What is the best hair loss treatment for females? Expert’s Guide

Hair loss is a frequent problem that affects both men and women, but it may be more upsetting for women. The search for the hair loss treatment for females has resulted in several breakthroughs and solutions. 

Several strategies have been investigated to properly address this condition, ranging from topical remedies to dietary adjustments. In this TH Cosmetic‘s article, we will look at some of the most promising treatments on the market, offering vital information to help women make educated decisions and recover trust in the quality of their hair.

Types of Female Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia 

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as female pattern baldness, is women’s most prevalent form of hair loss. A combination of genetic and hormonal factors causes it. Women with this condition typically experience hair thinning and hair loss primarily on the crown of the scalp, but it can also affect the frontal hairline.

• Causes: Androgenetic alopecia in females is linked to the presence of androgens, which are male sex hormones that women also produce in smaller amounts. The sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens can lead to the miniaturization of hair follicles, resulting in thinner and shorter hair strands over time.
• Symptoms: Female pattern baldness often begins with a widening part and gradually progresses to the overall hair thinning. Women may notice increased hair shedding, reduced hair volume, and a more visible scalp in affected areas.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss characterized by excessive hair shedding due to disruptions in the growth cycle. It can affect both men and women and is often triggered by various factors.

• Causes: Telogen effluvium can be caused by physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes (such as after childbirth or during menopause), major surgeries, significant weight loss, certain medications, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Symptoms: The primary symptom of telogen effluvium is increased hair shedding. A person may notice more hair falling out than usual during brushing, showering, or throughout the day. Unlike female pattern baldness, telogen effluvium doesn’t cause distinct hair loss patterns.

Hormonal Hair Loss

Hormonal hair loss in women is related to fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly androgens (male sex hormones) and estrogen (female sex hormone).

• Causes: Hormonal hair loss can be caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which leads to increased androgen levels or hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and the postpartum period.
• Symptoms: The symptoms of hormonal hair loss can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include diffuse hair thinning, receding hairline, and hair loss concentrated at the top of the scalp.

Medical Conditions and Hair Loss

Various medical conditions can contribute to hair loss in women. These conditions may be autoimmune, skin-related, or systemic illnesses.

• Causes: Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata can cause patchy hair loss, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Skin conditions like scalp psoriasis or fungal infections can also lead to hair loss. Systemic diseases such as thyroid disorders or chronic illnesses may also contribute to hair thinning.
• Symptoms: Hair loss symptoms vary depending on the specific medical condition. In some cases, it may be localized to certain areas, while in others, it may be more diffuse.

Identifying the Causes of Hair Loss

Nutritional Deficiencies

A lack of essential nutrients can also contribute to hair loss. Hair follicles require a variety of vitamins, minerals, and proteins to grow and maintain healthy hair. Common nutritional deficiencies that can cause hair loss include:

• Iron: Iron deficiency anemia can lead to hair loss as iron is essential for hair cell production and growth.
• Biotin: Biotin (Vitamin B7) is crucial for hair health, and its deficiency can cause brittle hair and hair loss.
• Zinc: Zinc deficiency can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and increase shedding.
• Protein: Protein is the building block of hair, and inadequate intake can result in weak and thinning hair.

Genetic Factors

Hair loss can be influenced by genetic factors, which means it runs in the family. The most common form of genetic hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness.

A combination of genes from both parents causes this condition. In men, it often starts with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women, it typically leads to overall hair thinning.

Genetic hair loss occurs due to the sensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to shorter and thinner hair strands until they eventually stop producing hair altogether.

Stress and Anxiety

High stress and anxiety levels can lead to hair loss, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Stress disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, pushing more hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase, where they eventually shed.

This can result in diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp. Stress can also trigger trichotillomania, a condition where people compulsively pull out their hair, leading to patches of hair loss.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, therapy, and proper self-care can help reduce the impact of stress-related hair loss.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions and illnesses can contribute to hair loss. Some of these conditions include:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and thyroid disorders can disrupt the hormonal balance, leading to hair loss.
• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
• Scalp Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections of the scalp can weaken hair follicles and result in hair loss.
• Medical Treatments: Some treatments, like chemotherapy, can cause temporary hair loss, known as anagen effluvium.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
• Skin Disorders: Conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can affect the scalp and lead to hair loss.

Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments

Topical Medications for Hair Regrowth

Topical medications are applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair regrowth and prevent further hair loss. The two most commonly used topical treatments are:

• Minoxidil: Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication with various strengths (2% to 5%). It is applied directly to the scalp and increases blood flow to hair follicles, promoting hair growth. It is suitable for both men and women and may take several months to show visible results.
• Finasteride: Although primarily available in oral form, some formulations also come as a topical solution. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. It is typically prescribed for men with androgenetic alopecia.

Oral Supplements and Vitamins for Hair Health

Certain oral supplements and vitamins can support hair health and reduce hair loss. Some of the most commonly recommended ones include:

• Biotin: Biotin, a B vitamin, is essential for healthy hair growth. It helps strengthen hair strands and can be found in various hair supplements.
• Iron: Iron deficiency can contribute to hair loss, especially in women. Iron supplements can help combat this issue.
• Vitamin D: Adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for maintaining healthy hair follicles. Supplements may be beneficial for individuals with vitamin D deficiency.
• Zinc: Zinc plays a role in hair tissue growth and repair. Zinc supplements might be helpful for people with zinc deficiency.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses the patient’s blood to promote hair growth. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to isolate platelets (which contain growth factors), and injecting the concentrated PRP into the scalp.

The growth factors in PRP stimulate hair follicles, leading to increased hair growth and improved hair density. PRP therapy is considered safe and has gained popularity as a natural and effective treatment for hair loss.

Scalp Microneedling

Scalp micro-needling, or collagen induction therapy, involves using a derma roller or pen with fine needles to create tiny punctures on the scalp. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing process and increase blood circulation to the scalp.

The improved blood flow encourages hair growth and collagen production, promoting a healthier scalp environment for hair follicles. Scalp micro-needling is often combined with topical treatments like minoxidil or PRP for enhanced results.

Hair Growth Shampoos and Conditioners

Hair growth shampoos and conditioners promote hair health and reduce hair loss. They usually contain biotin, caffeine, ketoconazole, and saw palmetto, which is believed to support hair growth and inhibit DHT.

While these products can benefit some individuals, managing expectations is essential as they may not lead to significant hair regrowth. They are often used as part of a comprehensive approach alongside other treatments.

Surgical Hair Loss Treatments

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

Follicular Unit Transplantation, commonly known as FUT or strip harvesting, is a surgical hair restoration technique. Here’s how the procedure generally works:

• Procedure: The surgeon starts by numbing the donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) with local anesthesia. They then remove a thin strip of scalp tissue containing healthy hair follicles from the donor area. The wound is sutured, leaving a fine linear scar that can be concealed by surrounding hair.
• Benefits: FUT allows the transplantation of many grafts in a single session, making it suitable for patients with advanced hair loss. It also typically results in a high graft survival rate.
• Considerations: The linear scar from the donor area might concern individuals who prefer to wear very short hairstyles. However, advancements in surgical techniques and closure methods have minimized the scar’s appearance.

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

Direct Hair Implantation, or DHI or Choi Implanter Pen technique, is a modern variation of the traditional Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method.

• Procedure: Unlike FUT, DHI does not involve the removal of a strip of scalp tissue. Instead, hair follicles are extracted individually from the donor area using a microneedle or a specialized extraction tool. These follicles are then immediately implanted into the recipient area using a Choi Implanter Pen, which creates tiny incisions and places the grafts simultaneously.
• Benefits: DHI offers several advantages, including minimal scarring, faster healing time, and precise control over the depth and angle of graft placement, resulting in a more natural-looking hairline.
• Considerations: DHI can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive than FUT or standard FUE and may require highly skilled surgeons.

Hair Transplantation

Not everyone experiencing hair loss is an ideal candidate for hair transplantation. The suitability of the procedure depends on various factors, including:

• Sufficient Donor Hair: To undergo a hair transplant, a patient must have adequate healthy hair in the donor area, usually at the back or sides of the scalp. This donor hair will be used for transplantation into areas with hair loss.
• Stable Hair Loss: Candidates should have stable hair loss, meaning their hair loss pattern has likely stabilized and the loss is no longer progressing rapidly. Performing a hair transplant on individuals with unstable hair loss may lead to an unnatural appearance as the hair loss continues.
• Realistic Expectations: Candidates must have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. While hair transplantation can significantly improve appearance, it may not fully restore the hair density of their youth.
• Good General Health: Candidates should be in overall good health and without any medical conditions that could interfere with the healing process or pose risks during surgery.

Lifestyle Changes for Hair Health

Haircare Tips and Dos

Proper hair care is essential to maintain healthy and strong hair. Follow these tips:

• Regular washing: Cleanse your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Avoid excessive washing, as it can strip natural oils.
• Scalp massage: Massaging your scalp increases blood circulation, promoting hair growth and overall scalp health.
• Moisturize: Use natural oils like coconut or argan oil to moisturize your hair and prevent dryness and split ends.
• Trim regularly: Get regular trims to remove split ends and maintain hair health.
• Use heat sparingly: Minimize using heated styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons to prevent damage.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

• Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to hair loss and affect the overall health of your hair. Here are some strategies to manage stress:
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can calm the mind and reduce stress.
• Engage in hobbies: Pursue activities that bring joy and help divert your mind from stressors.
• Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a professional counselor if you find stress overwhelming.

Avoiding Damaging Hairstyles and Practices

Certain hairstyles and practices can lead to hair breakage and damage. Be cautious of the following:

• Tight hairstyles: Avoid that pull the hair tightly, such as tight ponytails or braids, as they can cause tension and breakage.
• Heat styling: Limit the use of heat styling tools and always apply a heat protectant before using them.
• Chemical treatments: Be cautious with chemical treatments like dyes, bleaches, and perms, as they can weaken the hair shaft.
• Brushing wet hair: Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage, so use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to avoid unnecessary damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best hair loss treatment for females requires a tailored approach, considering individual factors and underlying causes of hair loss. While several options are available in the market, women must consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist before embarking on any treatment journey.

A combination of FDA-approved medications, lifestyle modifications, and self-care practices may offer significant benefits in combating hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.