When we think of balding or thinning hair, we usually think of men, but it isn't unusual for women to experience thinning hair as they age, especially when they're having some of the hormone losses that are associated with menopause.
If you are experiencing thinning hair-which is also known as female pattern baldness-or hair loss, keep in mind that some of the following reasons can contribute to your hair loss.
Some prescription drugs such as blood thinners and medications for arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure can cause hair shedding or thinning.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist and ask them if your prescription medication may be causing your hair thinning.
The damaging effects of hair care treatments or styling, as well as twisting or pulling your hair, can cause hair loss or thinning.
If you suspect this is the reason that your hair is thinning, you should change the way you style your hair, or invest in a good conditioning treatment.
Thyroid disease can cause hair loss.
If you suspect this, speak with your doctor about a thyroid test, because the appropriate treatment for thyroid disease often results in hair re-growth.
Your diet may have some losses or insufficiency.
If you have an iron deficiency, it can cause hair loss, but don't take iron unless your doctor recommends that you take a supplement.
Iron supplements can build up in your system, and too much can cause more problems than too little.
To help prevent further hair loss, make sure you're getting enough omega-3 fatty acids.
Eat fatty fish: salmon, sardines, herring or mackerel two or three times a week.
Incorporate walnuts into your diet, and also supplement with black currant oil or evening primrose oil.
Take 500 mg of one or the other twice a day for six to eight weeks and this can help thinning hair to grow back in.
Other things you can do to help with your thinning hair: Change your hair style.
If your current style exposes too much of your thinning hair or bald spot, try changing your part, or wearing bangs or a fringe.
Try a small hairpiece.
There are some that are both inexpensive and natural looking.
They're definitely not like they were years ago, when you could absolutely tell a hairpiece was fake.
Your friends might be wearing one now, and you'd never know.
Experiment with colors and styles, and see which one looks best on you.
Try a fill-in powder for thinning hair.
You can use this while you're trying dietary changes or medication changes (because your thinning hair may take six to eight weeks to grow back in) or if you've discovered that your thinning hair can't be helped.
It is formulated especially to stay on the scalp, and can conceal fine and thinning hair.
The powder instantly gives the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
The powder eliminates shiny spots from your exposed scalp to give the illusion of thick full hair.
It can also cover root growth if you need a visit to the colorist.
If you're a woman and you have thinning hair, don't write it off as 'one of those things'.
If you make some dietary or medication changes, your hair may very well grow back.
If your hair won't re-grow, there are other solutions as well.
Change your hairstyle, get a small hairpiece, or try a good fill-in powder.
Just as we use powder on our eyebrows, fill in powders can look totally natural and make your hair look the best it has in years.