Hair thinning and unexplained hair loss is traumatic for everyone but especially women.  This can have a number of causes and more often than not, there is a solution out there for you.  My advice is to focus on what is going on in your body rather than spending large amounts of money on lotions and potions, although some do indeed help.   Here is my checklist for hair health and resolving hair thinning in women:

• Ask your doctor to check your hormone levels as high levels of testosterone and other hormone imbalances can cause hair thinning in women.
• Ask your doctor to check your scalp health as dandruff, psoriasis, fungal infections and other dermatological problems contribute to hair loss.   You might need a referral to a dermatologist.
• Check your iron level – if you have low iron, this can cause hair thinning.  Increase your intake of red meat and take supplements.  Biocare is a good vitamin brand.
• Make sure you are eating enough protein – it is what your hair is made of!
• Low vitamin D level has a direct effect on hair follicle health and getting sunshine safely, increasing your intake of polyunsaturated fats (nuts, seeds, oily fish) and where needed, taking supplements will help.
• Make sure you are not gluten intolerant or have coeliac’s disease – research has shown that this contributes to hair loss.
• Improve your general nutrition – increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, oily fish, nuts and fruit and cut out refined sugars and simple carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits.
• A lack of exercise can contribute to hair thinning.  Exercise helps to pump vital blood and nutrients to all parts of your body, including your scalp.
• Watch your stress!  Being stressed at work or about the hair loss will only perpetuate the problem.
• Be patient!  Hair takes several months to begin to show a recovery but it will happen.  In the meantime, get a haircut that suits your hair type, stop colouring and over styling and massage your scalp regularly.  Use a wide-toothed comb to get out the tangles and avoid over brushing.