Growth Plan: How to Combat Hair Loss

ELIZABETH SIEGEL

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Around the time you blow out 40 candles, your hair loses some of its bounce and shine and...happy birthday? For many women, however, those changes are more severe. By 50, about half of us will have noticed a widening part, a brush full of broken hairs, a thinning ponytail, and it’s—we’re just going to come out and say it—hair loss. Now is the time to get back the hair you had at 21.

If you pinpoint the reason for your hair loss with your doctor, you can do something about it for good:

Reason #1: Genetics is the most common cause of female hair loss. Before you go down a Google hole of home remedies, know that “the only topical treatment with evidence-based efficacy is minoxidil,” says Neil Sadick, a dermatologist in New York City who specializes in hair loss. He recommends the 5 percent concentration in Women's Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment 5% Minoxidil rogaine women foam hair growth treatment(it takes at least three months of daily use to yield results, so stick with it).

Reason #2: Stress and crash diets are the second and third most frequent culprits. “Three months after a major trauma, like surgery, you may have temporary hair loss,” says Sadick. Biotin or zinc supplements can strengthen the hairs you have (so they look fuller) until the rest of your hair grows back in about 6 to 12 months.

Reason #3: Inflammation complicates matters. “Scalp inflammation is present in a majority of women with hair loss,” says Sadick, who suggests coupling Rogaine with a prescription steroid solution. Weekly sessions with a low-energy-laser home gadget, like iGrow, can also help.

Reason #4: Hormonal changes—from menopause or birth control pills—can mess with your hair. Spironolactone, a prescription drug that controls androgens, or a birth control switcheroo can put hormones in check to normalize hair growth.

BULK UP FAST It takes time—usually three months—for growth treatments to work. While you’re waiting, bring in reinforcements: volumizing spray and lightweight mousse. Rake them from roots to ends with a wide-tooth comb, starting with the volumizing spray. Blow-dry with a big round brush, then set your hair in Conair Styling Essentials Thermal Self-Grip Rollers to smooth frizz and add lasting volume.