Age may bring wisdom, but hair loss, women can do without. As an inevitable part of aging, hair loss after menopause can be particularly frustration. Low hormone levels and a slow thyroid after menopause decrease skin tone, fingernail growth, and hair health. Post menopausal women can manage hair loss. With a few lifestyle changes, mature women can maintain beautiful, full hair.
Medications for Hair Loss
Use of certain medications, such as blood thinners, beta-blockers and thyroid medications may increase hair loss. Check in the medicine cabinet and research medicines to determine if medications are increasing hair shedding. Women should consult a medical health professional or dermatologist. There may be alternative medications that treat illness but do affect hair growth.Massaging the scalp can increase blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. Gentle massage to the temples, hairline, crown, skullcap, and scalp draws oxygen to the hair root, stimulating growth. Natural hair products substituted for chemical additives, dyes, and acids will reduce damage to thinning hair. Rubbing almond, grape seed and oils infused with rosemary or sage return essential oils and moisture to the scalp. In addition, this mixture can restore vital nutrients stripped from the hair follicle.
Washing Hair
Women who work in high dirt, dust, and chemical environments should cover their head instead of washing hair daily. Women who wash their hair every other day allow natural oils in the scalp to nourish and vitalize hair. Rinse chemicals from the hair after swimming in pools and saunas, immediately, or better yet, cover hair with a bathing cap. In the shower, use natural shampoos and conditioners that remove dirt and hair products. Open the car window on the way to work and let nature give hair the body of the blow dryer without the heat.Reduce Stress
Stress dehydrates the body and increases cortisol, a stress hormone that adds inches to the waist. Increasing hair loss, diminishing skin tone, decreasing the immune system and increases high blood pressure, stress is women’s enemy. Relax through exercise such as Tai Chi or Yoga that also stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow to the extremities.Food for Healthy hair
As women mature, eating healthy can be difficult. Cooking for one is no fun. Microwave meals or a can of soup is just easier. Fresh fruits and vegetables, however, can decrease the need for vitamins and supplements. Eggs, fish, legumes, flax seed, soy, and nuts can offer omega 3 fatty acids that increase health and precious fish oils that nourish the skin, hair, and nails. Zinc, a mineral that increases hair growth is abundant in bean sprouts, cucumber peels, red and green pepper. Substituting excess caffeine and alcohol with fruit infused water is refreshing, hydrating and stress reducing.
