This eco-diva would be a millionaire if I had a nickel for every time I'm asked if it's normal to have thinning hair? "Does it look thin?" "What do you think?" "Is this normal?" "Have you seen this before?" "Does it look thinner than last time you cut my hair?"
The questions are all the same, asked by women, usually over the age of 30 or 35, who are all wondering, what happened to their once-thick mane? Often, hair loss can be hormonally related, i.e. women who underwent childbirth (20-45%), or by underlying health problems like diabetes, lupus or hyper-thyroidism. Sometimes a stressful period in one's life can affect hair growth and loss. As can prescription drugs, nutritional deficiencies and plain old genetics. Female patterned balding goes around the whole top of the head -- it's diffuse -- and it's not flattering!
Here's what I advise:
1. Get to the root of the problem. Go see a reputable dermatologist. Go see your doctor. Get blood tests done. Have a pull test done! You need to rule out any serious underlying medical condition. At this point, weigh all of the information you're receiving from your doctor before committing to any kind of prescription hair-growth regime.
2. Incorporate Scalp Manipulation daily. Your scalp and hair follicles need good blood circulation for optimal hair growth. Learn to gently massage your entire scalp, with a good organic scalp and hair oil - try Morocco Method's Euro Oil or Aromabliss's Vamakesi Oil.
3. Rid your bath of any shampoo or conditioner that contains sodium lauryl sulfates. Research has proven a link between SLS's and hair loss. We all know that SLSs cause the suds in soaps. SLSs are caustic cleaners - excellent for degreasing a car engine but capable of corroding our hair follicles! SLSs also can impair the ability to grow hair. Word to the wise: Never buy or use a shampoo or conditioner that contains SLSs.
4. Take a good quality Omega-3 supplement daily. Omega-3's are known to play a vital role in hair health. As are iron and B-12. Try Nordic Natural's Omega Radiance for Optimum Skin and Hair Health.
5. Consider taking the Demodex Folliculorum information out there seriously. What? Never heard of these microscopic mites? Chances are, you may have them. As our age and sebum levels increase, the mite infestation increases. The folks at Nioxin have taken the relationship between Demodex infestation and hair loss very seriously. But I'm not a fan of Nioxin or any other products of that ilk. Sea Buckthorn Oil, however, is known to wipe out this mite. My advice: How about an organic shampoo filled with Sea Buckthorn Oil from Sevi! The best and a top seller at our salon!
Tell me what works for you! Give these hints a try and enjoy the scalp massage!