How to Help Bald Patches in Women

Significant hair loss in women and men is called alopecia; two disparate types of alopecia are most often responsible for bald spots in women. "Hair Loss Talk" contributors explain that alopecia areata denotes rapid onset hair loss in patches on your scalp. Causes are diverse, ranging from stress to the hair follicles in dying or braiding to the growth of a ringworm fungal infection on the scalp. According to MSNBC Health, causes can also include more serious conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), hypothyroidism, hypertension and heart problems. A bald spot on your crown that resembles male pattern baldness is a genetic condition called androgenetic alopecia.

Things You'll Need

• Minoxidil 2 % (can be purchased over the counter from the pharmacy)

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply 1 milliliter of Minoxidil to your dry scalp in the morning and at night using the applicator that comes with your medication. Spread it evenly over your balding patches and do not rinse. Avoid getting your scalp wet for four hours after each application for best growth results. Minoxidil 2% is the only FDA-approved treatment for female pattern baldness. It may help you to attain considerable regrowth, but discontinuing the lotion will result in more hair loss.

• 2

  Use shampoos and conditioners recommended by your hair stylist or salon. Store-bought shampoos and conditioners contain waxes that strip your hair and can cause it to fall out.

• 3

  Wash your hair only every other day. Allow your hair to dry naturally and with minimal styling. This decreases chances for hair to fall out.

• 4

  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes plenty of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Malnutrition is a common cause of female hair loss.

• 5

  Check for food intolerance. Each week, eliminate one common food from your diet. Dairy is a common irritant and a good food to eliminate first. If you notice your hair loss stops or diminishes when you eliminate a food, you may now know the cause of your hair loss.