Young Woman Combing Her Hair

Lack of iron and protein especially has also been linked to hair loss. The easiest way to remedy this is to take a good look at your diet. Are you eating complete meals? Are your food choices well-rounded or do you tend to choose what will be the easiest or fastest to make and eat? Changing this habit as well as your sleep patterns is the key in restoring hair loss. You need a proper amount of sleep each night to help your body function correctly and to aid with maintaining your hair’s natural growth, resting and falling out stages. By keeping your body healthy, you also avoid any illnesses that can also trigger hair loss.

Certain prescriptions and over-the counter medicines are also known to cause hair loss. The list is very long but it includes blood thinners, thyroid prescriptions, birth control and antidepressants. Talking with your doctor about your concerns will allow him to provide you with alternative options like reducing your dose or changing your prescription altogether.

Hair can be lost to improper care. If you over style your hair, abuse it with blow dryers and irons or the big one, coloring your hair too often, you could be at risk for some major fall out. Hair should not be colored any more often than every six to eight weeks and you should avoid it altogether if possible. While hair coloring won’t make everyone’s hair fall out, it does do damage and you will have healthier hair in general if you don’t color it. Try not to stretch your hair into styles that require a lot of strain on your roots such as cornrows, tight braids or buns. Blow drying your hair can dry it out and cause it to break while irons can burn the hair. Whenever possible, try to find a style that doesn’t require an iron, dry your hair naturally and keep your hair trimmed and properly conditioned to prevent hair loss and ultimately keep your hair healthy.

There are a few hair loss prevention shampoos especially designed for women out there as well as creams, such as Rogaine, that can aid in healthy hair and its growth. You can also massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow and get those roots producing again. The best way to prevent hair loss is to take a look at your lifestyle. Hectic, stressful schedules, improper diet and sleep, certain pharmaceuticals and lack of good hair care are all major contributing factors. By changing these components, you instantly reduce your chances of further hair loss. If you still notice your hair thinning or falling out more than usual, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and additional options for prevention of further loss and opportunities for growing back what you have already lost.

Woman with comb

There are ways for women to prevent hair loss.  So, what can women do to prevent hair loss?

Vitamins:

One of the most important things you can do for your health and your hair loss is taking vitamins. Many women do not get enough vitamins in their diet, specifically iron, zinc, and B vitamins.  These are the essential vitamins that may cause hair loss in women in particular.   A standard multi-vitamin taken daily will provide the correct amounts of these vital vitamins that may be missing from your diet.   One other important supplement is Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential hair building blocks.  You can take an omega-3 supplement or you can eat more fish and nuts.

Protein:

Protein deficiency can be a cause of thinning hair and female hair loss.  If women are not getting enough protein in their diets, the body will cut off the protein supply to the hair.

Hair is actually considered a protein, so if your diet is lacking in protein, it will lead to thinning hair or hair loss.  To add protein to your diet, you do not resort to all red meat or any for that matter, but you should watch what you are eating.  Along with red meat, soy is a great source of protein, which has been linked to hair growth and hair strengthening.  Additionally, other sources of non-meat sources of protein include yogurt, dairy, nuts, beans, and eggs.  Your best bet is to add two servings of protein per day to help prevent hair loss.

Hair Care

Do not brush your hair while it is wet.  You may do this and not even realize it is causing problems.  If you wait till your hair is dry, you may immediately notice less hair loss.  If you have hair that is long and easily becomes tangled, you can use a detangler or leave in conditioner.  Additionally, the choice of brush is important.  A wide-toothed comb is better than a hair brush and certain hair brushes of better quality may be smoother on your hair.

Alcohol Products:

Alcohol may be added to your soaps, shampoos or conditioners.  It has been shown that alcohol can lead to brittle and dry hair.  With this breakage, your hair may also come out at the roots.  If you already have problems with hair loss, it will be vital for you to research your products for alcohol ingredients.  With all natural products available in most health care products, you should easily be able to find a shampoo with no alcohol.

Finally, if you have continued hair loss and are not sure why, you should see a doctor for prevention methods. If your primary physician does not have any ideas, you can consult a dermatologist.  Your hair loss could be attributed to hormonal changes or thyroid conditions, which can be easily monitored or treated by your doctor.