Hair loss

We’re all about equipping you with the know-how to understand your symptoms, and we especially emphasize the specific, tangible ways to manage them. Our goal is to empower YOU to take charge of your menopause journey, starting today.

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Lifestyle

Nutrition & Diet

There have been studies on the impact of gluten sensitivity and its severe version, celiac disease, on hair thinning, so if you suspect this may be affecting you, it could be worth seeing an allergist for testing or a simpler option would be to cut out gluten from your diet for at least a few months to see if there’s a difference.

Outside of gluten, the evidence on diet-related interventions for hair loss is sparse at best. That said, we’re always keeping an eye out for emerging research and the latest clinical studies. Subscribe to our weekly Elektra Digest for the latest, science-based info direct to your inbox. Something work well for you that’s not listed here? We want to hear it! Shoot us a note at hello@elektrahealth.desgsr.com. (We’re human, promise.)

Supplements & Over-the-Counter Solutions

Supplements and over-the-counter solutions may be effective in supporting your hair…if you choose wisely. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider first to ensure you’re using something with optimal efficacy and safety (i.e. backed by clinical research) or consulting with Elektra’s providers. Here’s a quick primer from our team on how to go about selecting high-quality supplements.

Shampoos and sprays

Although there aren’t many integrative solutions backed by research, certain shampoos may be helpful when thinning isn’t too significant, including Revita, Nioxin, Laritelle, Pura D’or, and Art Naturals — as well as anti-dandruff shampoos such as ketoconazole 2% and zinc pyrithione 1%. In order to achieve sufficient density for frontal hair loss caused by FPHL, camouflaging topical sprays or keratin fibers may be used as well.

Collagen

As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is found in tendons, ligaments, and skin. Our bodies naturally produce it, and certain foods (e.g., bone broth) are chock-full of it. Some opt to also take it in supplement form in order to support healthy, strong hair, and there is some evidence that it can help. It works by providing essential amino acids that build keratin, the hair’s primary protein. It also helps fight damage to hair follicles and may help prevent age-related thinning.

Minoxidil (aka Rogaine)

This drug dilates the blood vessels of the skin when applied to the scalp via spray or shampoo, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. Approximately 40% of patients show a significant improvement when taking minoxidil (the generic version of Rogaine). Results typically appear after about one year and, if it works for you, you’ll need to continue applying it every day to sustain the results. If you decide to give minoxidil a try, be sure to check prices — minoxidil marketed to women is often more expensive than minoxidil marketed to men. Egregious, but true.

Nutrafol Women’s Balance

This supplement targets the root cause of thinning (e.g., hormones, stress, and metabolism). It has ingredients that help support the growth of hair follicles and decrease testosterone, which can contribute to hair loss. In a clinical study, women saw stronger, thicker hair growth with more scalp coverage after six months.

Prescription

Hormonal

Finasteride, also known as Propecia or Proscar, is also used for hair loss treatment in women. This drugs blocks the conversion of testosterone into its more potent cousin called DHT, which contributes to hair loss. Typically prescribed by dermatologists, there are some studies showing efficacy in women.

Non-Hormonal

Although the evidence supporting non-hormonal prescription medications isn’t the strongest, that’s not to say there are NO options for FPHL management. It’s best to discuss with a dermatologist and, as mentioned above, please do let us know if something in particular has worked well for you in the past (email us at hello@elektrahealth.desgsr.com). To learn more, we recommend the American Hair Loss Association’s site, which is loaded with helpful information.

For hirsutism, some women have seen positive results with the FDA-approved topical cream, Eflornithine hydrochloride (aka Vaniqa), which reduces the growth of unwanted facial hair.

Other Therapies

Other therapies for hair loss include hair restoration, follicle transplant, and platelet-rich plasma treatments. Elektra recommends seeing a dermatologist specializing in hair and hair loss to learn more to see if they may be an option for you.