How to Cope With Female Pattern Hair Loss

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Every day, about 100-135 hairs are shed from the scalp and about the same number enter the growth cycle for most people. When the number of hairs lost exceeds the numbers of hairs growing, hair thinning occurs. Female hair loss can cause a feeling of self-consciousness. Here are some ways to cope.

Steps

1. Go online and locate a source for an anti sebolytic scalp cleanser and use it regularly.
2. Increase the circulation to your scalp. Use a soft, multi-tipped scalp massager daily. Scalp massagers are usually found in places that sell hair products. Use your hands to massage your scalp.
3. Try different shampoos. There are several shampoos specifically formulated for thinning hair. None of them are going to work miracles but some do promote follicular heath and therefore hair growth. Others contain protein and fibers to coat the hair shaft and thicken it.
   • A number of botanical/naturally derived treatments that employ agents and mechanisms similar to drug based offerings also exist. As with any treatment, do your research and be weary of "review sites" or other sales scams.
4. If it's thick enough in the front but thin at the crown, grow it longer in front and sweep it back. Sweep it up from the sides. Use headbands to cover areas, or mini-clips to arrange hair, or bows and wraps.
5. If you are really young (about 25 and under) and you feel adventurous, try doing something really crazy with your hair, like dyeing it an unnatural colour, spiking it, shaving part of it (but not too much), etc. Not only will this hide any noticeable thinning, people will be too focused on how crazy it is than if it's a little thin.
6. For mild to moderate thinning, try to decrease the shine of your scalp and your hair loss will be less noticeable. Use a hair powder on your scalp, or use shake-on hair building fibers. Yes, they really do work!
7. Experiment with caps, kerchiefs, and hats.
8. Look for OTC drugs. There are over-the-counter drugs for hair loss but before using any kind of drug, see a specialist.
   • The main treatment for female-pattern hair loss is Minoxilil. A 2% Minoxidil should be applied twice a day to dry hair. Follow package directions.
9. Before buying the product, check the packaging. If the packaging says that it will not be effective on certain hair loss patterns, and you have one of those hair loss patterns, save your money. Usually there is a drawing on the box.
10. If you do try the products, do not expect results for at least 6-8 weeks, and continued use of the product is required to maintain any new growth. Note: check the store brand for the percentage of active ingredients. If they are comparable to the name brand, go with the less-expensive brand as this is an expensive and long-term commitment.
11. Think positively about the situation; if you were always teased about your thick hair in grade school, have a laugh about the irony. Think about your new hair possibilities, also. For example, if you've always wanted to try a really short hairstyle but you thought it would look like an afro or a Jellicle Cat's hair, try it now and you might enjoy the results!
12. Lastly, try to keep your hair loss in perspective: you are the same person as you've always been. What's inside of your head is much more important than what's on top of it!

Video

Warnings

• Use only products specifically made for women. Finastride is not suitable for women because of the potential for the drug to cause abnormalities in the genitalia of male fetuses.
• Male Minoxidil has 5% active ingredient, but it is not any more effective for women than the 2%, but it has more side effects.
• If you go with crazy hair, keep in mind the rules of your school/job. While it may be fine if you go to an art school or work at Hot Topic, beware if you go to a private/religious/strict school or work somewhere that strives to be business-like.

Sources and Citations

• http://www.nioxin.com for examples of shampoos and scalp cleansers
• http://www.toppik.com for examples of hair fibers and hair thickeners
• http://www.bumbleandbumble.com for examples of scalp powders

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