It’s normal for everyone to lose around 100 of their 100,000 hairs each day, which are replaced by new hair growth. But some folks are losing more, and it’s not just men. Women also experience hair loss.

Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for hair loss and what you can do to help.

Reasons you might have thinning hair

Male- or female-pattern baldness

The most common reason for hair loss is male or female-pattern baldness. Some people think this genetic condition is passed down from the mother, but the truth is that the genes on both sides of the family matter.

Hormonal shifts

For women, large hormonal changes—such as pregnancy or menopause—may contribute to thinning hair.

Medical conditions

Some medical conditions may contribute to hair loss, such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder that attacks hair follicles) and thyroid disease. Even rarer is losing hair as a side effect from medications to treat cancer and other serious illnesses.

Extreme stress

Hair loss may happen during or after emotional and stressful events, such as a death in the family, divorce, or financial problems.

Ways to help

Though you can’t control your DNA, there are some things you can do to support healthy hair.

Diet

As with a lot of health issues, solutions start from the inside out. What you eat really can affect your hair, so make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes a good amount of protein and lots of veggies and fruits.

Multivitamin

Having sufficient nutrients is important for strong hair, so vitamin supplements can support hair-loss prevention. Keratin is a protein in the body that is important for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Biotin has been linked to sufficient keratin production. One study followed women who had temporary hair loss related to diet, stress, or hormones. Researchers found that those who consumed a supplement including biotin saw improvement in their hair growth over a period of 90 days.

A multivitamin is a good idea because you can get a variety of important nutrients in one place. Look for one with biotin, vitamins D and A, selenium, zinc, and iron. Research has linked these vitamins with healthy cells and normal hair-follicle development.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are also linked with healthy hair growth. One study looked at the effect of Omega 3 on women’s hair loss. The women were asked to consume Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. 90% of participants reported less hair loss after supplementing for 6 months. Since Omega-3 fatty acids are harder to get from your diet than Omega 6, a quality supplement can be helpful to many people.

Styling practices

Limit the use of harsh chemical treatments such as relaxers, bleaches, and dyes. Heated styling tools like hair dryers and straightening or curling irons can damage the hair and make it more prone to fall out.

Avoid hairstyles that require the hair to be pulled very tightly and instead of washing daily, wash your hair every two or three days and use a gentle shampoo.

Manage stress

You can’t avoid major stressors in your life, but you can take steps to regulate your stress. Regular exercise and deep breathing are effective tools, and there are great supplements such as Ashwagandha that can support your stress-reduction efforts.

Let’s get healthier, together,

Your friends at Santo Remedio