experience an excessive amount of hair loss. Hair loss is a normal life process, but excessive hair loss, though often attributed to a variety of factors unlikely to be serious, might be the first sign of an underlying health condition such as diabetes, lupus or an underactive or overactive thyroid. Your doctor would also be able to tell you if you have a skin condition such as ringworm -- which can lead to hair loss -- or whether it might be a side effect of medication or birth control.

• 2

  Vitamins are essential for healthy hair.

  Revamp your diet. Diets with inadequate iron, protein and other essential vitamins and minerals can result in hair loss. Introduce a multivitamin and eat healthy foods. Proper hydration is also essential, so be sure you are drinking adequate amounts of water.

• 3

  Be gentle with styling products.

  Go natural for a while. Excessive hair treatments and styling can damage hair, causing dryness and breakage.

• 4

  There are treatments for hair loss.

  Try over-the-counter or prescription hair loss treatments. FDA approved Minoxidin (Rogaine), is an over-the-counter medication that can be used to treat women's hair loss caused by alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia. Prescribed cortisteroid pills can also be used to treat hair loss caused by alopecia areata.

• 5

  Learn to relax.

  Eliminate or decrease stress. Sometimes the cause of women's hair loss is stress and/or anxiety. Though some stress is beyond our control, stress and anxiety management techniques, such as meditation or exercise can help how our body reacts to stress.