Edges hair loss in women - Best treatments

Thinning hair around the hairline is one of the most frustrating forms of hair loss for many women since it can be so noticeable. What are the leading causes of this type of hair loss, and what can you do to stop it?

What causes hair loss along the hairline?

Traction alopecia is one of the most common causes of thinning hair around the hairline or edges. This type of hair loss is caused by hair frequently being tightly pulled, which leads to hair follicle inflammation. Ponytails, braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves, hair extensions, wigs, and other tight hairstyles can contribute to traction alopecia. Using relaxers and hot tools (like flat irons) can exacerbate the problem. This condition is common in black women (resulting in thinning edges), but it can affect women of any ethnicity.

A group of researchers from China found that young women with ponytail hairstyles would have 2.04 times higher risk of developing a more severe grade of frontal hairline hair loss than those without this hairstyle.

Early signs of traction alopecia include small bumps along the side of the scalp and hairline. Traction alopecia can be reversed – and you can experience hair regrowth in the affected area – if you act quickly enough. However, permanent scarring and damage of the hair follicles are possible if left untreated, which means that the affected follicles won't produce new hair. We'll talk about treatments and lifestyle changes that can help below.

Other causes of edges and hairline hair loss in women

Traction alopecia is a common cause of hair loss for women of all races, but there are other factors to be aware of, as well. Other causes of hair loss in women include stress, nutritional deficiencies, fluctuations in hormones (like after childbirth or during menopause), thyroid disorders, and genetic conditions (like female pattern hair loss or alopecia areata).

With all of this in mind, if you're experiencing thinning edges or hair loss around the hairline, it's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist or trichologist to get to the root cause. While traction alopecia is a common cause of this type of hair loss, other health issues may be contributing to your thinning hairline and general hair loss. Pinpointing the exact issue(s) will help you have the most success with stopping hair loss and getting your hair regrowth on track.

The history of "high forehead."

Interestingly, in the 15th Century, shaving the hair on the edges of the forehead was fashionable. Dutch paintings from the 17th Century provide us with many examples of natural traction alopecia caused by the tight hairstyle that was in fashion for several decades.

How to stop hair thinning around the hairline and promote hair regrowth

If you want to put an end to hairline thinning, you'll need to put a few practices in place to take a gentler approach to your hair styling. There are also some hair loss treatments you can turn to start promoting new growth. Here are some steps and things to consider if you're dealing with a thinning hairline.

Take supplements

Targeted hair health supplements can help you stop thinning around the hairline and support hair regrowth. MDhair offers a variety of products that can help with hair thinning, including the Regrowth Supplements. These vegan supplements contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and extracts that support hair health to encourage regrowth, including the following:

• Vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), D, E, zinc, selenium, and copper: These vitamins and minerals all play crucial roles in maintaining scalp and hair health for maximum regrowth.
• Broccoli powder: Broccoli powder contains B vitamins that reduce stress (which can cause hair loss), as well as antioxidants that fight free radical damage to the scalp.
• Berry extract: This plant extract prevents the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that causes hair follicles to shrink until they cease hair growth. This is particularly beneficial for women dealing with androgenetic alopecia (AKA female pattern hair loss) since it is caused by these androgens.
• Pygeum bark extract: This extract also helps fight DHT by blocking its effects on hair follicles.
• Maitake and reishi mushrooms are potent adaptogens that inhibit an enzyme called 5α-reductase, which is responsible for creating DHT.

Use a targeted serum.

Topical products containing powerful active ingredients can also be used to help support the scalp and promote regrowth. MDhair's Restore Serum is formulated with various plant-based ingredients known to help prevent hair loss and support growth.

A key ingredient in this serum is rosemary leaf oil, commonly used to stimulate hair growth and support scalp health. It also contains saw palmetto berry extract, which prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT, and Panax ginseng root, which is believed to help decrease the miniaturization of hair follicles on the scalp (a process that can lead to hair loss). Hydrolyzed rice and oat proteins help with moisture in the hair and scalp, while biotin and vitamin B5 further strengthen and promote growth.

Use collagen peptides to boost your skin and hair health.

The strength of our skin and hair depends on their collagen content. This collagen is a peptide made of a long chain of amino acids. Our hair follicles need a continuous supply of amino acids to build new and stronger hair. Recent studies have found that adding collagen peptides can replenish depleted amino acids and help boost natural hair regrowth and healthier skin. Taking collagen peptides is believed to be especially beneficial to heal damaged skin and hair follicles in areas of edges and hairline hair loss. Check this link for more info on collagen supplements and hair regrowth.

Reassess your styling routine

Stopping (or at least limiting) the use of tight hairstyles and harsh treatments will significantly benefit your hair, especially as you're trying to promote new growth. This is particularly important for those with traction alopecia, but anyone looking to slow down their hair loss can benefit from being gentler on their hair.

In addition to avoiding tight hairstyles, the most effective course of action is to go natural with your hair. This means not using chemical relaxers, hot tools, or dyes, weakening the hair. You want your hair to be as strong as possible, so avoid doing anything that can lead to breakage and make it weaker.

If these steps aren't an option for you, you can still implement some changes to ensure you're gentler on your hair. Women who wear weaves or extensions may consider giving their hair a break by going natural for the same amount of time they wore them. For example, if you wear a weave for two months, you'll go natural for two months. Additionally, if you're still using what are considered protective styles (such as weaves, braids, and wigs, which are meant to give your hair a break from styling), you also need to ensure you or your stylist is styling them so that minimal tugging is happening. When styled improperly, these protective styles can do more harm than good.

Best scalp treatment serum for women with "edges" hair loss
Best supplements for women with "edges" hair loss
Best treatment shampoo for women with "edges" hair loss

References:

• Traction alopecia: the root of the problem
• Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use
• The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
• A Systemic Review on Topical Marketed Formulations, Natural Products, and Oral Supplements to Prevent Androgenic Alopecia: A Review

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