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Hair Loss in Women Happens. Here's What to Do About It

Thinning hair isn't just a guy thing. We've got the skinny on the best products and ingredients to fatten up your locks
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Consider Stress And Diet
Don't underestimate the lifestyle factor. "When you're worried and stressed, your cortisol levels go up, and your body attacks itself," Reyman says. Indeed, a 2016 article in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that high levels of cortisol are related to certain hair growth disorders. Poor nutrition can also lead to hair loss, especially when levels of iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are low. Taking part in stress-reducing activities such as yoga can help reduce cortisol over time, and eating foods such as salmon, spinach and lentils should help new hair grow in strong. The jury is out on whether hair-growth supplements are effective; relatively little academic research has been done on them, but anecdotal evidence suggests they can help. Ouai Thinning Hair Supplements, $84, created by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin in conjunction with Dubai-based physician Lamees Hamdan, include essential fatty acids and biotin to bolster sparse strands. Another supplement, Nutrafol, $88, features biotin as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients and a highly bioavailable version of keratin to strengthen hair.

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Bypass the Doctor's Office
The HairMax Laser Comb, $295, an at-home laser device, is the first FDA-approved product of its kind to treat hereditary hair loss, which gave us high hopes (despite a nearly $300 price tag), but our experts say to be wary. Ellery warns that while lasers have been clinically proven to encourage hair growth (most likely due to stimulating blood flow to the follicles), this product claims to work in eight weeks. Most users found only minor results after at least six months. Bottom line: it may work, but it's pretty pricey and takes time.

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Know Your Rogaine
Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical medication approved to treat hair loss. Better known by its brand named, Rogaine, it works by stimulating follicles to regrow hair. It comes in foams for men and women; both use 5 percent minoxidil, but women should apply Women's Rogaine Unscented Foam, $26.99, once per day as opposed to the twice-daily application for men. (Don't worry, if you do use the men's version, you won't grow hair on your chest or experience other adverse effects, but you'll probably save a few dollars!) The good news: In three months, you should see up to 25 percent more hair, and the new strands grow back thicker than before. But to retain that hair, you'll need to continue using the product.

BY HAYLEY MASON, ANNIE TOMLIN | SEP 21, 2017 | SHARES
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