While it's true that hair loss and thinning is common for women once they hit 40, it's not always true for everyone. And thankfully, there are ways to prevent hair thinning and loss. Knowing some of the causes of hair loss in women is also important, but we turned to a hair loss specialist to get some tips on how to prevent hair loss in women. To learn just that and some easy tips that are simple to implement, keep scrolling.

"Preventing hair loss requires a multi-faceted approach," says Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS, IAHRS, FISHRS, Founder, CEO & Medical Director of Bauman Medical Hair Transplant & Hair Loss Treatment Center. "The earlier you address potential risk factors, the better your chances of maintaining healthy hair. It's not just one thing that makes the difference, but rather a combination of strategies working together."

Start by incorporating gentle hair care practices, advises Dr. Bauman. "Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, and rough handling of wet hair." Additionally, he adds that "regular scalp care is equally important -- using products designed to soothe and nourish the scalp can create an optimal environment for hair growth." At his practice, he recommends patients using sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoos and conditioners, such as BaumanMD SOOTHE CBD Luminous Shampoo & Conditioner, to maintain scalp health and support hair strength.

"In addition to topical care, nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair from the inside out," says Dr. Bauman. A few ingredients to look for in hair growth-encouraging supplements are biotin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids as Dr. Bauman says they have all been shown to promote stronger, healthier hair. (All of these ingredients and more can be found in Bauman Medical's Neutra-Team bundle.) And besides adding a supplement, "a balanced diet can help prevent hair loss by ensuring your body has all the nutrients it needs," he adds. Dr. Bauman says a balanced diet is "rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins is crucial for healthy hair growth."

"Preventing hair loss isn't just about what you put on your hair -- it's also about how you take care of your overall health and well-being," says Dr. Bauman. "Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in maintaining healthy hair and preventing hair loss."

He says one of the most impactful changes you can make is managing stress. "Chronic stress is known to trigger conditions like telogen effluvium, where stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to increased shedding. Incorporating stress-relief techniques like mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and regular physical activity can help mitigate the impact of stress on your hair."

Also, sleep can factor in. "Sleep is often overlooked but is vital for overall health, including hair health. Poor sleep can disrupt the body's natural processes, including hair growth cycles," says Dr. Bauman. "Ensuring you get enough quality sleep can help your body repair and regenerate, supporting healthy hair growth." He goes on to note that hydration is also important. "Keeping your body well-hydrated ensures that your hair and scalp remain moisturized, reducing the risk of dryness and breakage."

"Lastly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to better hair health," says Dr. Bauman. "Both habits can negatively affect circulation and the delivery of essential nutrients to the hair follicles, potentially leading to hair thinning."

"The key to effective hair loss prevention is combining these approaches -- using the right hair care products, maintaining a healthy scalp, and supporting your hair from within through proper nutrition," notes Dr. Bauman. "By doing multiple things at once, you maximize your chances of maintaining thick, healthy hair and preventing hair loss before it starts."

"With this said, both men and women who may be genetically predisposed to hair loss may require more powerful treatments to prevent hair loss," explains Dr. Bauman. "This may include the use of prescription medications, Low-level Laser Light Therapy, and perhaps non-invasive in-office treatments such as Platelet-rich Plasma PRP, PDOgroTM, TransEpidermal Delivery TED, and Exosomes. I recommend getting an evaluation from a board-certified Hair Restoration Physician that can accurately diagnose your individual hair loss situation and recommend a treatment plan customized for your needs."

The tools that you're using to brush and style your hair matter and can be inflicting damage on your strands that can lead to hair loss. That's why using gentle brushes, especially when hair is wet is key. Hair is at its most fragile state when wet so using a brush that won't harshly tug on or break hair is important. A brush that works great on wet hair is Wet Brush Pro Detangler, as trichologist Abbey Yung shares in her TikTok below.

Also, we already know that excessive heat styling can lead to dry, brittle and damaged hair but the type of tools you are using can also be causing additional harm. Many hair stylists recommend using ceramic hot tools as they more evenly and effectively apply heat and style hair. This means you will need less passes with a flat iron along with drying and curling hair faster.

"It is important to note that hair fibers are made of keratin like your fingernails and do not self-repair, says Dr. Bauman. "Bond repair products can certainly play a role in maintaining the strength and integrity of your hair fibers, which may help reduce breakage and the appearance of thinning, but it's important to understand their limitations. These products are designed to chemically repair and reinforce the internal structure of the hair shaft by targeting broken or weakened bonds within the hair. This can be particularly beneficial for hair that has been damaged by chemical treatments, heat styling, or environmental stressors."

He goes on to say that "by strengthening these bonds, bond repair products can help prevent hair from breaking, which can make your hair look fuller and healthier. For individuals experiencing thinning due to breakage, using bond repair products can help reduce further damage and preserve the hair you have."

"However, it's important to note that while these products can help with the physical strength of your hair, they do not address the underlying causes of hair loss, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or scalp conditions," states Dr. Bauman. "For comprehensive hair loss prevention and treatment, bond repair products should be used in conjunction with other strategies, such as maintaining a healthy scalp, using targeted treatments like our DHT-blocking shampoo, and considering nutritional supplements that support hair growth. If you're dealing with significant hair thinning or shedding, it's important to consult with a specialist to explore all the potential underlying causes and treatment options."

"The mid-lengths to ends of your hair tend to be the most fragile and are more prone to breakage," says Dr. Bauman. "This is because these parts of the hair have been exposed to more wear and tear over time, including environmental factors like sun exposure, pollution, as well as chemicals and friction from styling. Additionally, as the hair grows, it loses moisture and the protective cuticle layer can become weakened, making the ends more susceptible to damage."

"For women who are 50 and older, this fragility can be even more pronounced," notes Dr. Bauman. "As we age, hair naturally becomes drier, finer, and less elastic due to hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen. This makes the hair more prone to breakage, especially in the mid-lengths and ends, where it's already more vulnerable. The decrease in natural oil production from the scalp can also contribute to dryness and brittleness, further increasing the likelihood of breakage."

To help protect these fragile areas, Dr. Bauman says it's important to use hydrating and strengthening hair care products that can replenish moisture and reinforce the hair structure. Using a strengthening and hydrating oil, like Moroccanoil Treatment Original, on the hair from the ears down can be beneficial. "Regular trims can also help prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft," he says. "Additionally, minimizing the use of heat styling tools and avoiding harsh chemical treatments can reduce the risk of further damage."

See more ways to treat and prevent hair loss

6 Ways To Help Your Hair Grow and Reverse Hair Loss for Women Over 50

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