Hair loss can be an emotionally challenging situation for women. Thinning or loss of hair often affects a person’s self-confidence and can be difficult to deal with. Society’s beauty standards and the perfect appearance expectations created by the media may make women experiencing hair loss more worried. Hair loss can often occur as a combination of a number of factors, such as genetic factors, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies or health problems. Therefore, when women face hair loss, it is important to understand and address the condition.
What causes hair loss in women?
Hair loss in women is a complex condition that can occur as a result of the interaction of a number of factors. Causes of hair loss are often related to genetic, hormonal, environmental and lifestyle factors. Some common factors that may cause hair loss in women:
- Women with a family history of hair loss may be genetically predisposed. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia in women and occurs as a result of the hair follicles becoming genetically sensitive.
- Hormonal changes can cause hair loss in women. Conditions such as pregnancy, birth control method changes, menopause or hormonal disorders can affect hormonal balance and lead to hair loss.
- Intense stress can cause hormonal changes in the body, which can trigger hair loss. Factors such as traumatic events, overwork, emotional stress can contribute to hair loss.
- Scalp problems can lead to hair loss. For example, conditions such as scalp infections, fungal infections, or eczema can affect hair health.
- Nutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin A, and vitamin C can contribute to hair loss. If vitamins and minerals that are important for hair health are not taken sufficiently, hair loss may occur.
- Some autoimmune diseases can cause the body to attack its own cells, leading to hair loss. Conditions such as alopecia areata fall into this category.
- Strenuous hair treatments such as tight ponytails, dense braids, frequent use of hot scissors, and chemical treatments can cause hair loss.
Hair loss in women is personal and may occur for different reasons in each individual. If a woman is experiencing hair loss problems, it is important to consult a dermatologist or specialist doctor. Because once the cause of hair loss is determined, an appropriate treatment plan can be created.
My hair is falling out a lot, what should I do?
Hair loss is a common problem in both men and women. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of reasons, including stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, or an underlying health problem. What is good for hair loss, home remedies and suggestions:
- Do not wash your hair every day: Washing your hair every day can strip the natural oils from the scalp, causing hair loss. It is enough to wash your hair 2-3 times a week.
- Do not wash your hair with very hot water: Very hot water can strip the scalp of oils, causing hair loss. It is better to wash your hair with warm water.
- Do not brush or comb your hair too hard: Brushing or combing your hair too hard can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss. Brush or comb your hair gently.
- Gather or tie your hair very tightly: Gathering or tying your hair too tightly can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss. Gather your hair loosely or tie it up.
- Avoid over-styling your hair. Avoid using heat styling tools or, if you can’t avoid using them, use a heat protectant to protect your hair.
- Use the right products to keep your hair healthy. Choose products that suit your hair type and use products that are gentle on your scalp.
- Castor Oil (Coconut Oil): Castor oil can nourish hair follicles and reduce hair loss. You can apply coconut oil by gently massaging your scalp and wash it after waiting for a while.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera can soothe the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. Aloe vera gel can be applied by massaging the scalp and washed after waiting for a while.
- Onion Juice: Onion juice can stimulate hair follicles and reduce hair loss. You can apply onion juice to your scalp and wash it with shampoo after waiting for a while.
- Green tea:Green tea, which contains antioxidants, can reduce hair loss. You can apply brewed green tea to your scalp and wash it after waiting for a while.
- Rosemary oil: Rosemary oil can revitalize the scalp and reduce hair loss. You can massage the scalp by mixing rosemary oil with carrier oils.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can balance the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. You can apply diluted apple cider vinegar to your hair and wash it after waiting for a while.
How to treat hair loss in women?
Various measures can be taken to control or reduce hair loss in women. However, it is important to consult a specialist first to determine the underlying cause of hair loss. For the question of what is good for hair loss in women, the best things for hair loss are:
- It is important to adopt a diet that includes nutrients that positively affect hair health. A balanced nutrition program containing vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin A and vitamin C can support hair health.
- Light and organic hair care products suitable for your hair type should be preferred. Chemical-containing products should be avoided.
- Using hot scissors can strengthen hair ends and reduce hair loss. However, this process should not be done frequently.
- Tight ponytails, tight braids or tight hair styles can strain hair follicles and cause hair loss. Pulling the hair tightly should be avoided.
- Stress can trigger hair loss. Relaxing activities, meditation or stress management techniques such as yoga can positively impact hair health.
- Hormonal changes can cause hair loss. To maintain hormonal balance, regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle and treatment of hormonal problems are important.
- If hair loss is a serious problem, it is important to consult a dermatologist. The doctor can determine the cause of hair loss and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Hair loss treatment products recommended and approved by a dermatologist can be used. These products may include minoxidil or some hair serums.
Every individual is different, so an effective treatment plan for hair loss must be tailored to individual needs and hair health status. Therefore, women experiencing hair loss should consult a specialist to create a personalized treatment plan.
Vitamins that are good for hair loss
Among the vitamins that are good for hair loss, biotin is the first one. Biotin is an important vitamin for hair and nail health. Biotin deficiency can cause hair loss. Biotin is found in foods such as eggs, milk, oats, walnuts and almonds. Vitamins and supplements that are good for hair loss:
- Iron: Iron is a mineral necessary for hair formation. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. Iron is found in red meat, poultry, legumes and dark green leafy vegetables.
- Zinc: Zinc is a mineral necessary for hair formation and growth. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss. Zinc is found in red meat, seafood, legumes and nuts.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is a vitamin necessary for hair formation and growth. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause hair loss. Vitamin B12 is found in red meat, milk, poultry and fish.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A is an important vitamin for hair health. Vitamin A deficiency can cause hair loss. Vitamin A is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, milk and liver.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a vitamin necessary for hair formation. Vitamin C deficiency can cause hair loss. Vitamin C is found in oranges, tangerines, strawberries, broccoli and peppers.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are an important nutrient for hair health. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can cause hair loss. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as salmon, herring, mackerel, walnuts and purslane.
To prevent hair loss, it is important to follow a healthy diet plan and consume foods containing these vitamins. Additionally, if there is an underlying health problem that may cause hair loss, treating this problem is also important.
Is excessive hair loss a sign of cancer?
Excessive hair loss can be a sign of cancer, but it is not always the case. Hair loss can be caused by many different reasons, so it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of your hair loss. There are many different types of cancer that can cause hair loss. For example, some types of leukemia can cause hair loss. Cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause hair loss. Here are some signs to look out for to determine whether hair loss is a sign of cancer:
- Sudden and severe hair loss
- Hair loss concentrated in a specific area of the scalp
- Hair loss accompanied by other symptoms, such as loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, changes in nails, changes in the skin
Hair loss, which is not a sign of cancer, usually resolves on its own. However, if you feel your hair loss is severe or bothersome, it is important to see a doctor.