How to Deal With Hair Loss
“From natural supplements to more intensive treatments, the options for dealing with hair loss are abundant.”
Hair is one of our most natural forms of expression: we can cut, dye, and style it any way we like — mostly. But because of the pressure placed on women’s appearances, hair loss can be an embarrassing and stigmatized experience that feels like the end of the world, especially if you take pride in your locks. Often dismissed as a condition only men contend with, hair loss affects about 40 million women in America for various reasons. An expert on the topic, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, tells us that “For some, hair loss may be genetic or brought on by an underlying health condition. For others, hair loss may be due to external factors such as stress or the environment. For many, hair loss is a result of growing older.” Hair loss is also a common side effect of pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the issue peaks at about four months postpartum, affecting almost 50% of pregnant women, but is usually temporary.
No matter how it happens and how natural it may be, losing our manes can be a devastating change that ravages one of our most innate assets. Luckily, it’s one that can be treated with equal parts proactivity and acceptance. Dr. Green asserts, “Early intervention is one of the smartest strategies for preventing hair loss and hair thinning,” and advises the importance of scalp care: “Having a healthy scalp is an important part of growing lasting, healthy, beautiful hair,” she says. Often, the first step to combating the problem is seeking out a board-certified dermatologist who can help direct a treatment routine, but at-home remedies are now more accessible than ever and a great place to start. If you do choose to begin at home, the treatments are often far less time-consuming, invasive, and expensive. Whether you decide to go the dermatologist route or for a more DIY solution, we collected recommendations of the best hair loss treatments to cut through the overwhelm.
Biotin
Recommended by Jasmine Imani, Molly Surno, and Angie Venezia
One of the more popular supplements, Biotin, is a vitamin often used to treat hair loss and brittle nails. Scientists debate how effective it really is, and so do some users: “I'm taking Biotin supplements but can't tell if it's making a difference,” Angie Venezia tells us. But others swear by it, like Jasmine Imani, who tells us treatments should “Start from the inside, then complement that with things that are topical.”
Nutrafol
Recommended by dr. Michele Green and Maria Geyman
Both naturopathic doctor Maria Geyman and Dr. Green recommend Nutrafol’s proprietary blend of botanical supplements, which aim to target a variety of complex issues from follicle strength to stress using whole-body ingredients. Dr. Green tells us it “helps boost scalp and hair health to promote hair growth and strengthen [it].” The supplements are drug-free and claim to come with a few extra benefits, like increased libido and higher energy levels. For a solution aimed at one issue, helping a few others along the way is a win-win.
Viviscal
Recommended by Lynette Nylander
For healthy growth, Lynette Nylander uses Viviscal, a vitamin supplement that nourishes the hair root to support growth throughout its lifecycle. The brand also carries other products, like shampoo and conditioner, in addition to a line of mixable powders that work to support overall health.
Nettle Leaf Herbal Infusions
Recommended by Dana Bodourov
A more homeopathic approach, Brooklyn-based jeweler Dana Bodourov recommends herbal infusions, a remedy she tried after noticing postpartum hair loss, telling us, “The main herb I use is stinging nettle. Sometimes I also add horsetail and/or milky oats when available.” She achieves the DIY treatment by boiling all the herbs together and letting them sit overnight to infuse. “[The] next day, I strain out the herbs and have a super potent tea that is FULL of nutrients which I’ll sip throughout the day.”
HydraFacial Keravive
Recommended by dr. Michele Green
Dr. Green loves the HydraFacial Keravive, a “unique 3-step procedure that promotes hair growth by cleansing, stimulating, and hydrating the scalp.” The HydraFacial Keravive promotes growth by stimulating the follicles to clear out impurities and dead skin cells. “Nutrients and antioxidants are then infused into the scalp, stimulating circulation and providing nourishment to the foundation of the hair.” Dr. Green tells us that the treatment results in shinier, stronger hair, when done by a board-certified dermatologist.
Artichoke Water
Recommended by Beverly Nguyen
One of the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, artichokes, are full of vitamins. Soaking one’s spear-shaped leaves, stalks, and roots in water to make an herbal remedy is thought to aid in creating a healthy scalp as its body nurturing ingredients become more concentrated in liquid. Though not typically thought of as a hair treatment, artichoke water has long been popular in Vietnam for its myriad benefits, from liver detoxing to anti-aging properties.
Rosemary Oil
Recommended by Claire Rousay
Long believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary oil is known to stimulate hair and skin growth. Plus, "Unlike rogaine and other super 'chemical-y' options, it is easy to acclimate to using regularly and doesn't require continual use if you want to keep seeing results,” musician Claire Rousay says. Just remember to add a few drops to a carrier oil (like almond or coconut) pre-wash, or mix a bit in with your shampoo or conditioner on wash days for prime results.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)
Recommended by dr. Michele Green
Though a bit more invasive, Dr. Green also recommends Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), a popular treatment amongst her clients that works to stimulate hair growth. Dr. Green says the treatment “consists of producing a highly concentrated plasma with a sample of the patient’s blood that is then injected directly into targeted areas of the scalp.” The plasma therapy generates new hair growth and can be combined with other treatments to maximize the potential for strong, healthy hair.
Other recommendations include Ceremonia's Aceite de Moska (recommended by Sukey Novogratz), collagen powder (recommended by Rebecca Boorstin), hair tattoos (recommended by Puno Dostres), and avoiding Vegamour (as noted by Chris Crawford).
Words by Mariah Freire