by Louise Frank

Created on: September 19, 2011

In our modern environment more and more women are losing their locks - but there are several simple things you can do to help keep your hair on.

One of the major causes of hair loss in women is stress but there could be other reasons, including hormonal changes, reaction to a hair dye, over-vigorous styling methods or it could simply be down to your genes.

If you suspect your hair loss is caused by stress, try some regular meditation and relaxation exercises. In addition, do some deep-breathing exercises every morning and and last thing at night. They will set you up for the day and help you sleep at night.

Eating a balanced diet with regular meals also helps. This will top up your vitamin levels and get those stress-busting hormones into gear. And exercise every day. It needn't be a two-hour work-out in a gym, simply walk more. A brisk quarter of an hour walk every day is enough to make you feel better and help keep you fit.

You may be deficient in some vitamins which could be contributing to your hair loss. Feed the roots of your hair with a diet which includes lots of vitamin-C. This can be found in fruit and vegetables. Iron and protein are also vital for healthy hair. This is found in meat, eggs, pulses, soya and dairy products. A vitamin supplement is advisable. Try Brewer's Yeast which is rich in B-complex vitamins. Vitamin E (found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils) can improve circulation to the scalp.

Be gentle when using hairdryers, straighteners or curling tongs. Your hair could be reacting to overuse and excessive heat. Try hair products without too many chemicals. Herbal or anti-allergenic shampoos and conditioners are usually kinder to hair. Be careful, too, when dyeing your hair. Try organic henna or dyes made with plant materials. And give up those extensions until your hair is back in tip-top condition.

Gently massage your scalp each time you shampoo as this can improve circulation. Some essential oils, too, are beneficial for healthy hair. One good recipe is to mix together a couple of drops each of jojoba, ceda wood, lavender, bay and grapefruit and massage the mixture into your scalp. This should stimulate hair growth.

Alternatively, you could just add a few drops of beneficial oils to your shampoo. Try basil, arnica, rosemary or sage.

If none of these home remedies work, see your doctor. There are several pharmaceutical products which may help. Or you may consider acupuncture which is said to improve blood supply to the scalp and help relieve stress.

Learn more about this author, Louise Frank.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.