So one day you just woke up and your hair wasn't so full, thick and healthy anymore. Add thinning hair to the long list of 'parts' that succumb to aging. But don't go down without a sporting fight because there are things you can do to improve the health of your hair at any age.
As we age, hair becomes thinner as it loses moisture, elasticity and keratin (protein). Hair follicles decrease in size and quantity and natural hair loss isn't replaced as quickly or at all.
By adding back what the hair is losing, your hair will look and feel fuller and both your body's and your hair's health will improve.
- Forgo chemical treatments. If you're not ready to go gray yet, use the gentlest hair color possible and stick with warm medium colors that let the hair reflect more light. Nutratint, Hydrience, Robert Craig and Herbatint are all good choices. Bottom line is if your hair feels dry or damaged afterward, try another brand until you find one that works for you.
- Be Gentle. Aging roots don't like tight ponytails or weaves and thin hair can't take hot curling irons and too hot hair dryers. Find a haircut that can be styled as simply as possible.
- Protect your hair from UV rays. Conditioners or sprays that list sunscreen work well for normal sun exposure but if you are out for extended periods, use a hat or scarf.
- Take a B complex and, if necessary, supplement for a total of 5000 micrograms of biotin (B-7). Biotin deficiencies have been linked to hair loss and it's the foremost nutrient for your hair, skin and nails.
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- Eat protein every day. To determine the number of grams you should eat daily, multiply your weight by .4536 and divide by 2. For example: 140lbs x .4536 = 63.5 / 2 = 32 grams.
- Get your EFA's. Essential fatty acids are good for your overall health and will restore the hair's moisture and elasticity. To ensure that you get sufficient amounts of EFA's, take a supplement. Check to see if you may have a deficiency.
- Don't crash diet; it has an adverse effect on the hair growth cycle.
- Always use a good quality conditioner.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment twice per month.
- Use protein fortified hair products.
- Exercise for optimal circulation.
- Control you stress with exercise, yoga, meditation.
- Medications can cause increased dryness, thinning and hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you think your medication is having an adverse effect on your hair's health.
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