Summary

The article outlines strategies for women to prevent hair loss as they age, emphasizing dietary changes, supplements, and proper hair care.

Abstract

The article discusses the impact of aging on women's hair growth and the factors contributing to hair loss, such as obesity, diet, and hair treatments. It suggests that a balanced diet, particularly the Mediterranean diet, and the inclusion of natural supplements can help maintain hair health. The article also advises on the careful use of hair treatments and managing emotional and physical stress to prevent hair loss. It acknowledges that genetics play a role in hair loss but emphasizes that proactive measures can be taken to slow down the process. The author shares personal experience and expert insights to encourage women to take care of their hair and overall health to mitigate the effects of hair loss.

Opinions

The author admits to experiencing stalled hair growth and shares a personal anecdote about discovering bald spots, suggesting a relatable and authentic perspective on the issue.
The article conveys that obesity and a high-fat diet can accelerate hair loss, based on a study by the Tokyo Medical and Dental University group.
It is opinioned that protein deficiency can lead to hair loss, and plant-based sources like beans, nuts, and quinoa are recommended as alternatives to animal products.
The Mediterranean diet is highly recommended for its association with preventing baldness and providing necessary nutrients.
The author emphasizes the importance of taking hair, skin, and nails supplements, particularly for women who may be deficient in essential vitamins like iron.
The article suggests that excessive use of hair extensions, coloring, and treatments can damage hair quality and advises using natural alternatives and medicated products for hair care.
Emotional and physical stress, including over-exercising and poor nutrition, is believed to contribute to hair loss, and the author encourages finding effective ways to manage stress.
Genetic factors are acknowledged as a cause of hair loss, but the article remains optimistic about the effectiveness of commercial products and medications in managing this type of hair loss.
The author expresses that hair loss can significantly impact a woman's self-esteem and suggests that preventative health measures and informed choices about hair treatments can help preserve hair health.

Five Things Women Can Do To Prevent Hair Loss As They Age

It’s a well-known fact that women’s hair growth declines with age

I will admit — that my hair growth has stalled for the past six years.

At first, put it down to having hair extensions and treatments for several years.

However, that harsh impact to already fine hair can decrease the quality of your hair follicles and increase instances of baldness throughout the scalp.

About seven years ago, I was in the change room of a store, trying on a jacket.

I took one look at myself in the mirror and gasped. For whatever reason, the front of my scalp looked like it was somewhat bald.

My hair was so delicate and lifeless that it looked like I had bald spots.

I was shocked — how could this happen?

It can happen to thin and obese women — there is no doubt about that, but for many different reasons.

Lack of iron is one, and of course, putting foreign things in your hair is another.

But that’s just the beginning — because many factors can impact the quality of your hair and its growth.

The self-renewal of every hair follicle has a cycle.

This is what helps hair to grow back continually.

Unfortunately, hair follicle stem cells (HFSC) stop replenishing themselves as we age, leading to fewer hair follicles and thinning of hair.

Obese people have a higher risk of hair loss, but whether obesity accelerates hair follicles’ inability to replenish themselves has been largely unknown — until now.

The Tokyo Medical and Dental University group came together to address these unanswered questions and identified some apparent mechanisms.

This study consisted of mice who were fed the standard and high-fat diet.

Mice fed a high-fat diet experienced faster hair loss and smaller hair follicles, and further depletion of HDSC, unlike the mice fed the standard diet.

Changes in hair follicles of the high fat-fed mice changed in four consecutive days and increased their rate of oxidative stress!

How do you prevent the onset of hair loss?

The first step is eliminating highly processed foods from your diet.

It’s a well-known fact that obesity increases your chances of disease and diminishes the quality of your hair.

Protein

A 2017 study found several participants experienced hair loss on a low protein and amino acid diet.

However, great sources of protein are not only found in animal products.

You can still get your adequate intake with beans, pulses, nuts and seeds, and quinoa and lentils.

Ideal diet

The best diet to follow is the Mediterranean food plan

This eating plan is, hands down, the most recommended by health professionals and has proven time and time again to help eliminate disease and provide the necessary nutrients, protein, healthy fats and carbs for an optimal lifestyle.

In addition, the use of herbs and vegetables in this diet has been associated with helping prevent baldness and decrease the risk of damaging your hair follicles.

Natural supplements

Take a hair, skin and nails supplement.

I take mine religiously daily and have found that the vitamins it contains are lacking in my diet.

Not everyone can consistently maintain optimal vitamin intake from our foods, and giving our body a boost is sometimes necessary.

Iron is an essential vitamin for women, who are usually deficient.

That was a crucial vitamin that caused me to experience hair loss and a lack of follicle activation.

Hair loss may occur through these vitamin deficiencies;

Zinc
Vitamins E, C, A, D B
Selenium
Iron

Please speak to your doctor before taking any supplements if they cause any issues with your current medication or health.

Use scalp and hair treatments regularly

Should you share my experience with hair extensions, colouring and other treatments — you do run the risk of ruining the quality of your hair and follicle activation.

So taking proper care of your hair and scalp is essential, as well as applying fewer chemicals, treatments, and colouring is a crucial factor.

Colouring such as bleach can damage your hair. Pick a more natural alternative that doesn’t us harsh chemicals.

There are a lot of medicated shampoos and conditioners that can help with hair loss.

You should avoid using high heat devices on your hair, such as; hair irons, blowdryers, and curling irons. Instead, save them for special occasions.

Use heat styling products first to decrease the risk of damage.

Emotional and physical stress

Stress and over-exercising can cause physical stress to manifest through hair loss.

So it’s essential to put in place the necessary ways to deal with stress — that work for you.

Make sure you apply the required rest days throughout your training schedule.

Lack of nutrition may also play a big part in hair loss.

These factors seem to add up and cause hair loss or baldness.

It might be your genetics

Unfortunately, sometimes hair loss is due to genetics, and it can be pretty devastating when it begins to take place as we age.

However, several commercial products are available that can help slow down this process.

The extent to which you proceed with these treatments will depend on your budget.

Sometimes, these treatments do not work, and you may need to resort to medications.

Key takeaways

Hair loss is devastating for men and women — although it can impact a woman’s self-esteem more than a man’s.

Women are known for their femininity, and hair is an essential part of being a woman.

Although the rate of hair loss depends on the woman, there is no natural way of knowing — but putting in place preventative measures is probably all you can do.

Look after your health as best as possible, starting at a young age.

Think carefully about what these damaging hair products, colours, and treatments might cause later on down the track.

Please view the Toko Research piece here.

Question for discussion — Has hair loss impacted you, and how did you move forward by fixing or accepting the problem? I’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to read more articles like this or start writing your own, please sign up via my link. I’d love to see you on the other side. 👇🏼

Sign up here for your medium subscription.

I get a portion of your monthly fee at no extra cost to you, and it will go a long way in supporting me as a writer.