Tips to Prevent or Reduce Hair Loss in Women
- Take care of your hair -- by paying less attention to it.
Coloring or perming your hair too often can damage it. Don't perm
and color the same day.
- Over-brushing damages hair -- 100 strokes a day is history.
- Limit heat exposure. Too much blow-drying or hot-curling can damage
hair.
- Limit chlorine exposure. Wear a bathing cap while swimming and shampoo
immediately afterwards.
- Hair is more fragile when wet. Avoid vigorous combing or brushing
wet hair. Using a conditioner or detangler after shampooing can make
grooming easier.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol and avoid using it on your hair. Hair
care products that contain alcohol can make hair dry, brittle and prone
to breakage.
- Over-pulling also damages hair. Tight ponytails and braids are damaging.
- Healthy hair is found on healthy people. Crash diets, illnesses, and
even childbirth can cause or exacerbate hair loss.
- Crash diets aren't good for your health or your hair. Rapid weight
loss plans, especially low-protein diets, can cause hair loss.
- If you are dieting, you should be taking a multivitamin supplement. There
are even supplements specifically designed for healthy hair (such as Nature's
Bounty Vitamins for Hair™).
- Medications that can cause hair loss include Vitamin A, certain antidepressants,
testosterone products, beta blockers, certain cholesterol-lowering agents,
and chemotherapy.
- Stopping birth control pills can contribute to hair loss.
- Certain medical conditions like lupus, having polycystic ovaries, and
hypo or hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss, so consult your physician if
you experience unexpected hair loss.
- If you are experiencing unexplained hair loss, consult your healthcare
provider.
Created: 11/22/2004 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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