Safe Topical Products to Prevent Hair Loss for Women

Several topical products can help maintain healthy hair and prevent loss.

Hair loss in women can occur for several reasons including some medicines and medical treatments, post-partum hormonal changes, thyroid problems, severe diet restrictions, or even stress. If you experience hair loss that seems greater than normal, you may want to see a doctor to rule out an underlying condition. While it is not always possible to avoid the causes of hair loss, several safe and easy topical treatment options do exist.

Topical DHT Blockers

Saw palmetto extract is a common natural ingredient in DHT blockers.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a form of testosterone. It is the main cause of male pattern baldness, but it can also be a factor in female hair loss. Testosterone is converted into DHT when it combines with the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT shrinks hair follicles until they are too tiny to produce hair. DHT blockers work by reducing the levels of 5-alpha-reductase in the hair and on the scalp, thus preventing the formation of DHT. Revivogen, a popular topical DHT blocker, contains all-natural ingredients such as gamma linoleic acid and saw palmetto extract, and is safe to use long-term for women. The product is applied to the scalp once a day at least three hours before showering. According the manufacturer, it has no side-effects except for "transient mild scalp irritation in less than 2% of users."

Emu oil

The fat from emus has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory.

Inflammation of the scalp is a fairly common cause of hair-loss in women. Inflammation can be cause by harsh ingredients in hair products, such as propylene glycol, or by a medical condition such as scalp dermatitis. One natural, safe product which can soothe an inflamed scalp is emu oil. Emu oil, made from the fat of the Australian emu, has been used for centuries to calm skin irritation and promote healthy skin growth. According to the Emu Oil Institute, in a study conducted by Dr. Michael Holick at Boston University, emu oil encouraged "sleeping" hair follicles to wake up and start producing hair again. Emu oil also contains several fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, which also works as DHT blocker. To use, apply the oil directly to the scalp a few hours before showering. Emu oil is hypo-allergenic and has no side-effects.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, a potent anti-inflammatory, has an unmistakably strong scent.

Tea tree oil is another anti-inflammatory of Australian origin. Tea tree oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can prevent hair loss by calming scalp inflammation from such causes as staph infections or fungal infections. It also unblocks clogged pores and hair follicles, leading to a healthier scalp and more hair growth. Apply a few drops of tea tree directly to the scalp after shampooing, and massage gently. Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in natural shampoos and conditioners.

Essential Oils

Essential oil of rosemary has stimulating properties which can increase blood flow to the scalp.

A mixture of essential oils is another safe, natural and traditional product for hair loss prevention. Among the most commonly recommended oils are rosemary, lavender oil, sage, and basil oils. These oils stimulate blood flow to the scalp, thereby increasing the level of oxygen and nourishment available to the hair follicles. Essential oils can be used in the same way as tea tree oil, and are also often found in other other hair care products.

References

• Web MD: Causes of Hair Loss in Women
• Revivogen Hair Loss Treatment
• Emu Oil Institute: Emu Oil for Hair Loss
• Target Woman: Tea Tree Oil Use
• Taruna Oils: Essential Oils for Hair Growth

Resources

• American Hair Loss Association: Women's Hair Loss