đź§ľ Common Causes
Cause Description Hormonal Imbalances Perimenopause, PCOS, post-partum, thyroid issues Nutrient Deficiencies Low iron, vitamin D, B12, zinc, biotin Androgenic Alopecia (female pattern) Genetic thinning at crown, part widening Telogen Effluvium Sudden loss due to stress, illness, crash diets Autoimmune (Alopecia Areata) Patchy hair loss from immune attack Medications SSRIs, beta-blockers, birth control, chemotherapy Poor Scalp Health Recent Infection GLP-1 use Buildup, dandruff, inflammation 🌟 Pearl: “Hair loss is often a symptom, not a diagnosis. We treat from the root up—literally.” Â
Treatments
🔸 Nutritional Support Iron (ferritin goal > 70) Vitamin D3 (2,000–5,000 IU/day if low) Zinc (15–30 mg/day) Biotin (5,000 mcg/day) – optional; most effective if deficient Collagen peptides (10g/day) – supports follicle matrix
Medications You May Be Prescribed
Type Common Ingredients How They Help Topical Minoxidil, Finasteride, Caffeine, Peptides, Estradiol, Tretinoin Stimulate follicles, increase blood flow, promote regrowth Oral Minoxidil (low dose), Spironolactone, Finasteride (rarely), DHT blockers Regulate hormones, reduce shedding, thicken hair Supplements Iron, Zinc, Biotin, D3, Collagen, Omega-3s Support healthy growth from within How to Apply Topicals Apply on dry scalp only Part hair and apply directly to thinning areas, not on hair Use fingertips or dropper, avoid oversaturation Let it absorb 2–4 hours before washing or styling   🌟 Pearl: “Consistency is everything. These medications don’t regrow overnight—but they create the environment for hair to thrive again.”
Possible Side Effects
Topical Medications (e.g. Minoxidil, Compounded Serums) Side Effect Notes & Tips Scalp irritation/redness Often from alcohol base or too frequent application Dandruff-like flaking Use gentle, pH-balanced shampoo and exfoliate scalp Initial increased shedding Normal sign that old hairs are releasing to grow new Greasy or sticky hair Apply to dry scalp only, allow full absorption before styling Facial hair growth Avoid product runoff — apply carefully only to target areas   Oral Medications (e.g. Spironolactone, Minoxidil) Side Effect Notes & Tips Low blood pressure, dizziness Especially with oral minoxidil — start low, go slow Menstrual irregularity May occur with Spironolactone (hormone modulation) Increased urination Spironolactone is also a diuretic Breast tenderness or mood swings Often temporary — dose may be adjusted Sexual side effects (rare in women) Most common with oral finasteride — rarely prescribed to premenopausal women Â
What to Expect
Timeline What’s Happening Weeks 1–4 Shedding may temporarily increase (minoxidil) Weeks 6–12 Early signs: less shedding, baby hairs 3–6 months Visible thickening, stronger strands 6–12 months Peak regrowth – continue maintenance 💡 Stay consistent for at least 6 months before assessing full effect.
Benefits You May Experience
Symptom/Goal When You Might Notice Improvement Decreased shedding 4–8 weeks Hair feels thicker 8–12 weeks New growth (baby hairs) 2–3 months Bald spots filling in 4–6 months Hairline improvements 6+ months Â
Hair Care Dos & Don’ts
âś… Do: Use wide-tooth combs or detangling brushes Apply heat protectant before styling Sleep on silk pillowcases Eat protein-rich foods (hair = keratin protein) Use cool or lukewarm water to rinse ❌ Don’t: Over-brush or detangle when wet Use tight hairstyles regularly Overuse dry shampoo or leave product buildup Skip washes for too long—buildup can suffocate follicles Expect overnight miracles—this is a slow, steady process Â
How to Support the Process
🧴 Topical Application Tips Apply to dry scalp only (not hair) Use dropper or foam to part and apply to targeted areas Let absorb for at least 2–4 hours Avoid applying right before bed to prevent product transfer 🧼 Scalp & Hair Care Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo Clarify scalp 1x/week to remove buildup Don’t overuse dry shampoo — it clogs follicles Use a silk pillowcase and avoid tight hairstyles 🧠Lifestyle Habits to Support Growth Eat protein-rich foods (hair is ~90% keratin!) Manage stress — cortisol affects the hair cycle Get 7–9 hours of sleep for cellular repair Hydrate and consider collagen or iron if recommended
Myths to Avoid
Myth Truth “Hair loss meds don’t work for women” They absolutely do — and are FDA-backed “If I shed, it’s not working” Shedding = follicles rebooting → new growth “I’ll have to use it forever” You’ll maintain results longer, but some taper is possible “Natural oils are enough” They help nourish, but regrowth needs actives “You can fix it overnight” Growth takes time — 3 to 6 months minimum