I was going bald!
Not like normal hair loss with age or finding random (and many) strands of hair between my butt crack. No, more like bald spots on my scalp! I was concerned as hair loss in women isn’t really a thing in my family, so I started researching.
Hair loss factors:
- Hereditary
- Sickness
- Radiation
- Medications
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal Changes
I knew my hormones were a mess with a deadly combo of an underactive thyroid and PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) but was I about to look like Mr. Clean himself?
I was losing my hair and possibly my mind, so I did what any rationally sane woman does when they’re losing their hair AND TRIED EVERYTHING! And since I tried everything under the sun, I can give you some advice on how to save your hair before it’s too late.
Hair Loss In Women And How To Save Your Hair
- Make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Dermatologists are experts and can point you in the right direction of diagnosing or treating your hair loss. It’s the best bet in getting answers fast. - Add in protein.
Take it from the fitness babe, protein is your friend, and hair follicles are made of mostly protein. If you’re not getting an adequate amount of protein riched foods, then this may be why you’re seeing hair loss.
A good protein source is eggs, which also has biotin in it, another nutrient your hair needs. - Try supplements.
Adding in vitamins can help supplement what you’re lacking if your diet isn’t balanced. Taking omega-3 fish oil, Vitamin D, and Collagen can help with hair growth. You can add in a biotin supplement, but rarely is anyone biotin deficient, but it also can’t hurt. - Buy hair products with oils.
My dermatologist recommended oil-based shampoos and conditioners for my thinning hair because as much as I was styling and putting it up in a ponytail, the oil could help prevent some of the hair breakage/fallout. - Take eyeshadow to your scalp.
This is not a permanent solution, only temporary, but it will make you feel a little more at ease to cover up some thinning spots. Find an eyeshadow color close to your hair color and just fill it in, like you would your eyelids. No one will notice, and it looks natural. - Massage your scalp.
Research suggests that massaging your scalp can thicken your hair by stretching the cells of hair follicles and stimulates blood vessels on your head to encourage hair growth. I’m not a scientist (clearly!), but I believed this helped me, and I did it every night before bed. - Rogaine.
There’s good and bad in using this product. Yes, it works, but you have to do it every day and once you stop, the hair growing phase stops too and falls out. It’s a little pricey as well for continued use.
My hairdresser noticed a lot more hair growth, but I had to stop taking it because I noticed my anxiety was super heightened. Once I stopped, all was normal again.
This Won’t Save Your Hair
- Stress.
I can’t stress this enough, but if you’re stressing about your hair falling out, then get ready to say good-bye to more hair. Physical and emotional stress will stress your hair out, and in some cases stop growing. Try to relax and destress. - Monistat 7.
Yes, the yeast infection cream. After reading and hearing so many good reviews I had to try it myself. Well, I didn’t see anything different, so it was a bust. I’m sure this started as an influencer recommendation and spiraled out of control, but if you want to give it a go, it’s a fun item to purchase! - Ponytail.
This one was hard for me because I live in the gym, and how do you work out with your hair down? No, really, how? Constantly putting your hair up in a tight bun or ponytail will only break the hair, plus, the elastic band that you’re wrapping it up with isn’t doing your hair any favors. Pitch it. - Blow drying.
Drying your hair daily will make your hair lose moisture and break off. Opt for the natural wave, my friend.
From the girl who clearly had it all together during her hair loss phase (cough), I would like to add that I also bought clip-in extensions to hide parts of my scalp and found the best weave artist in town for a just in case. Hey, if you can’t achieve it, weave it!
Don’t Give Up
I know it’s a hard and emotional time when you’re losing your hair. The feelings are overwhelming when you see clumps of your hair in your hands, the shower, and your brush; it can be hard to feel good or even hopeful. I get it, and I was embarrassed and afraid of the outcome, but if you want to know what’s going on and to save your hair, always see a doctor first. They are the experts and can pinpoint hair loss in women and men more effectively.
You’ll overcome this, I did, and so many other women have. Believe that all will be well and trust the process. Besides, with technology today, there are so many options and alternatives that are affordable for you. Don’t give up!