Hair Loss When Over 40 is a common problem among women of all ages, especially those who are over 40 years old. It can be caused by many factors such as genetics, stress, and hormonal imbalances. However, the most common cause of hair loss is aging. As we get older, our body’s hormones change which leads to thinning hair. The good news is that there are several ways you can fight hair loss when you reach your forties. Read on to learn more about how to prevent and treat hair loss in this age group.
What are the different types of hair loss?
There are two main types of hair loss: male pattern baldness (MPB) and female pattern baldness (FPB). Both conditions affect men and women equally.
1. Male Pattern Baldness
This type of hair loss affects both sexes at any age. Men with MPB usually have receding hairlines and a “mullet” or “bald spot” on top of their heads. Women may experience hair thinning in the crown area.
2. Female Pattern Baldness
FPB occurs mostly in women after they turn 40. Women with FPB often develop patches of hair loss in the front part of their scalp. These areas tend to grow back thicker than other parts of the scalp.
Is it possible to fight hair loss when over 40?
Yes! There are plenty of things you can do to stop or slow down hair loss when you reach middle age. You should start taking care of your hair from an early age because it will help you maintain healthy hair throughout your life. If you have already started noticing hair loss, then it is important to know what causes it so you can take action to combat it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Eat well
Your diet plays a big role in maintaining strong hair. Make sure you eat foods rich in vitamins like vitamin B12, iron, zinc, biotin, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients promote the growth and repair of cells, which helps to protect against hair loss.
2. Drink enough water
Water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and protecting your scalp. Drinking eight glasses of water each day can also help reduce inflammation, which may lead to hair loss.
3. Use a shampoo with sulfate-free ingredients
Sulfates are chemicals found in shampoos that strip away natural oils from your hair. They can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle, which makes it easier for breakage to occur. In addition, they can irritate the scalp and cause dandruff. Look for shampoos without these ingredients to avoid unnecessary damage to your hair.
4. Avoid harsh products
Avoid using chemical-based products like bleaches and perms. These products can weaken your hair and make it prone to breakage. Instead, opt for milder options like conditioners and moisturizers.
5. Use a gentle brush
Use a soft bristle brush to gently comb through your hair. This can help remove excess oil buildup and debris from the scalp.
6. Protect your hair from heat
Heat styling tools like blow driers and curling irons can damage your hair. To prevent this, use them sparingly and only during times when your hair is not wet. And make sure to apply a heat protectant before styling.
7. Don’t pull your hair too tight
When you wear your hair up, try wearing it loosely instead of pulling it back tightly. Tight hairstyles can cause friction between strands, which can lead to hair loss. Wear your hair down if you want to see results faster.
8. Wash your hair less often
If you wash your hair every day, you could be stripping away the beneficial oils that help keep your hair looking shiny and smooth. Try washing your hair once every two days instead.
9. Get regular haircuts
Haircuts can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which promotes new cell growth and prevents hair loss. Also, having a trim every six weeks can help prevent split ends and encourage healthier hair growth.
10. Exercise regularly
Exercise has been proven to boost circulation and improve overall health. It can also increase energy levels and fight stress, both of which are linked to hair loss.
11. Find ways to relax
Stress affects everyone differently, but it can still play a part in causing hair loss. Stressful situations can trigger hormonal changes that affect hair growth. Relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, and massage can help ease tension and promote a healthy mind and body.
12. Take care of your scalp
Our scalps get less care than any other part of our body, so it’s important to keep them healthy. We’re talking about the follicles, the tiny glands that produce our hair. Scalp health is dependent on many things, including the balance of sex and cortisol hormones, oxidative stress, and gut health. Not washing your hair too often, avoiding color, harsh treatments, and chemicals, as well as using natural oils and massage can all help to stimulate hair growth.
In addition to following these tips, try homemade hair masks or DIY hair loss treatments.
Homemade hair masks:
1. Egg hair mask:
Beat one egg white until foamy, then mix with some coconut oil until combined. Apply to damp hair, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. Avocado hair mask:
Cut an avocado in half, remove the seed, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork and add enough olive oil to form a paste. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil if desired. Massage the mixture into your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
3. Honey hair mask:
Mix honey and apple cider vinegar together until smooth, then apply to dry hair and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
4. Banana hair mask:
Peel a banana, cut it into small pieces, and mash it with a fork. Mix in lemon juice until blended, then apply to damp hair and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water.
5. Coconut hair mask:
Combine equal parts coconut milk and aloe vera gel. Apply to wet hair and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
6. Rosemary hair mask:
Mash 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves with 1/4 cup olive oil. Spread over damp hair and leave on for 1 or 2 hours. Wash out with warm water.
7. Castor Oil hair mask:
mix 3 tablespoons castor oil with 1 tablespoon jojoba oil. Warm up in the microwave for 30 seconds, then spread evenly through damp hair and leave it for 1 or 2 hours before shampooing out.
DIY hair loss treatments:
8. Apple cider vinegar rinse:
Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup distilled water. Pour over clean hair, comb through, and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse out with cool water.
9. Baking soda rinse:
Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 1/4 cup distilled water. Pour this solution over clean hair, comb through, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse out thoroughly with cool water.
10. Lemon juice rinse:
Mix 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/4 cup cold water. Pour over clean, towel-dried hair and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse out completely with cool water.
11. Onion juice rinse:
Pour 1/2 cup raw onion juice (from grating onions) onto clean hair, comb through and leave on for 15 – 20 minutes. Rinse out.
12. Grapefruit juice rinse:
Pour 1/2 cup grapefruit juice onto clean hair, comb through, and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse out well.
13. Sea salt spray:
Mix 1/2 cup sea salt with 1/2 cup water. Spray onto clean hair, comb through, and leave on for 30 minutes. Finish out with cool water. This will also make your hair feel soft.
14. Vitamin C serum:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon vitamin C powder with 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin. Blend well and store in a glass jar. Shake well before use. Apply to clean hair and massage gently. Leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.
These treatments are all-natural and easy to do at home. You can try them yourself and see how they work for you.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have noticed that your hair is falling out more than normal, or if you notice any other symptoms such as itching or burning sensation, redness, swelling, or pain, consult your doctor immediately. It may be due to some underlying medical conditions like thyroid problems, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, stress, etc. Some medications can cause hair loss as well. If you suspect that you might have an infection, contact your doctor right away.
Can I prevent hair loss?
Yes! As mentioned above there are many ways to keep your hair healthy and strong. Avoid using harsh chemicals, especially those containing ammonia. Use only natural products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Be careful about what you eat. Eat foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Get enough sleep every night. And don’t forget to exercise regularly.
Conclusion:
Hair loss is a common problem among men and women of all ages. There are several causes ranging from genetic factors to environmental influences. However, most cases of hair loss are caused by hormonal changes during puberty and after menopause. The best way to treat hair loss is to find the root cause and correct it. Try these homemade remedies and let us know which one works best for you.