You’re brushing your hair and you see it…a clump of hair lying in your brush. Your once voluminous, thick locks are now thinning, your split ends are out of control, and your hair looks matted. How did you get here, you ask? We’ll help decipher that while also giving tips to prevent further hair damage, from vitamins and hair care products to hair extensions.

Causes

The American Hair Loss Association reports 40% of people who experience hair loss are women. Thinning hair could be caused by a number of reasons, such as genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and age. Usually if your parents experience thinning hair, you will too, and certain birth controls can sometimes change hair texture. Finally, by the age of 50, half of women will complain of hair loss. However, just because it’s natural for our hair to thin out, doesn’t mean we have to live with it, ladies! Let’s change the game and see what preventative measures we can take to ensure our hair is healthy and happy.

Ways to Prevent Hair Thinning/Hair Loss

While it is hard to completely reverse hair loss, here are some ways to potentially restore and strengthen your hair.

Diet

According to Prevention, protein, zinc, iron and vitamin B12 are great vitamins to include in your diet for strong hair. You can find these vitamins naturally in foods like fish, nuts, leafy greens and beans. You can also take vitamin supplements if you have a more restricted diet that doesn’t allow you to eat these foods.

Medications

Certain medications can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth. Certain hair growth supplements are also available over-the-counter and contain various vitamins and minerals that promote cell growth (including some of the vitamins mentioned above!). While you don’t have to consult a doctor to take various hair growth supplements, you should still be aware that hair growth supplements and medications may not work for everyone.

Styling Tools

Years of styling your hair with tools such as a hairdryers, straighteners, curling irons, and other products can cause hair breakage and damage. Always use a heat protectant before using hot styling products on your hair, and wash your hair every other day (the natural oils are good for your hair, plus, hot water could cause further damage). Chemical dyes are also a hair’s worst nightmare. While highlighted/colored hair may look fabulous, it can leave your hair feeling straw-like and dry after years of use, so try to reduce the amount of dye you’re putting in your hair when you can.

“Stress Free” Hair

While hair thinning/hair loss could happen to anyone, reducing the amount of stress you’re under could make a huge difference. Since both sudden and chronic stress can halt hair growth (job stress, monetary stress, child birth), it’s important to give yourself a little “me” time. Yoga, walks outside, and meditation are all great ways to reduce stress. There are great luxury hair pieces for those who are looking for ways to boost their hair confidence. From adding light volume coverage to full volume and length, hair extensions are a simple fix that looks natural and blends with your own hair. With these tips along with a luxury hair piece, you’re on your way to flaunting fabulous hair!