Mastering Hair Oil: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Gorgeous Locks

Table Of Content

• Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil
• Playa Ritual Hair Care
• Keep it Overnight
• Leave a Comment Cancel reply
• What is hair oiling?
• Mastering the Wash Day Ritual: Hair's Guide to Shine

I don’t think I’ve ever double-tapped a post so quickly in my life. Hair oiling, a practice that dates back to ancient India, may promote hair growth and shine. It contains lots of lauric acid, a fatty acid that bonds easily to hair protein.

Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil

Points out that the unique oil is often laced into perfumes because of its olfactory benefits. “It has a warm, woody aroma and is known for its various therapeutic properties,” he says. Great for weaves, extensions, and braids, this mixture helps to encourage stronger, healthier hair with extra shine. Plus, it conditions and moistures hair to promote healthy hair growth along the way.

Playa Ritual Hair Care

Dr. Nathan likes marula oil, which contains antioxidants and protects hair from environmental aggressors, and recommends a product like the Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Hair Oil. Ayurvedic hair oils, as Mehta explains, often contain a blend of natural botanicals and herbs selected for their therapeutic properties. Her favorite oil is naturally her own, Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil, which also contains ashwagandha to strengthen strands.

Keep it Overnight

“You just need to be gentle on your scalp and use your fingertips or a cotton swab to help penetrate the oil. Otherwise, hair fall and damage is inevitable,” she concludes. She also adds that hair oil protects the scalp from harsh chemicals. Rooted in traditional Ayurvedic haircare practices, hair oiling involves the use of natural oils to nourish your hair and your scalp.

This helps it penetrate into the strand’s shaft and potentially repair existing damage. Oils play a vital role in keeping hair well moisturized, strong, and healthy. According to research from 2015, oils help prevent hygral fatigue (repeated swelling and drying that can damage hair). Hair oiling is an ancient practice that involves pouring oil directly onto your hair and massaging it in, with the goal of boosting moisture, luster, shine, and overall hair health. If you have a confirmed allergy to the plant from which an oil is derived, steer clear (for example, avoid almond oil if you have a known allergy to nuts in general). Also, as with any hair product, patch-testing before applying all over may be the best course of action.

Experts break down all the benefits of this ancient Ayurvedic haircare practice. Remember to adjust the quantity of oil based on your hair's length and thickness. Additionally, the frequency of oiling may vary depending on your hair's needs. It may also help support hair growth, though research is limited, especially when it comes to topical application. Keep in mind, when using oil on your scalp, it may be worth testing to be sure you don’t have an allergy. Do a patch test before using oil in your hair for a full treatment.

Choosing Your Oils

A 2013 study conducted on mice with testosterone-related hair loss (yes, even rodents can experience male-pattern baldness!) also found that rosemary could regrow the hair. Folks in India have been using this method for centuries, and it’s even recommended as a part of Ayurvedic medicine (a type of traditional Indian healthcare). Besides providing your hair with shine, oil can be a crucial ingredient for nourishing and locking in moisture, says Witherspoon—particularly when applied to damp hair. This can vary, but leaving the oil in your hair for at least an hour or overnight is best for maximum benefits.

Hair expert's ultimate guide to hair oils and how to protect your scalp - Goss.ie

Hair expert's ultimate guide to hair oils and how to protect your scalp.

Posted: Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:02:49 GMT [source]

Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. The oil will help moisturize and tame frizz, leaving your hair smoother and more manageable. Some of these oils are readily found on grocery store shelves, like coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil. Others like argan oil, baobab oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and sweet almond oil may be found in health food shops or drugstores.

We consulted Novak, Costenoble, Kimble, Dr. Williams, Sabrina Porsche, Mane Addicts stylist, and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best hair oils available. These oils may be applied to directly the ends of the hair, added to shampoo, or used for leave-in hair treatments. Baobab oil has potent conditioning properties and is well absorbed by hair even at lower temperatures.

It's also worth noting that when applying oil as a hair treatment, porous hair will retain what's necessary, and everything else will be shampooed away, says Labrecque. With its thick texture, castor oil (derived from the seeds of a castor plant) can make the hair appear thicker and is often relied upon for hair growth. Currently, there is scientific evidence for its actual impact on hair growth. However, it can still benefit those dealing with dry ends or tons of frizz. A key component of castor oil is a fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, often used in hair and skin products as an antistatic and softening agent.

According to a 2017 review, it may boost hair health and growth, but studies on topical use are pretty limited. Typically, you’ll apply oil once or twice a week and let it soak in overnight. Remember that experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect hair oil for you and the method that may work the best for your hair and scalp. Hair oil has a myriad of benefits that can change the health and appearance of your hair for the better. Let's take a closer look at some of the biggest things hair oil brings to the table. Depending on the specific oil you choose to use on your hair, experts agree that you may also get some protective benefits.

Massaging your scalp gently in circular motions is the right way to go about it. Towels are rough and can break your hair when it is soaked in oil. Your hair is in a vulnerable state and is already weighed down by the oil. Getting rid of all the excess oil is important, but not too soon!

I also recommend patch tests to check for any allergic reactions. There are a few different ways to oil your hair, depending on your hair type and goals. Dr. Spann suggests heating the oil for a few seconds for maximum penetration.

How To Evenly Apply Hair Oil: An Expert Tip From A Stylist

Table Of Content

• Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Growth Oil & Scalp Oil Treatment
• Oiling Frequency 101: Customize to Your Hair Type
• Split End Treatment
• Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

For most of us, a hair oil massage for the hair is a tradition passed down through generations, making it almost as routine as washing your strands. But even if you've been doing it for years, it's helpful to hit refresh on the best practices. We spoke to Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, medical director of ISAAC Luxe, and a big hot oil treatment fan, to tell us how she does it. Peppermint oil is good for all hair types but may be especially beneficial for folks who experience excessive hair shedding or hair loss.

Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Growth Oil & Scalp Oil Treatment

Hair Loss Prevention: 22 Things You Can Do to Stop Hair Loss - Healthline

Hair Loss Prevention: 22 Things You Can Do to Stop Hair Loss.

Posted: Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:18:45 GMT [source]

Another study from 2021 found that coconut oil strengthens hair fibers. Especially for hair that’s been affected by intense styling and heat damage, hair oiling can fill in some gaps to keep it moisturized and, in turn, silky smooth. Perfect for frizz, damage, and all hair types, you’ll increase shine and smooth strands. This weightless blend of coconut, apricot, and sunflower oil is light and effective without the use of silicones.

Oiling Frequency 101: Customize to Your Hair Type

Dr. Khetarpal points out that hair oiling isn’t going to affect each head of hair the same way. Chances are, most of the articles and social media posts involve applying oil directly to your scalp. But this particular method of hair oiling may not work for everyone.

Split End Treatment

While it can be done both during the day and night, Mehta says that leaving oil in overnight allows for better absorption and nourishment. But in the end, it’s all dependent on how it works with your schedule. Sounds simple enough, but if you’ve been curious to see what the hype is all about, you’ve come to the right place. To better understand the benefits and how to properly put oil in our hair, we turned to the experts.

Peppermint Oil, Hair Growth, and Possible Benefits

Before you turn your whole head into an oil slick, do a quick patch test to make sure you don’t have an allergy to that type of oil. Massaging oil into your scalp will boost blood flow and just might come with a host of other benefits. And according to research from 2016 and 2019, even scalp massage can result in increased hair thickness. Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships.

Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

Apply the oil to dry hair section by section, focusing on the ends. Gently detangle hair with the oil applied as a pre-shampoo treatment, recommends Witherspoon. After 20 minutes of having the oil applied, you can move on to shampooing.

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym. The age-old practice may be the key to healthier, stronger strands. Massaging your scalp too fast or vigorously can break your hair.

As mentioned above, you’ll want to really consider how an oil might affect your hair type. Dr. Nathan says those with fine or naturally oily hair should limit this practice to the scalp only. Mehta wouldn’t recommend this to those with skin conditions such as scalp infections and allergies, as hair oiling might exacerbate those issues. But as with everything, you only see results if you’re using the right oils and doing it consistently. If you have fine hair, keeping oil on your scalp and ends for an extended period of time can possibly weigh your hair down (more on this below, though).

Hair Oiling Benefits, Choosing Oil, and How to Do It

Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil In Hair - Real Simple

Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil In Hair.

Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT [source]

If your hair is sweaty and too dirty, it is recommended that you don’t apply oil to it. You want to reap the benefits of your hair oil, without having to deal with dirt trapped inside your pores. Oiling your hair everyday also means that you have to wash it with shampoo everyday.

It's also important to note that coconut is very reactive to temperature and should be warmed up in your hands before applying it to your hair. Select an oil that suits your hair type and addresses your specific needs, such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil. Ayurvedic and Natural oils always work better than the processed ones.

While the choice of oil might vary, the benefits of hair oiling can be harnessed by all hair types, be it curly, straight, wavy, or coily. But, even better, the process of hair oiling can have a positive impact on your mental health, too. In Ayurveda, the ritual of self-massage, self-love and self-care is known as ‘abhyanga’ and involves seeing your hair as an extension of your body’s energy. ‘The crown chakra is an energetic point that, when touched, helps release stress,’ explains Akash.

Menthol can seriously negatively affect the breathing of an infant or small child and should never be applied to their face or allowed to be inhaled by them. If you have peppermint oil in your house, make sure it is stored away from where children can access it. Instead of focusing the application on your roots to tame flyaways, warm up a few drops in your hand, rub between your palms, and smooth over the ends to help seal cuticles. This fan favorite is a great pick, but Novak warns that some of the products in the line have dyes in the ingredient list.

Essential oils are not water soluble, but can be mixed with fats, alcohols, and ethers. Olive oil is pretty thick, so it often requires good effort once you’re ready to remove it. You know that esteemed list of cure-alls—Aquaphor and WD-40 and Windex and dark chocolate, just to name a few—that you can’t live without?

How to apply oil to hair and how often to oil hair are two concerns that go hand in hand. As per Ayurveda, oiling the hair must be a part of one’s daily routine however that is not practically possible these days. The best is to oil your hair the night before you are planning to wash your hair. If overnight oiling is not possible for you, you can apply oil about half an hour to an hour before washing the hair.

Some even work to minimize bacteria and promote hair growth, says Kim Kimble, celebrity hairstylist. This combination of high-quality ingredients is exactly what you’d expect from a skin-care maven famous for her nourishing and moisturizing products. And, considering how connected your skin and hair are, it makes total sense that Josie Maran would take the tried-and-true argan-oil formula to your roots. As an added bonus, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that can protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can cause hair dryness, brittleness, loss of color, and decreased luster. Avoid oiling your hair if you have an oily scalp “There are high chances of getting an infection if you apply oil frequently on an oily scalp.

“Hair with a curl is naturally drier so an oil coats the hair and absorbs for a smoother cuticle,” Eliot explained. These don't weigh your hair down and allow the benefits of the oil to shine through. With these techniques, you're not just washing your hair, you're nurturing it. Proceed to apply the oil along the length of your hair, ensuring it's evenly coated from root to tip. Rooted in ancient practices and cherished for centuries, oiling has always been a cornerstone for hair vitality and luminescence.

9 Best Hair Growth Products for Hair Loss in 2024

Table Of Content

• Medical Professionals
• Best Hair Growth Products for Hair Loss and Thinning in 2024
• What are the types of hair loss?
• Cancer: Managing Symptoms Discussions
• cancer and cancer treatments
• What can women do to prevent hair loss?

If your levels are normal, taking a supplement can be harmful. For example, if you take too much iron, you can develop iron poisoning. Early signs of this include stomach pain and vomiting.

Medical Professionals

Smoking also increases the production of free radicals. These molecules react with others to cause oxidative stress, which can harm cellular DNA. A 2018 review found that cells in the hair follicles of scalps with hair loss are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress. Ginseng contains certain phytochemicals that may promote hair growth on your scalp. But further research is needed to recommend specific dosages. Some research, including a 2024 review, suggests that there may be a connection between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia.

Best Hair Growth Products for Hair Loss and Thinning in 2024

It leads to cysts on a woman’s ovaries, along with other signs and symptoms, which can include hair loss. Stopping some types of birth control pills can cause a temporary hormonal imbalance. Women who develop a hormonal imbalance can develop thinning hair (or hair loss) on their scalp. Hair usually starts to regrow within months of finishing chemotherapy or radiation treatments to the head or neck. Dermatologists can offer medication to help hair grow back more quickly.

What are the types of hair loss?

If you need treatment for regrowth, the earlier you start, the more likely you are to see regrowth. Studies indicate that laser therapy is safe and painless but requires many treatment sessions. To see a bit of hair growth, you may need several treatments a week for many months. Prescription ketoconazole, 2% (Nizoral) offers another option to treat androgenic alopecia. This medication, which comes in the form of shampoo, is an antifungal agent that may help reduce your body’s production of testosterone and other androgens that lead to hair loss.

While serums work from the outside in, supplements work from the inside out. Ideally, you’ll be able to use both types of products at once for optimal results. We also looked carefully at customer reviews, choosing only products that real customers find useful in their experience. According to the company’s trials, the OLAPLEX intensive hair treatment can make hair three times stronger in just one use.

The women losing hair because of the climate crisis: 'It's everything to us' - The Independent

The women losing hair because of the climate crisis: 'It's everything to us'.

Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This likely encourages hair to grow back fuller and speeds up the rate at which lost strands are replaced. It’s available over-the-counter—generically and under the brand name Rogaine—in both 2% and 5% formulations. Recent studies have linked the prolonged use of 5mg finasteride and 0.5mg dutasteride to alarming health complications in men, including  hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.

Free Healthbeat Signup

In some circumstances, tretinoin may cause hair loss, so it’s important to only try this medication with guidance from your doctor. Still, a dermatologist or other healthcare professional can offer more guidance on strategies to help minimize hair loss in the meantime. Sometimes hair loss is a sign of a condition called hyperandrogenism, which happens when your body makes too many androgens (male hormones). In women and others with female reproductive organs, its most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Along with hair loss, other signs of PCOS include weight gain, acne, and irregular periods.

But when you begin to lose more hair and experience less regrowth, you may notice more significant hair loss. When you see a doctor to see what's causing your hair loss, they’ll probably start with a physical exam and ask about your diet, family history, and medical history. They may ask whether any of your relatives have hair loss. Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that's brought on by the way you style your hair. Hairstyles like cornrows, braids, or tight ponytails can cause it. Some signs of traction alopecia include hair loss in patches where the hair was pulled and shorter strands of hair near the forehead.

What can women do to prevent hair loss?

The most common cause of hair loss in women is female-patterned baldness (androgenetic alopecia). OTC medications may help reduce hair loss and promote growth. Other types of hair loss may involve treating the underlying cause.

In some cases, the cause of hair loss is obvious — for example, if you're losing hair while going through chemotherapy. Other times, your healthcare provider will need to do some detective work to figure out what’s causing your hair loss. Within a few months of treatment, you may begin to notice less hair loss.

You may need to use the device regularly to see results. Skip tight braids or ponytails that may pull on your hair at the root and potentially lead to excessive shedding. You can find daily multivitamins at most grocery stores or drugstores or ask your doctor to prescribe one for you. It’s unlikely that you’ll get too much vitamin A from dietary sources. So, fill your plate with foods rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach. Most of us shed hair a little at a time — pretty much all the time.

Regular pulling on your hair via tight ponytails, braids, extensions, or weaves can cause traction alopecia—shedding caused by persistent tension, per the AAD. “The most common treatment for telogen effluvium is removing the trigger if it can be identified—and also time,” Dr. Lo Sicco says. Scalp ringworm, which is caused by a fungus, requires antifungal medication. Losing your hair — whether the hair loss is temporary or permanent — can be emotionally difficult for many people.

If you can, avoid heat styling tools such as curling or straightening irons, which may also damage or break the hair shaft. In the meantime, talk with your doctor before adding ginseng supplements to your diet. Hormonal imbalances before, during and after menopause can lead to more permanent hair loss, Dr. Simpson says. Not getting enough iron, protein or vitamin B12 in your diet can also cause your hair to thin.

Doctors often prescribe oral medications to be used along with topical minoxidil because studies show the combination boosts hair production. Low-dose oral minoxidil (prescribed off-label) has been found to be effective and safe for most patients, Mirmirani says. Other oft-used drugs include finasteride (Propecia) and spironolactone. Depending on what’s causing your hair loss, it may be temporary or permanent. Treatments can help people with certain types of hair loss.

Which Hair Growth Products Are Worth Using? - Health Hive

Which Hair Growth Products Are Worth Using?.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

There is also evidence to suggest that sexual dysfunction is another adverse effect of men taking these medications, according to a 2019 study. Additionally, due to the risk of causing birth defects, people who can get pregnant should not take finasteride or dutasteride, Agbai emphasizes. Both men and women develop this type of hair loss, which is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. Regardless of whether it develops in a man or women, the medical term is androgenic alopecia. Regrowth continues for over a year, after which time it stabilizes. Minoxidil usually needs to be used long-term to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

You might be able to prevent some hair loss by eating nutritious foods that provide necessary nutrients (like vitamins, minerals and protein) or adding vitamins to your daily routine. When looking for effective hair regrowth products, consider the ingredient and if those ingredients have been clinically proven to help regrow or thicken hair. Minoxidil is thought to work by partially enlarging hair follicles and lengthening the hair’s growth phase.

Hair Loss in Women Treatment Guide Cleveland Clinic

Table Of Content

• When to connect with a doctor
• Hair Loss Treatments for Women: What Are the Best Options?
• Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
• Clinical trials
• Other conditions that cause hair loss
• Health Writer
• Prescription medication that can regrow hair

Most users see results after consistent use for about two months. By contrast, scarring alopecia, another autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, is often accompanied by itchiness, tenderness and scaling of the scalp. Scarring alopecia is the most devastating type of hair loss, Mirmirani says, because it permanently destroys the hair follicles. Here, dermatologists share what you need to know about alopecia, including possible causes, treatment options and what you can do to prevent more hair loss. Chemoand radiation therapy, two of the most widely used therapies, can take a toll on your hair. In their quest to kill cancer cells, both can harm hair follicles and trigger dramatic hair loss.

When to connect with a doctor

Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.

Hair Loss Treatments for Women: What Are the Best Options?

There are many other potential causes of hair loss in women. Androgenetic alopecia can occur at any age after puberty, but it’s most common in postmenopausal women. Advancing age and a family history of the condition are two of the primary risk factors. You're likely to first bring your concerns to the attention of your family doctor.

Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing

It can be purchased over the counter, and it’s found in various strengths — typically 2% to 5%, Agbai says. Topical minoxidil “is applied directly to the scalp and works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and thickening existing hair,” she says. Topical minoxidil is one of the best hair loss treatments for women, particularly those who have female pattern hair loss. It’s not yet clear how the magic happens, but researchers theorize that minoxidil reverses hair follicle shrinkage and lengthens the growth phase.

Specifically, it binds to androgen receptors and decreases the body’s processing of testosterone. Alopecia means “hair loss.” There are many different types of alopecia, in addition to androgenetic alopecia. Treatment options for hair loss typically depend on the cause. They can also vary according to the pattern and location of hair loss.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, yoga, and the occasional glass of wine. Factors like the cost of ingredients, the perceived popularity or luxury of the brand name. Not only that, but the product’s target audience can increase or decrease the price completely independent of how effective it actually is. A product’s effectiveness depends on the brand and its ingredients.

Other conditions that cause hair loss

Anyone can have androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). These hair changes can make it hard to maintain how you want to look, especially if you're transgender or nonbinary (which means you don't identify as fully male or female). You may want to shift where hair grows (or doesn't) to reflect your affirmed gender. Not all researchers agree that spironolactone works, and the FDA has not endorsed it as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. However, the medication has still been used off-label for years to treat hair loss in women.

15 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair (Tests & Reviews 2024) - Cosmopolitan

15 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair (Tests & Reviews .

Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The FDA has approved a few laser treatment devices to treat hair loss at home. But we need more studies into their safety and effectiveness for long-term use. Spironolactone is another medication your doctor may prescribe for hair regrowth and to keep hair loss from getting worse. It stops the action of male hormones called androgens. Although it’s more common in men, hair loss regularly affects women and people of other genders. You may experience any one of several types of hair loss, such as hair thinning, a widening part, or patchy hair loss.

Prescription medication that can regrow hair

You can change how you care for your hair, which can prevent hair loss. Once you damage a hair follicle, hair cannot grow from that follicle. Having many damaged hair follicles creates permanent bald spots. Male-pattern hair loss is what causes a receding hairline and baldness in men. In women, female-pattern hair loss typically affects the crown or top of the head first, Mirmirani says.

You can expect 10–80% of transplanted hair to grow back in 3–4 months. Talk with a dermatologist or a hair restoration specialist to find out whether a hair transplant is right for you. Hair transplants involve taking hair from one area of your scalp and transplanting it into an area with hair thinning or balding. Some causes of hair loss are temporary and can be reversed, while others are permanent.

While alopecia doesn’t typically affect your physical health, the emotional and psychological distress it can cause are very real. You might notice your hair seems fuller during pregnancy. That’s because high hormone levels keep resting hairs from falling out. But after the baby comes, things go back to normal and those strands will fall out quickly. It could take up to 2 years for your locks to return to normal. Long, short, bouncy, or sleek, for most women hair is way more than a bundle of fibers.

Why You're Losing More Hair and the New Science to Help Regrow It - Oprah Mag

Why You're Losing More Hair and the New Science to Help Regrow It.

Posted: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Soon after, you may experience an increase in thickness or regrowth. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about hair loss, since they can help identify any medical conditions contributing to hair loss and recommend the right treatment. With this type of hair loss, your follicles gradually shrink and the growth cycle is shortened. After a while, some follicles may stop producing hair. Things that interfere with the growth cycle -- like medications, illnesses, infections, or chemicals -- have the potential to stop hair from being formed the right way. Beyond that, age, hormones, stress, and even the way you style your hair can lead to hair loss.

Low level lasers may help improve hair density in people with genetic hair loss or hair loss due to chemotherapy. This procedure, also called red light therapy, may work by stimulating epidermal stem cells. The lauric acid found in coconut oil helps bind protein in hair, protecting it from breakage at the root and strand. Massaging coconut oil into your scalp may promote better blood flow and help with regrowth.

In fact, you probably lose between 50 and 100 single hairs each day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). This is a procedure in which your doctor removes hair from a part of your scalp where hair growth is full and implants it into an area where hair is thinning. Pregnancy, and especially giving birth, can lead to hair loss. You're most likely to see hair loss about 3 months after giving birth.

Dozens of over-the-counter supplements and products purport to reverse hair loss, making it tough for patients to know which ones work and which don’t. Generally speaking, the sooner you start treatment, the more options you have and the better your results, dermatologists say. They might suggest a short cut, a different part, maybe a gentle body wave.