What's bigger than finding your first gray hair? Or seeing lines beginning to develop around your eyes and mouth? The moment you discover your hair is thinning, can be life changing for women. A Harvard Medical School report says that one-third of women will experience hair loss in their lifetime. So let’s talk about it.
Type I is minimal thinning that can be camouflaged with hair styling techniques. Type II is characterized by decreased volume and noticeable widening of the mid-line part. Type III describes diffuse thinning, with a see-through appearance on the top of the scalp.
First of all, what causes women to lose their hair? “Certain medications can cause hair loss: vitamin A, anticoagulants, hormones, and even antidepressants,” says Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist. “Additionally, environmental and artificial stressors like hair straightening and coloring can cause hair loss, as well as health issues such as thyroid problems, anemia and hormonal changes. But the issue is mostly hereditary. We call it androgenetic alopecia.” Dr. Gerstner says a series of tests can be conducted to get to the root of the problem, and that’s when you can start searching for a solution.
Medical Solutions
“We have plenty of options at our disposal to help women who are dealing with thinning hair and hair loss: Biotin, Viviscal and Aviva hair supplements work very well, as do steroid scalp injections,” says Dr. Gerstner. “There are also hair transplants, which can take many hours and are very costly. Some of the plugs take, some don’t.” She recommends seeking a top physician if you decide on this route.
Topical Products
Topical products can be very effective. Women’s Rogaine now comes in a foam formula that can be applied once daily for fast and easy hair growth stimulation. If your hair loss is temporary—due to anything from stress to pregnancy—products like Phyto Phytocane Revitalizing Serum ($65) can help stimulate your scalp.
Get a Haircut
The transformative powers of a good hairstyle can’t be denied, but the word “cut” can be scary. “Most women don’t want to sacrifice any hair, but a chic, stylish cut can change your look and minimize the appearance of hair loss,” says Jill Crosby, celebrity stylist and spokesperson for Women’s Rogaine. “Hanging onto uneven hair can make the problem look worse. The right cut can create weight lines as a visual indicator of weight and volume, which is exactly what you need: the illusion of depth.”
Change Your Color
Don’t be afraid of color. Color not only offers a welcomed emotional change, it also adds dimension to a cut and volume since color expands the cuticle of the hair. Go to someone who understands chemical processes so they can take care of the hair they are processing. This isn’t the time to experiment at home. Please don't just grab a box of color off the drug store shelf. The wrong hair color can make the thinning problem appear worse. Women often go dark with home color, which is a no-no if you have fair skin; it makes the hair loss stand out more than ever. The purpose of color, other than covering gray, is to enhance skin tone so that the thinning is less noticeable.
Watch the Heat Styling
In order to protect the hair you have, lower the temperature of your styling tools. Thin hair requires a very low heat setting. Cut the heat into a third of what you’d normally use and work your way up from there. Also, regular usage of thermal protection products is a must if you want to protect the hair from breakage.
Pick the Right Styling Products
In addition to volumizing shampoo and conditioner, like Scruples Structure Bath Shampoo and Quickseal Conditioner, styling products are needed that add lift. I personally, like Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Mousse (find these by clicking the "hair care" tab), because it amps up the volume. Another product not to overlook would be dry shampoo because it is a great root lifter. it stays put without looking stiff, while giving texture and dimension. I recommend KMS Hair Play.
