PCOS Hair Loss: Top 5 Best Treatments That Really Work

Tip #1: Sleep and Eat Regularly:

Not getting enough sleep can ultimately affect your mood and other functions, as sleep is regulated by two hormones: serotonin and melatonin. When these two hormones are out of balance, other hormones are affected as well. Getting an enough sleep is an important factor for losing weight with PCOS.

Eating regularly keeps your blood sugar stable, which likewise keeps hormones from being subjected to lows and highs. Of course, do not overeat, but do not miss meals if you can help it.

Ultimately, if your hormones are not in a state of flux, you will notice that symptoms will be lessened– including hair loss

Tip# 2: Taking Care of Your Hair:

There are many different ways of caring for hair that harm it for PCOS sufferers. For example, pulling hair back can lead to aggravation and hair loss, especially if one regularly transitions between different styles. Perms, dying, and bleach should be out of the question.

Limit the number of products that you use, especially those containing alcohol or sulfate, as they can deprive your hair of its health, natural growth, and essential oils. It is a good idea to experiment with how often you wash your hair; eventually, your hair will produce less oil as you wash it less.

Using a shampoo that contains organic ingredients to remove DHT (dihydrotestosterone) residue is also advisable. DHT, a derivative of testosterone, contributes to baldness.

Tip #3: Jojoba Oil

Most topical treatments are not effective for PCOS– they are typically ineffective at targeting the hair follicle– but jojoba oil can help. It can provide improvement to hair quality, prevent hair loss, and even help hair regrow.

It can be incorporated into your shower routine. Before going into the shower, warm about 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil and massage it into your scalp. Wash it out of your hair as you would with shampoo.

Tip #4: Comfortable Hairstyles:

As aforementioned, certain hairstyles can lead to the loss of hair, which is unfortunate for those with PCOS. For example, cornrows or a bun might look good in the short-term, but in the long-term, they may lead to a serious loss of hair. The same goes for wearing your hair up tightly in any fashion, using rollers too often, braids, and hair extensions.

The technical term for this phenomenon is traction alopecia. The science behind it is that when hair is subjected to excessive or prolonged tension, the hair shaft begins to be pulled, damaging the follicle of the hair. Traction alopecia is usually curable, and it is most common amongst women.

Obviously, with PCOS, you want to avoid these hairstyles or habits in the first place, as you have hair loss working against you.

Tip #5: Crash Diets and Extreme Weight Loss:

With crash diets and extreme weight loss, you are likely not only shedding pounds; you’re very likely shedding hair. The hair loss probably won’t be immediately evident– it may only take three to six months to notice any effects– but it will be shocking when it does happen. It typically only happens to individuals who lose 15 or more pounds.

To avoid hair loss from weight loss, try to not change your diet too drastically, and try to limit weight loss to two pounds a week. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, calories, and nutrients as a whole. The condition of losing weight from hair loss is typically known as telogen effluvium.