Have you noticed that your ponytail is thinner than it used to be? You’re not alone: Hair loss is very common—about 50 percent of women deal with it at some point in their life for various reasons that include stress, genetics, and hormonal changes—and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more people are struggling with it.
Because there are so many factors that contribute to hair loss, it’s important to make an appointment with a dermatologist or a trichologist before you do anything. Early prevention is key when it comes to hair loss, so seeing a professional who can properly assess your scalp should be a part of your game plan.
If you want to scope out hair loss treatments to talk through with a medical professional, below, we’ve compiled all of the newest products, supplements, and services on the market.
Topical Treatments
Nutrafol is considered the gold standard when it comes to hair supplements, and the brand now offers a Growth Activator Hair Serum. It’s packed with Ashwagandha exomes that boost the scalp’s cell renewal process, creating a more encouraging environment for hair growth. Another serum worth considering is Viviscal’s Hair Thickening Serum which is formulated with hair-strengthening ingredients like collagen and keratin.
If you have Instagram then you’ve probably caught a glimpse of Vegamour’s GRO Scalp Detoxifying Hair Treatment Serum. According to the brand’s founder, Dan Hodgdon, when it comes to hair loss treatment, it’s important to consider a 360-degree approach. “Science shows us that products are just one key facet of growing healthy, beautiful hair,” he says. “It’s really about the combination of interconnected factors that include managing stress and cortisol levels, diet, sleep, gut health, and so much more.”
In-Office Treatments
Though they can be costly, in-office treatments are always worth considering. In addition to PRP—a treatment where platelets are extracted from one’s blood before they’re injected into the scalp—Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles and the founder of Facile Dermatology, points to compounded hair growth topical serums as a hair loss treatment with significant results. “These often contain strong concentrations of minoxidil, retinoid acid, and testosterone-blocking ingredients that have fewer side effects when used topically,” she says.
There are also low-level red light laser therapy devices that can be safely used at home. “There is evidence that these are effective, but require frequent use, which can be time consuming,” says Dr. Samolitis.
At the end of the day, stressing about hair loss may only exacerbate the problem, so make sure to take some box breaths and practice a little meditation before booking an appointment with a trichologist or dermatologist.
Photo: BSIP/Getty
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