As a stylist who suffered hair loss, one of the most frustrating things is the false hope I often see given for hair loss. It's time, to be honest! We can only find a solution once we determine what is causing your hair loss.
Hair loss is complicated; some causes could be genetics, hair care routine, medical issues, and your health regimen. Every hair loss consultation I do behind the chair starts with serious questions that focus on finding and ruling out causes for your hair loss.
Genetics
Genetic hair (Androgenetic Alopecia) As we age and go through menopause, around 1/3 of women start to see their hair thinning and may even have some bald spots. There is still a lot of research on FPHL (Female pattern hair loss). What we do know is that several different genes cause it. Suppose you see that in your family line (on either side), the best approach is to be proactive, not reactive, to the chance of hair loss. Androgenetic Alopecia can begin at any age.
Our Hair Care Routine
A bad hair care routine that uses too much product can cause hair loss. You should talk to your stylist about what you are using and if you are using the right combination for your hair and scalp needs. I have some clients using volume shampoo and moisture conditioner, and for others, it is the exact opposite. If you are using many products on your hair, dry shampoo, waxes, hair sprays, oils, and everything else, you need to be sure that your scalp is getting cleaned of those products.
Medical Issues
One of the things I often tell my clients suffering from hair loss is that if we are suffering from something internally, there is less of a chance of anything we do externally. Several health issues cause hair loss; one we, as stylists, see a lot right now is Covid hair loss. But there could be hormonal issues such as pregnancy or menopause, emotional stress, recent surgery, heart issues, thyroid issues, diabetic issues, and autoimmune disorders.
No matter what magic I do behind the chair, our best resource for hair loss is to start with your doctor. Your doctor can run blood tests to help us determine the reason for your hair loss.
Although many would see this as a separate issue from medical, it goes along with what is going on internally. Your diet and hydration routine can have a significant impact on your hair. I can often tell when clients are doing diets that leave them lacking certain nutrients, not just by hair loss but sometimes by their hair texture change. Hydration is vital to great skin (scalp) and hair. Ensuring you get enough water helps keep your blood flowing, and blood flow to your scalp is critical to the health of your scalp. Exercise can also help with heart health, which helps with hair growth.
The best advice on hair loss is to talk to your doctor and stylists before investing in homemade remedies or expensive shampoos. Let's find out what is causing your hair loss.