Tressed out: Is your hair thinning?

Since hair is the body’s second-fastest-growing tissue, it can reflect metabolic imbalances. And, says Shapiro, “hair loss may be the first clinical sign of systemic disease,” such as a thyroid disorder or lupus. “If you’re losing hair, you have to see a dermatologist and have some investigation done,” advises Unger. While there may not be an instant cure, the latest solutions — from specialty shampoos to nutrition fixes to high-tech breakthroughs — can help rescue your mane and maybe even regrow it.

INSIDE STORY   
If your hair loss is linked to lifestyle issues — like stress or nutrition —
not genetics, resolving the triggers will usually help restore your locks, though it can take three to six months before you start seeing an improvement. The main dietary causes for women include not eating regularly and not getting enough iron or protein, says Dr. David Kingsley, a New York trichologist and co-founder of British Science Corporation, which researches and treats hair loss. Hair is made of protein, but it’s a non-essential tissue, “so if you’re lacking in protein, your hair is the last thing to get it,” adds Kingsley.

'If you’re lacking in protein, your hair is the last thing to get it,' says Dr. David Kingsley, a New York trichologist

There are numerous dietary supplements that claim to combat hair loss or spur its growth, including Phyto Phytophanère (rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids) and Viviscal Hair Vitamins (loaded with marine protein). But, according to Unger, there isn’t good scientific proof backing up supplements for hair loss if you have a healthy diet. “I think it’s fair to say, though, that if you’re losing your hair, you should check what you’re eating and make sure you’re getting a minimal supply of all the vitamins and minerals you need for gen­eral health.”

ROOT RX
One of the few drugs proven to regrow hair is Rogaine, a solution applied to the scalp that prolongs the growing phase. “In Canada, it’s not approved officially for women, but we use it all the time,” says Shapiro. It can be prescribed off-label for women, and it’s sold over the counter for men. Most women should try it before considering pricier pro­cedures like hair transplanting, says Unger. The downside: It doesn’t work for everyone (in one study, 19 percent of females 18 to 45 saw moderate regrowth) and can take up to a year to work. It also requires a serious, long-term commitment: Once you stop applying it, you’ll lose any restored hair.

Propecia, a prescription tablet, is a popular option for men that stops testosterone from converting into follicle-killing DHT. However, women shouldn’t use it since it hasn’t been proven to work and can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. “There are a variety of oral medications that may work for women,” says Unger, referring to anti-androgens (drugs that block male hormones) like flutamide. “But these are not magic bullets, and results vary: Unfortunately, either they don’t work [for women] or they don’t work very well — but if you’re lucky, they do.”