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The Benefits of Dutasteride for Hair Growth In Men & Women

Hair loss is more common than you think, affecting millions worldwide, men and women alike. With many treatments claiming to regrow hair, one ingredient’s results stand out from the rest: Dutasteride.

Most people are familiar with Finasteride as a primary ingredient in hair growth medication, but Dutasteride is considered superior in performance as it targets two of the enzymes responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). According to a study done on 600 patients, Dutasteride reduced DHT by 98% compared to 71% with Finasteride. (1)

This article explores the benefits of using Dutasteride for hair growth and how it can help those struggling with hair loss. Our prescription-grade Dutasteride is available online at the highest concentrations and in multiple forms. Learn how and why Dutasteride may be the key to your hair growth.

Dutasteride Explained

Dutasteride is used primarily in the treatment of enlarged prostate glands in men and is FDA-approved for such use. Dutasteride blocks two enzymes 5-alpha reductase type I and II (responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone or DHT), an androgen hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement but also hair loss. Clinical studies have found that men who took Dutasteride saw thicker, fuller hair as a result. (2) Because of these results, the powerful DHT blocker is used off-label for hair loss.

How Can Dutasteride Promote Hair Growth?

DHT contributes to hair loss by attacking hair follicles, causing them to shrink and shortening their growth cycle. When hair follicles shrink, they lose access to vital growth nutrients as they separate from blood vessels at the follicle’s base. Without nutrients, hair follicles continue to shrink until they eventually fall out. By blocking this conversion of the hormone Testosterone to DHT, Dutasteride prevents hair loss and promotes growth, especially in combination with stimulating Minoxidil.

Dutasteride also can reverse the miniaturization in hair follicles that causes them to shrink and eventually fall out, leading to thicker and fuller hair overall. It can also extend the anagen or growth phase of hair follicles, so hair is much longer before it enters the resting or telogen phase in the growth cycle.

Benefits of Dutasteride for Hair Growth

Is Dutasteride Effective for Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Male pattern hair loss commonly known as androgenetic alopecia, is men’s most common form of hair loss. A combination of genetics and the effects of DHT on hair follicles causes it.

Studies have shown that Dutasteride can be more effective in promoting hair growth than finasteride, another medication used to treat male pattern hair loss. In a study of 416 men with male pattern baldness, those who took Dutasteride experienced a 23% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to a 17% increase in those who took finasteride. (1)

Can Women Use Dutasteride?

While Dutasteride is primarily used to treat hair loss in men, it has also been effective for women. (2) In a study of 87 women with female pattern hair loss, those who took Dutasteride experienced a 10% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to a 7% increase in those who took a placebo.

Dutasteride is often prescribed to women over 50 who cannot become pregnant and have yet to see results with other hair loss treatments, such as hair growth stimulant Minoxidil and/or Spironolactone. However, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, typically women under 50, as it may be harmful to the developing fetus. Dutasteride for women can expand treatment options when others have failed.

Can I Combine Dutasteride With Other Hair Growth Treatments?

Dutasteride can be combined with other hair growth treatments, such as Minoxidil, to enhance its effectiveness. Minoxidil stimulates blood flow in the scalp, providing nutrients that hair follicles need to grow. By combining Dutasteride and Minoxidil, we can block the effects of DHT and stimulate hair growth more effectively.

How to Use Dutasteride for Hair Growth

At Happy Head, Dutasteride is available in oral capsules and as a custom topical that should be taken once a day or applied topically twice daily. It’s essential to follow the dosage and application instructions provided by your Happy Head dermatologist.

With consistent use, it may take 3 to 6 months to see results from Dutasteride. If you were to stop taking Dutasteride consistently, any hair growth progress will be lost in about 12 months. We make it easy to incorporate your custom Dutasteride prescriptions into your daily routine so you can see results and keep them.

Side Effects of Dutasteride When Used for Hair Growth

As with any medication, Dutasteride may cause side effects in some patients. The most common side effects of oral Dutasteride in men include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), and reduced semen volume. For women over 50 (to whom this ingredient may be prescribed, those not within childbearing years) common side effects include changes in mood, weight gain, reduced libido, breast tenderness, and muscle soreness. Dutasteride also has a 6-month half-life, meaning that it can stay within your system for up to 6 months, so anyone looking to donate blood for example must wait until 6 months have passed to do so. A complete list of side effects of Dutasteride can be found here on our drug safety and information page. These side effects are usually mild and may improve with continued use. In rare cases, it’s possible to experience allergic reactions, breast tenderness or breast enlargement, and depression. If you experience any of these side effects with Dutasteride, talk to your dermatologist immediately and stop using the medication.

For patients looking to reduce their chance of experiencing side effects, especially sexual side effects, we recommend our custom topical Dutasteride. While experiencing side effects can occur with oral medication, topically applied solutions can help significantly reduce this chance of developing side effects because they’re not ingested and don’t travel through the body.

Dutasteride is a powerful DHT blocker used to treat hair loss in men and women. By blocking the conversion of the male sex hormone Testosterone to DHT, Dutasteride helps prevent hair loss and promote growth.

Happy Head Solutions Formulated With Dutasteride

Our Dutasteride solutions are formulated at the highest available strengths and are made fresh for you every month. Once you have a consultation with your Happy Head board-certified dermatologist and they’ve looked at your hair, they’ll prescribe and send it off to our pharmacy to formulate. The best part is you don’t have to wait in a doctor’s office or in line at the pharmacy because we’ll ship it free to your door. Here are our most popular Dutasteride solutions to try:

Custom Topical Dutasteride & Minoxidil
Oral Dutasteride
HH EXCLUSIVE! 3-in-1 daily SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride, Minoxidil & Vitamin D3
A combination of our custom Topical + SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride formula here

If you are considering Dutasteride for hair growth, it is essential to consult your doctor first to determine if it is the proper treatment for you. Dutasteride can help you achieve thicker, fuller hair and boost your confidence with daily applications. It’s the ingredient of the year for hair growth, so get it made custom for 60% off your first order when you take the quiz and use code HAIR60 at checkout.

References:

Introducing New SuperCapsule™ Spironolactone Formula

Girls may run the world, according to Beyonce, but when it comes to hair loss medications, there isn’t much out there designed specifically for us. Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Dutasteride, the strongest prescription hair loss treatments available up until now, were all initially tested and marketed to men. The medications were later tested on women and deemed safe and effective. If you’re thinking it’s time that someone designed and sold a product specifically for women with genetic hair loss, you’re right. After all, female pattern baldness is the leading cause of hair loss among women, affecting up to 38 percent of all women. (01) That’s why we’re excited to introduce Happy Head’s new SuperCapsule™ Spironolactone Formula.

The Strongest FDA-approved Prescription Hair Regrowth Ingredients for Women In a Single Daily Capsule

SuperCapsule Spironolactone combines Spironolactone with Minoxidil and Vitamin D3 into an easy-to-take capsule taken once daily. Each capsule contains 25 milligrams of Spironolactone, 1.25 milligrams of Minoxidil, and 2,000 units of Vitamin D3.

Why Millions of Spironolactone Prescriptions are Filled Each Year

Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone, has been getting a lot of press lately as a treatment for stubborn hormonal acne that doesn’t respond to other prescription medications. The medication isn’t new, though. Spironolactone was initially tested and marketed to treat the fluid built-up that causes heart failure, liver scarring, and kidney disease. It has been around since 1955. In 1969, researchers noticed Spironolactone’s antiandrogenic effects. They discovered that Spironolactone works in two ways. First, it’s a diuretic that helps your body excrete extra fluid. It’s also an anti-androgen that reduces the effects of testosterone in your body. The medication is especially effective in treating thinning and hair loss among women under 50. (02)

Hormones & Hair Loss Treatments for Women

Let’s talk about how Spironolactone works to reduce shedding and regrow your hair. Female pattern baldness is an inherited genetic condition similar to male pattern baldness. Although men have higher amounts of testosterone than women, testosterone exists and functions similarly in both sexes. In both men and women who are genetically predisposed to lose their hair, testosterone converts to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can attack and shrink your hair follicles. When that happens, the hair growth cycle is disrupted. Healthy new hair is replaced by thinner hair until the follicles eventually close off and hair stops growing. Spironolactone reduces total testosterone levels, so less testosterone is available to convert to DHT. It also blocks androgenetic receptors in the hair follicles. Yes, Spironolactone is capable of blocking testosterone in both men and women. However, Spironolactone can cause breast enlargement and other undesired antiandrogenic effects in men.

Better Together: Spironolactone in Combination With Minoxidil & Vitamin D3

Now, about how Happy Head’s Spironolactone got its superpowers. Not only can Spironolactone be combined with other hair loss therapies, research indicates that Spironolactone has better efficacy when it’s combined with either oral or topical Minoxidil. (03) In this case, more is better. While Spironolactone blocks testosterone production, Minoxidil enlarges the hair follicles, allowing thicker, healthier hair to emerge.

And then there’s Vitamin D. According to findings published by the National Library of Medicine, Vitamin D plays a significant role in hair growth. Studies indicate that there is a relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and androgenetic alopecia, which is another name for male and female pattern baldness. (04) The organization also estimates that over 40 percent of the population has a Vitamin D deficiency. Replacing this essential vitamin is key to supporting healthy hair growth.

Spironolactone Balances Hormones That Cause Hair Loss

Spironolactone helps restore hormonal balance by blocking androgen receptors and reducing androgen production. Not only does the medication promote a more favorable environment for growth among women genetically predisposed to female pattern hair loss, it’s been found to be particularly beneficial for women with Polycystic Ovary System (PCOS). Hair loss among women with PCOS is common due to excess androgen production that’s characteristic of the condition.

Spironolactone is Safe and Effective

Spironolactone is generally considered safe for hair loss treatment when used under medical supervision and at appropriate dosages. The higher the dosage of Spironolactone, the greater chance of side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and breast tenderness. Side effects typically subside after the medication is discontinued. Although Spironolactone has a short half-life which means it clears your system quickly after discontinuing use, Spironolactone is not recommended to women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. As with any prescription medication, always consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any medical treatments or combination therapies for hair loss.

Begin Seeing Results in 3 to 6 Months

Within three to six months, you may see signs of growth. At that point, however, it’s still early in the process. Studies indicate that the best results are seen after a year of continual use.

Want to Regrow your Hair?

Want to find out if SuperCapsule Spironolactone, Minoxidil, and Vitamin D3 formula will work for you? Happy Head has dermatologists licensed in every state available to review your medical history and provide a no-cost consultation. If you’re a good candidate, your prescription will be created and shipped directly to your front door. Have questions after you receive your order? We’re always here to help with ongoing support. Simply contact us and start your online quiz and tell us about your hair to get started.

Resources:

(01) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(02) Note: Spironolactone is not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Always consult with a licensed medical professional before considering any medical treatments or combination therapies for hair loss.

(03) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Debunking the Myths About Hair Loss

Legend has it that Samson, the biblical hero, needed his hair to give him his strength. After his hair loss, Samson was said to have lost his superhuman power. Although this tale has no basis in reality (no, your hair does not give you power), the Samson story may have added to the myth that long, thick hair was proof of virility and fertility. While most people know that the hair on your head is not directly related to your strength and power, there are other hair myths that remain. In this article, we’ll focus on debunking the myths of hair loss and affirm some facts along the way.

What Are the Facts & the Myths About Hair Loss?

Losing your hair can be caused by a myriad of factors, so preventing hair loss takes a multi-pronged approach. One example is a person’s diet. While specific vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy hair, a poor diet won’t make you bald. It can, however, cause your hair to start thinning. Using the right hair products, consuming hair-friendly nutrients, and taking a proactive approach to hair growth, to prevent hair loss, can even help regrow your hair. Let’s explore seven common myths about hair loss.

1. Your mother is the reason for your hair loss.

The myth that you inherit baldness from your mother is false, at least half the time. While it’s true that genetics play a major role in male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, you can inherit the condition from either of your parents. Androgenic alopecia, for example, is a hair loss condition with strong genetic links. But where that genetic link comes from is not that easy to explain.

For example, men get their X chromosome from their mother and the Y chromosome from their father. And although the gene most associated with baldness – the AR gene – is found on the X chromosome, there are 63 other genes responsible for hair loss. You may be surprised that only six of those genes are on the X chromosome. So, you might blame your mother for a lot of things during therapy, but hair loss shouldn’t be one of them! (01)

2. Baldness only happens with age.

Middle-aged adults do not have a monopoly on hair loss. Studies show that about 16% of young adult males ages 18 to 29 have moderate to severe hair loss, so losing hair can happen at any age. Some men can start losing hair in adolescence.

People who have a genetic predisposition to hair loss start losing hair as early as their teens or twenties, decades before most people expect the loss to occur. The signs are there decades before they may notice. So, if you suspect you might be losing your hair, it’s always advisable to consult a professional as soon as possible.

3. Hair suffocates under a hat.

Some people will tell you that wearing a hat leads to hair loss because headwear can “suffocate” your hair. First of all, your follicles and hair strands do not breathe. Therefore, you can’t suffocate the hair off your head.

You can, however, experience traction alopecia if your hat or hairstyle constantly pulls at your hair. Over time, repeated pressure or friction may lead to hair follicle damage or hair loss. In addition, a tight fit can restrict blood flow if worn daily, which may prevent vital nutrients from getting into hair follicles. While wearing a hat is fine, make sure to wear one that’s not constricting or abrasive to your scalp.

4. Only men experience severe hair loss.

Hair loss, even balding, is not a condition isolated to men. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women also struggle with hair loss. Because, for all genders, the cause is typically genetic. Also, both men and women see thinning hair with age. The difference is how the person loses their hair. (02)

Men tend to lose hair in a very specific area, like at the hairline or the top of the head. On the other hand, women lose hair evenly and diffusely throughout the scalp. And, unlike men, women have historically had more options to disguise their hair loss in the form of wigs, weaves, and other cosmetic measures to cover baldness. In short, women also experience severe hair loss — albeit with significant differences.

4. Stress causes baldness.

Does stress cause baldness? This myth is a little tricky. While stress by itself doesn’t cause baldness, it does cause hair loss. Telogen effluvium, a common hair loss condition, occurs due to severe and persistent stress. Anything from job loss to illness can trigger a stress response, which may result in hair loss.

Telogen effluvium is also known as “club hair” due to the shape of hairs at the root. Hair loss happens throughout the head and does not typically cause complete baldness. The condition can impact any person at any age as long as they’ve experienced significant stress or sickness. Fortunately, in most cases, hair loss during telogen effluvium grows back after the stress has resolved. (03)

5. Men who go bald have too much testosterone.

Although it may provide some comfort to think you’re losing your hair because you’re too manly, the truth is not that simple. Elevated levels of testosterone do not lead to baldness. However, testosterone does play an indirect role when it comes to hereditary hair loss.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone that’s converted from testosterone. Hair follicles are affected by DHT. And some people are genetically inclined to have follicles that are exceptionally sensitive to the hormone, causing hair follicles to shrink in size and unable to grow healthy hair. (04) To combat the conversion of Testosterone into DHT, you need a custom hair treatment that targets the hormone.

6. Certain hairstyles will cause you to go bald.

Your mousse and gel routine will not cause baldness, no matter how many bottles of product you go through. That said, some hairstyles may cause your hair too thin. For example, heated hair tools and tight braids can cause breakage, causing thinner hair. Once stopped, however, hair typically grows back normally.

Coloring, bleaching, or perming your hair also does not cause you to go bald, though it may damage the hair and lead to thinning. In most cases, the hair grows back once the coloring or perming ends. Remember, any hair products that cause severe scalp injuries can result in permanent bald patches.

7. Brushing your hair will encourage hair growth.

The myth about brushing your hair 100 times before bed stems from a time when hair conditioner wasn’t available to the masses. In the past, women (and some men) spread hair oils throughout the scalp by brushing repeatedly. This activity kept hair from becoming dry and brittle.

These days, the right shampoo and conditioner do the job that brushing used to do. Maintaining clean hair and a healthy scalp prevents hair loss. Brushing your hair too much, on the other hand, causes breakage and hair loss. While it won’t make you go bald, it may thin out your hair. (05)

The Truth About Hair Loss

Throughout history, hair has always had a mystical quality. Whether it’s the lock of hair placed into a boiling cauldron or Samson’s powerful mane, humans have always assigned myths to hair. Now that we’re done debunking the myths of hair loss, you know your hair isn’t magical — hair growth comes down to science.

Happy Head takes the mystery out of hair loss. All of our doctors are board-certified dermatologists specializing in hair growth. Our proprietary hair growth formula and hair care products were developed by world-renowned hair loss pioneers: Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam. Looking to prevent hair loss or regrow your hair? Take the questionnaire and get started your customized hair loss program today.

Resources:

(01) https://www.healthline.com/health/baldness-gene
(02) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes
(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430848/
(04) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082#Hair-growth-and-hair-loss
(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5419032/

Tips for Battling Female Pattern Hair Loss

Ladies, raise your hand if you’ve ever expected your hair to start thinning. Or even worse, fall out altogether. Nope, it probably wasn’t in your master plan. It certainly wasn’t in mine. So when I started seeing more and more of my ghostly white scalp shining through my rapidly widening part line, I did what any normal, rational woman would do. I started obsessing over my hair. To avoid what I went through, I put together my top tips for battling female pattern hair loss.

Obsessing Over Your Hair is Stressful

I’m sure friends and family started to notice it, but I was so focused on it that it stressed me out. There had to be something I could do. So, I went down a rabbit hole searching for answers. I wish I had a quarter for every hour I spent Googling “female pattern hair loss” and shopping for products to help me grow my hair back. I even started searching for photos of women who shaved their heads to get an idea of what I might look like in the future. And of course all of the stress had an affect on my hair loss and thinning.

You Will Learn to Live With a New Normal

I started treatment recommended by my dermatologist, and I let my hairdresser experiment with a new style he had been trying to convince me to try. Life slowly returned to my new normal, and I stopped dwelling on my hair. Yes, Finasteride and Minoxidil will be a permanent part of my daily routine, but my hair no longer rules my thoughts. Now that I know what I know, I would do things much differently. Here’s what I learned about coping with female pattern hair loss.

1. Get Diagnosed Early

If you think you’re losing more hair than you used to, you probably are. Don’t second guess yourself, and don’t worry about whether your dermatologist will think you’re crazy. Get an appointment ASAP.

If you have female pattern hair loss, you need to start treatment while the hair follicles are still viable. If you’re new to this hair loss rollercoaster, here’s what that means. Even though you’re a woman, your body produces a small amount of testosterone. In genetically predisposed women, some of that testosterone converts to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT invades your hair follicles and shrinks them. Over time, the hair follicles can completely close up. So, you want to begin treatment while there’s still an opportunity to keep the hair follicles open and capable of producing new hair.

2. Don’t Overthink Your Treatment Plan

After confirming that you do indeed have female pattern hair loss, your dermatologist recommended using Minoxidil to enlarge your hair follicles and Spironolactone to block DHT from adhering to your follicles. She also told you that Retinol would help with absorption, and cortisone is available to treat any irritation you might get. What do you do? Run to the nearest compounding pharmacy to pick up your prescriptions?

Probably not. If you’re like many women, you start researching and reading. And, the more you read, the more apprehensive you get. Dread shed, dizziness, a lifelong commitment… before you know it, the list of cons piles up. Voice of reason here. Don’t go down that path. Take a deep breath and listen to the trained medical professional who has treated countless patients before you.

There are pros and cons to every medication. The truth is that every person responds differently to each treatment. You won’t know what treatments will work best to regrow your hair until you take the plunge and try them. Just because someone on social media didn’t respond to Minoxidil doesn’t mean you won’t. Just because Spironolactone made your best friend’s cousin feel nauseous doesn’t mean that it will happen to you. Dive in and hope for the best. Who knows, you may be the one on Facebook sharing your success story.

3. Be Patient

Waiting for your hair to grow back is really hard. You desperately want to look like you used to, and you have zero control over your hair’s growth. So, you wait. And wait. For sure, you’ll have a full head of hair again soon, right? Doesn’t it just take a few weeks? Not exactly. It takes about six months to a year to see results.

Even then, you may not realize how much progress you’ve made. It’s difficult to notice the changes when you see yourself in the mirror every day. The only way I knew that my hair was growing was because my dermatologist took photos every time I had an appointment. If your dermatologist doesn’t take photos, consider taking your own each month. Make sure you take pictures from the exact same spot and angle each time. That way, you have a solid comparison over time.

4. Be Open to Change

It’s been six months, and you aren’t getting the results you wanted. Your dermatologist isn’t ready to give up yet, though. Neither should you. As mentioned earlier, female pattern hair loss treatment can look different for every woman. You won’t know ahead of time what mix of medications will do the trick, and it may take some trials to figure it out.

There are a few different DHT blockers available. Switching from one to another isn’t a big deal. The formulas are different, and one may work better with your body’s chemistry. Here’s an example. If Finasteride isn’t strong enough, there’s always Dutasteride. Finasteride, which inhibits one type of enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, is usually the first-line medication because it’s pretty effective. If that doesn’t work, your dermatologist can prescribe Dutasteride which inhibits two enzymes. The moral of the story is to keep an open mind and be willing to experiment.

5. Have Realistic Expectations

Remember that treating female pattern hair loss means helping your hair follicles function as well as they possibly can, given the circumstances. Your hair may or may not look like it did five years ago. I was fortunate that my hair responded well to treatment. People who meet me can’t tell that I’ve experienced hair loss. However, since I didn’t get treatment immediately, the follicles closed off in a small spot on my scalp. Over the years, I’ve had to accept that it won’t come back. So, I cut a few layers to camouflage it.

Other people I know who were able to get enough growth to make their hair look fuller still use a little root cover-up on their part lines. It’s easy to apply and looks natural. You can’t tell it’s make-up. If you’re realistic about what medications can do for you, you’ll be more satisfied with the results. You may not end up with a supermodel’s hair, but you can still look and feel like one.

Staying calm when you’re losing your hair is not an easy feat. Hopefully, these tips will help you cope and feel confident about your decisions. If you need another opinion, Happy Head is here to help.

We have board-certified dermatologists licensed in every state to help women like you get the right treatment for your female pattern hair loss. Fill out our online questionnaire and schedule a FREE phone consultation to get started and regrow your hair today.

Are These Ordinary Things Damaging Your Hair?

It’s not surprising that elements like chlorine and salt water can make your hair look dry and frizzy. Or that flat irons, hair dryers, and other heat styling can cause heavy-duty breakage. Bleach and highlights, well, no surprise there, either. You’re probably careful about avoiding these known troublemakers, especially if your hair is thinning or balding. After all, you want the hair that’s remaining to stay as healthy as possible. It’s difficult to avoid things you don’t know can damage your hair, though. You don’t know what you don’t know. So, we’re here to fill you in on some very ordinary things that could wreak havoc on your tresses.

Hard Water Can Cause Bad Hair Days

Finding the right shampoo and conditioner is usually top of mind when it comes to hair care. But do you ever think about what kind of water you’re using to wash your hair? Is the water coming out of your showerhead hard or soft? Hard water isn’t harmful, but it can be harsh on your hair.

First, let’s talk a little bit about what hard water is. When you look at water, you usually see a clear liquid. What you can’t see is the concentration of minerals and chemicals in the water. The concentration of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, determines your water’s hardness. The higher the amount of calcium and magnesium, the harder the water. You may be unable to tell if your water is hard or soft. A couple of signs that it’s hard are if your drinking glasses get cloudy or your hands still feel slippery after you’ve washed them with soap and water.

Now, what does hard water mean for your hair? One research study found that hard water can actually damage your hair. (01) When hair samples were washed in hard water versus distilled water for 30 days, the distilled water samples were thicker and less crumpled looking. If your hair is dull, brassy, has a green hue, breaks or tangles easily, check your water.

If you discover that your water is hard, there are some things you can do to protect your hair. One option is to use a vinegar rinse or clarifying shampoo once a week. Another option is to install a showerhead with a filter. Whole house water softener filtration systems are also available. Filters and water softening systems reduce the mineral concentration in the water, leaving your hair softer and silkier.

Addicted to Hairspray or Gel?

Most of us were not born with that perfect hair we see in ads. You know what we mean, that glossy, thick hair that falls exactly into the right place, even in the rain and wind. So, we resort to the next best thing. Hairspray or gel that freezes our hair in place and gives us that extra hold. It works, right? But is it really good for you?

Hairspray or gel probably won’t make your hair fall out. They could, however, dry out your hair and cause breakage. Alcohol, ethanol, parabens, and fragrances tend to cause the most damage. Also, formulas that clog your hair follicles could make it harder for new hair to grow. If you can’t live without something to give your hairstyle a little extra hold, look for products that contain all-natural and hydrating ingredients such as argan oil and biotin.

What about sea salt sprays? They’ve become popular for adding volume and texture. Are they okay since salt is a natural ingredient? Yes and no. In moderation, sea salt spray is fine. Too much, however, will have the same drying effect as you get when swimming in the ocean. Salt strips the moisture out of your hair.

Stressed Out? Here’s An Excuse to Treat Yourself to a Massage.

It’s not surprising that stress takes a toll on our minds and our bodies. Headaches, digestive issues, heart disease, and more have all been linked. This one may surprise you, though. Hair loss can be directly related to stress. Think about it. When you get stressed, your body reacts involuntarily by getting tense. Your blood vessels constrict, and there isn’t as much oxygen flowing to your scalp and hair follicles as usual. And when your hair follicles don’t feel the love, they can’t sustain or produce healthy hair. The technical term is called telogen effluvium. Fortunately, stress-induced hair loss can resolve itself over time. Meanwhile, a good massage, 30 minutes a day with a meditation app, or a brisk walk may be just what the doctor ordered.

Avoiding Your Barber or Stylist

Growing your hair out? Too busy to get in for a haircut? You may want to squeeze in time for an appointment. When you go too long between visits, you can end up with split ends. Split ends mean that your hair is more likely to break higher up near the shafts. The longer you wait between cuts, the higher the damage to your hair strands. Trims every four to six weeks will help keep your hair healthier and stronger.

It May Be Time to Change Your Pillowcases

This one may seem far fetched but stay with us. Switching to silk pillowcases may help keep your hair healthier. If your pillowcases are cotton, the fibers could be rough. If that’s the case, your hair rubbing against the fibers could cause tangling and breakage. You know what it takes to get a knot out of your hair. Extra brushing and yanking leads to breakage. The fibers themselves could also cause breakage. Cotton is known for absorbing oils as well. Silk pillowcases do a better job of allowing your hair’s natural oils to stay on your head where they belong rather than on the pillowcase where they could cause acne.

Yet Another Reason to Quit Smoking

If you’re a smoker, you probably don’t want another lecture on quitting. You’ve heard it all, or so you thought. Did you know that smoke from cigarettes can damage your hair follicles? When you smoke, your body is exposed to toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde and arsenic. These and additional toxins damage the structure of your blood vessels. Some of those blood vessels affect your heart. Other vessels lead to your head and scalp. When the blood vessels are exposed to the toxins and shrink, the blood flow to your hair follicles is reduced. That means new, healthy hair can’t be produced. Existing hair may fall out.

Your Genetics May Be Working Against You

If you notice that your hair is thinning or balding, you may be experiencing androgenetic alopecia, male or female pattern hair loss. It’s a genetic condition that affects a large percentage of the population. Men who experience the condition see a receding hairline. Women usually notice a widening part. Hereditary hair loss can occur any time after puberty, so even people in their 20s may be affected. The best way to know for sure is by checking with your dermatologist. If it turns out that your hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia, medications including Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone are available to stop the shedding and stimulate hair growth. The medications help enlarge shrinking hair follicles and prevent your hormones from converting to androgens that cause hair loss.

Can Damaged Hair be Repaired?

If damage is already done, is there anything you can do to repair your hair? Take heart. All is not lost. First, stop using any offending products. If the damage is stems from smoking, stress, or other behavior, lifestyle changes will help. If your hair is thinning or balding, it’s always good to consult with your dermatologist. As mentioned, you may be experiencing male or female pattern hair loss or another type of alopecia that can be managed with the right treatment.

Not sure what’s damaging your hair? Our hair growth experts are here to help. All of our doctors are board-certified dermatologists experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your hair. They’ll be able to help you figure out if your hair is damaged from something you might not be aware of or if you have a form of alopecia that can be treated. We also offer customized treatments ranging from thickening shampoos and conditioners to prescription hair regrowth formulas. Best of all, you can order from your couch and receive your delivery at your front door. Get started now!

Resources:

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30034190/

Can Female Pattern Hair Loss be Reversed?

Women have a reputation for being fixers. When something goes wrong, the first thing we want to do is fix it. So it’s not surprising that when we lose our hair, we want to take action and figure out if there’s anything we can do to make it grow back. Fortunately, female pattern hair loss can be reversed with treatment. It doesn’t happen overnight, but women start to see improvement within six months to a year. If you have questions about what products are most effective and if there are any side effects, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.

Female Pattern Hair Loss Is Common

Female pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of alopecia among women. Over 21 million women in the United States experience hair loss due to the condition. Besides normal recession that happens to most people as they age, the front of the hairline isn’t usually affected. There is a very distinct, recognizable pattern, though. The process usually starts with a widening of the center hair part and thins on the top and crown of the scalp, making a Christmas tree pattern. Women usually don’t become near or totally bald the way men do.

Too Much DHT Causes Hair Loss

The exact cause of female pattern hair loss isn’t completely understood. Experts believe that there are genetic and hormonal connections. If one of your parents or grandparents lost their hair due to androgenetic alopecia, there’s a chance that you may too.

What we do know is that an androgen called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is to blame. Just as men have small amounts of estrogen, women have small amounts of Testosterone. Hair loss begins when some or a lot of that Testosterone is converted to DHT. DHT interrupts your hair’s growth cycle. The androgen miniaturizes the hair follicles, which means that the hair follicles shrink. Existing hair in miniaturized follicles thins or falls out. New hair can’t break through. Fortunately, Happy Head’s board-certified dermatologists have a topical treatment specifically made for women that helps curb hair loss and boost regrowth with our custom Topical Spironolactone.

Myths About Female Pattern Hair Loss

Many myths about what causes female pattern hair loss exist. Let’s discuss three common topics that women often blame for their hair loss:

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamin deficiencies, especially iron and Vitamin D, are linked to hair loss. However, they don’t cause androgenetic alopecia. Vitamin deficiencies cause a temporary condition called telogen effluvium. Once the deficiency is identified and treated, hair loss typically stops and new hair grows.

Birth Control Pills

Research indicates that during initial use of oral contraceptives, women may experience more shedding than usual. However, after a few months, the hair grows back on its own. (01) The same is true when women who are stable when taking oral contraceptives go off of the medication.

Antidepressants

There is a lot of talk in various Facebook and support groups about whether antidepressants are the root of women’s hair loss. If you think that your antidepressants are causing an issue, it’s important not to change your dosage or stop taking your medication without first consulting with your doctor. Yes, it’s true that some antidepressants can cause medicine-induced alopecia, although it’s rare. The type of alopecia induced is typically a temporary form of telogen effluvium. However, if hair loss due to antidepressants concern, be sure to consult with your dermatologist. Effective hair loss medications can often be used in conjunction with antidepressants.

There’s No Age Limit

Women of all ages can experience female pattern hair loss. Although most women start to notice their hair thinning in midlife, meaning ages 40 through 60, hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia can start any time after puberty.

Patterns of Hair Loss Are the Key to Diagnosis

There isn’t one specific test that dermatologists use to determine whether or not you have female pattern hair loss. Dermatologists can typically make a diagnosis based on a visual evaluation since androgenetic alopecia has such specific patterns in women. Other information that he or she will use includes:

Medical history
Blood tests to check vitamin levels
Pull test to see if strands fall out easily
Visual inspection of hair follicles to check for miniaturization

Your dermatologist may also do a biopsy to rule out other forms of alopecia.

Treatments for Female Pattern Hair Loss

If you are diagnosed with female pattern hair loss, medications are available and have been proven to be effective. One is over-the-counter, and the others are only available by prescription.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)– Available over-the-counter in two and five-percent foams. Although the five percent is designated for men, women often use the five percent formula. Stronger liquid formulas are available by prescription. Oral pills are also available, but carry a very small risk of hirsutism.
Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)– A DHT blocker FDA approved for men, prescribed off-label for women. An effective topical formula is also available.
Dutasteride (Avodart) – Another DHT blocker that is prescribed as a second-line of treatment after Finasteride. Dutasteride blocks two enzymes, while Finasteride blocks one. Finasteride is effective for most women, so Dutasteride isn’t prescribed as often.
Spironolactone (Aldactone) – A DHT blocker that is prescribed when women’s treatment has plateaued using other treatments.

Potential Side Effects from Hair Loss Medications

Potential side effects of taking oral hair loss medications are different for women than for men. Minoxidil can cause a temporary, initial shedding among some women because it speeds up the resting phase of your hair. This makes your hair fall out faster than normal when you first start using the medication. Minoxidil also makes the growth phase last longer. If you use Minoxidil and experience irritation, you may want to test a formula without propylene glycol. Research indicates that the culprit is often the propylene glycol, not the Minoxidil. (02)

Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone are not typically prescribed for women of child-bearing ages. Aside from that, side effects are usually rare and mild, if present at all. If you are concerned about side effects, or interactions with other medications you are taking, topical hair loss treatments may be a better option for you. Topicals are proven to work as effectively as oral medications without the same risk of side effects since topicals are not systemic. (03) You can also combine topical treatments with oral treatments.

Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss Isn’t One-size-fits-all

Treating female pattern hair loss may take some experimenting. Different treatments are effective for different women. Whereas five percent topical Minoxidil may work for some, others may need ten percent. The same is true for Finasteride and the other DHT blockers. Also, remember that combinations of medications with different objectives are often used. For example, Minoxidil and Finasteride are often used at the same time. Retinoids are also often used to enhance the absorption of other medications.

If you have female pattern hair loss and would like more information on treatment options, we’re here to help. Our board-certified dermatologists are happy to review your case and recommend the hair loss medication that would be best for you. Best of all, our prescription medications can be customized and will be delivered directly to your front door.

Resources:

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4736624/

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684510/

(03) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.14895?af=R

When Women Get Male Pattern Hair Loss

Women can also suffer from hair loss, but there's help online to get a dermatologist diagnosis and formulation that works for you. Happy Head's dermatologists understand how female pattern hair loss works and how to help you regrow your hair. — Female pattern hair loss can progress from a widening part to overall thinning. But what happens when women get male pattern hair loss?

I met my friend Barbara (01) twelve years ago when our boys were toddlers. Barbara is a tiny woman with lots of spunk. I always thought of her as strong, smart, and confident. She called one day and confided in me that it bothered her that her hair was thinning. She had been losing hair on the crown of her head since she was in her late 20s, and she never did anything about it. She knew that I had lichen planopilaris and wanted to get the name of the dermatologist I used to treat my hair loss.

Anyone knew just from looking at Barbara that her hair was sparse, and it took me by surprise that she hadn’t already had it checked out by a dermatologist or a hair specialist. But then again, Barbara isn’t exactly a fashionista. She’s an elder care nurse who spends most of her weekdays in scrubs and her weekends in sweats. But still, I was surprised. Barbara visited my dermatologist, and it turns out that she has androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. Who knew that women can get male pattern baldness? And who knew that it could start so young?

How Do Women Get Male Pattern Baldness?

Women get male pattern baldness for the same reasons men do. Also known as androgenic alopecia, female pattern hair loss is usually inherited. The condition occurs when a woman has a shorter than normal period of hair growth and a longer than normal period between when her hair sheds and grows. In some cases, women have the misfortune of inheriting smaller hair follicles and thinner strands of hair.

Almost every woman experiences female pattern hair loss at some point in her life. Most first notice androgenic alopecia around menopause, but it can start any time after puberty begins. If anyone on either side of your family has lost his or her hair, it’s more likely that you will too.

What Does Female Pattern Baldness Look Like?

There’s some good news if you have female pattern baldness. Women’s hairlines usually don’t recede and you won’t end up with a donut. The other good news is that women typically don’t go completely bald. Usually women with androgenic alopecia have one of three different patterns of hair loss. A bald spot can form at the crown of your head, you could lose hair along your center part, or your hair could thin all over. In some cases, hair gets so thin that the scalp can be seen.

How to Identify Male Pattern Baldness in Women

Although it’s tempting, don’t try to self-diagnose or treat yourself if you think you have androgenic alopecia. Get an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist and hair specialist. Your dermatologist may do one or several of the following:

Evaluate your hair loss pattern
Review your medical history
Rule out other possible causes for your hair loss, such as iron or vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disease, or another type of scarring alopecia
Determine whether you are producing too much androgen (male hormone)
Use a dermoscope or a microscope to look at the structure of your hair shaft
Take a small biopsy of your scalp and send it to a pathologist

Androgenic Alopecia Often Goes Undiagnosed in African American Women

Women of every race are affected by androgenic alopecia and other types of hair loss. African American women are no exception. In a 2016 survey conducted at Boston University’s Sloane Epidemiology Center, 47.6 percent of African-American women surveyed reported hair loss. (02)

However, like my friend Barbara who noticed that her hair was thinning and didn’t do anything about it, many African-American women are not seeking treatment for androgenic alopecia. Out of the group surveyed, 81.4 percent reported that they had never consulted with a physician about their thinning hair or bald spots.

The moral of this story? If you think that your hair is thinning and have a history of hair loss on either your Mother’s or Father’s side of the family, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment with your dermatologist to get evaluated and treated.

Do Asian Women get Alopecia?

Asian women do get alopecia, but traditionally rates have been lower than those of Caucasian or African-American women. (03) That number seems to be on the rise, though. Diet is believed to be a contributing factor.

Early research indicates that diets rich in vegetables, herbs, and soy may contribute to hair growth and health thanks to their anti-inflammatory nutrients. (04) The traditional Asian diet, loaded with fish and vegetables, meets that criteria.

Today’s modern Asian diet looks more like a typical American diet though, filled with processed foods. The fat, salt, and empty calories lead to higher BMI and blood sugar levels that have been linked to female pattern hair loss. (05)

What Treatments are Available to Women with Female Pattern Baldness?

Treatments for androgenic alopecia are designed with two goals in mind:

Prevent further hair loss
Stimulate hair growth

Sounds logical, right? Well, it is. Here are medications that dermatologists typically prescribe:

Retinol (Tretinoin)

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and has been found to be effective for treating female pattern hair loss when used either alone or in combination with Minoxidil. (06) Retinol has been proven to stimulate growth and improve the absorption of other ingredients that promote hair growth.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil, sold over-the-counter under the name Rogaine, is a hair regrowth treatment. It works by enlarging the hair follicles and elongating your hair’s growth phase. Minoxidil is available in both a topical foam and a pill. Although the foam is available in a two percent formula for women and a five percent formula for men, dermatologists often recommend the five percent for women to use for androgenic alopecia. Any hair growth realized while using Minoxidil can be lost if you stop using the product, so it is highly recommended to use it under the care of a licensed dermatologist.

Finasteride (Propecia)

Finasteride is a prescription medication that was initially designed to treat enlarged prostates. Because it prevents testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the medicine is helpful for women with female pattern hair loss. (07) Finasteride is available as an oral medication and as a topical solution. Many women prefer topical to avoid potential side effects.

Dutasteride (Avodart)

Dutasteride is similar to Finasteride. Both medications prevent your body from converting testosterone into DHT, which causes female pattern baldness. Dutasteride is newer to the market and is used off-label for androgenic alopecia in women. Finasteride is highly effective for most women, but when stronger medications are required, Dutasteride is a good option. (08) Like Finasteride, Dutasteride is best for women who are not pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Spironolactone is an effective treatment for hormone-induced hair loss that is only prescribed to women. The medication blocks DHT production by simultaneously decreasing testosterone and increasing estrogen.

Data indicates that Spironolactone is highly effective for treating female pattern baldness. In a research study conducted, 74.3 percent of patients who were treated with Spironolactone reported stabilization or improvement in their hair loss. (09)

Oral Spironolactone can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, and other side effects. Topical Spironolactone, which does not go through the digestive system and is less likely to induce side effects, is often prescribed and preferred. Topical Spironolactone is often compounded with Minoxidil to help your hair grow even faster and thicker.

Compounded Topical Treatments

If you’re not thrilled about using multiple products, all-in-one topical treatments that combine multiple medications into one are now available and can be more effective than using just one medication alone. (10) Popular combinations are:

Finasteride, Minoxidil, and Retinol
Minoxidil and Spironolactone

Many women appreciate the convenience and ease of applying just one formula twice a day.

With So Many Medications Available to Women With Androgenic Alopecia, How Do You Choose?

Are you confused about all of the different options? If so, that’s understandable since some of the DHT blocking medications work similarly. Thankfully, dermatologists have experience selecting the right medications for patients with female pattern hair loss. Your dermatologist will help you choose the right medication, dosage, and combination of medication based on the severity of your hair loss and your medical history.

Remember that treatment for female pattern hair loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different medications work for different women. It’s common to go through a trial process to see what works best for you.

Also, keep in mind that patience is key when treating androgenic alopecia. Medications work over time, so it may be a few months before you see a noticeable improvement, no matter which treatment you and your dermatologist choose.

Women With Androgenic Alopecia Often Need a Support System

Every woman deals with androgenic alopecia differently. My friend Barbara took her diagnosis in stride, but many women are devastated. Hair is a huge part of a woman’s identity, and losing it can take a toll on a woman’s confidence.

If you’re having trouble coping with your hair loss, resources are available to you. Best of all, some of the resources are free. Facebook has a closed group dedicated to females with androgenic alopecia. Members share information about their diagnosis and treatment plans. Sometimes, they’re just there to tell each other that it’s okay to be sad about their hair loss. Whether it’s on Facebook, another social media outlet, or in person, support groups are a good way to connect with others who are feeling the same way as you about your hair loss situation.

If you’re not in a good place mentally, make sure you contact a qualified psychologist or a psychiatrist. Depression and anxiety are common among women with female pattern hair loss. It’s important to seek help so you can regain your sense of self.

Resources:

(01) Name has been changed to protect confidentiality

(02) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160304093239.htm

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4560543/

(04) https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/504786

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4560543/

(06) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3771854/

(07) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7060023/

(08) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25382509/

(09) https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)01878-2/fulltext

(10) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314881/

Why using Sunscreen on your Scalp is Crucial for Thinning Hair

Everyone knows sunscreen is an essential part of a healthy skincare regimen. You’re probably diligent about applying sunscreen on your arms and face, probably even the tops of your ears! As awesome as you are at applying sunscreen, you might be missing one crucial area – your scalp.

Sun Protection for Your Scalp

There are three ways you can shield your scalp from the sun.

Have thick hair.
Wear a hat.
Use sunscreen.

An article published in the journal Photochemistry and Photobiology found that your hair acts like natural sun protection, called hair ultraviolet protection factor (HUPF). (01) HUPF works as a sun barrier and helps to prevent skin cancers caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

So, if you have lots of hair or intend to wear a fedora whenever you’re in the sun, then you’ve got it all covered. If your hair is thinning, cut very short, or if you’re without any hair, however, then your scalp is vulnerable. Unlike the skin on your face, your scalp lacks the same barrier strength, which makes your scalp sensitive to UV radiation and environmental toxins. Because your scalp’s skin barrier is thinner than the barrier on your body, safeguarding your scalp should be an important part of your skincare routine. (01)

Do people with hair loss conditions need sunscreen?

Hair loss affects a larger portion of the population than most people realize. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 25% of men experience their first signs of hair loss by the age of 21. And roughly 50% of all the men undergo some level of hair loss by age 50.

However, it’s not just men who are affected by hair loss. About 30 million women have a condition called female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It could happen to anyone. In many cases, people may have hair loss only in very specific areas on their scalp, while other parts remain flush with hair. Hair loss varies from person to person, and it’s the exposed scalp areas that need sun protection the most. (02, 03 )

Sunscreen for the scalp is a relevant consideration for all people, but especially for people with hair loss conditions. The following are few examples of hair conditions that may benefit from sunscreen use.

Androgenetic alopecia
Alopecia areata
Cicatricial alopecia
Folliculitis Decalvans
Frontal fibrosing alopecia
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Discoid Lupus erythematosus
Male pattern baldness
Loose anagen syndrome
Hypotrichosis
Lichen planopilaris
Anagen effluvium
Telogen effluvium

Even people who don’t have a hair loss condition may need to use sunscreen on their scalp. Most people are unaware that they have sections of their scalp showing. For example, people have a whorl of hair at the crown, often showing a bit of exposed scalp. Spend enough time outdoors without sun protection, and this small patch of unshielded scalp can become sunburnt.

Can your scalp get a sunburn?

Just like the rest of the skin on your body, your scalp can burn from too much sunlight. For this reason, protecting your scalp from the sun is crucial to reducing skin damage, lowering your risk of developing skin cancer, and preventing painful sunburns.

Sunburns and Your Hair Follicles

In general, if you’re already dealing with hair loss, injury from the sun can create more challenges. Third and fourth-degree sunburns, for instance, may damage and physically stress hair follicles, causing a temporary condition of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Maintaining your scalp health means potentially keeping more of your hair, which makes sun protection paramount. (03)

Sunburns and Skin Cancer

Sun damage may cause further hair loss, but it can also lead to something life threatening — skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) reports that about one in five people will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. (04) Out of that population, about 2% to 18% affect the scalp. (05) Furthermore, cases of skin cancer continue to rise each year. Keeping this information in mind, your scalp should receive the same – if not more – sun protection as the rest of the skin on your body.

What is a Sunburn?

Environmental pollutants and UV radiation accelerate the signs of aging, injure cells, and damage DNA within the skin barrier and deeper tissues. Sunburns are an inflammatory response to excessive UV radiation, which destroys the upper layers of skin. (06) Melanin, which darkens skin with exposure to sunlight, helps to protect your skin cells from the sun’s damage. Contrary to popular belief, a glowing tan doesn’t indicate healthy skin. A tan means that your skin cells have reacted to the sun’s radiation!

How your skin reacts to UV radiation is primarily based on your genetic makeup. Some people undergo gradual skin darkening, while others immediately experience a sunburn. While both are signs of skin damage, people with sunburns experience more pain and visible skin cell injury. Repeated sunburns or exposure to UV radiation can place individuals at a higher risk of skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanomas. (07)

What does a scalp sunburn feel like?

Whether or not a person feels pain with a scalp sunburn depends on the severity of the burn. Most sunburns are first or second-degree burns, but they can still cause some discomfort. With a first or second-degree sunburn, you might experience signs and symptoms like:

Redness
Swelling
Irritation
Flaking
Itching
Burning

Pain from a sunburn is typically at its worst 6 to 48 hours after exposure to the sun. (07) Severe cases of scalp sunburn may result in significant pain and blistering, which may take longer to heal. Fortunately, most sunburn symptoms are temporary and go away after three days to a week. The damage to cells and DNA, however, can remain for decades.

Treating a Scalp Sunburn

Caring for sunburn on the scalp takes a little TLC. To encourage healing, moisturize the area while the scalp is damp. Keeping the scalp moisturized cuts down on unsightly peeling and flaking. If you’re searching for sunburn medication, products that contain aloe vera may help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.

Avoid oil or petroleum-based products because their ingredients can aggravate the scalp and cause more pain.
Use shampoos that are sulfate-free and gentle on the scalp.
Instead of hot water, run cool water over your scalp to cleanse the area.
Stay hydrated and well-nourished to prevent further water loss and promote wound healing.

Choosing the Right Sun Protection for Your Scalp

Fortunately, you have a variety of options when it comes to shielding your scalp from the sun. It may take some trial and error to find what suits your needs and lifestyle the best, but the effort is worthwhile.

Hats and Hair Loss

If you’re using headwear to protect your scalp, then you’ve got an array of style choices. From beanies to cowboy hats, your options are endless. However, wearing hats do come with a few drawbacks.

Here are a few things to consider before you start your hat collection.

Remember that hats with openings in them, like snapback and trucker caps, allow sunlight to penetrate through parts of the hat.
Hats retain heat, and your head is one of the primary ways your body regulates its temperature. Wearing a hat in the sun may make you feel excessively warm.
Hats that are hot or are too tight may reduce blood to hair follicles, depriving them of nutrients and causing stress — which can encourage further hair loss! (08)
Be wary of developing traction alopecia when choosing a hat. Constant pulling or tension of hair can lead to traction alopecia hair loss, so choose a loose-fitting hat. (08)

Don’t like hats? Don’t want to risk any more hair loss? Then you’ll need sunscreen.

Helpful Hints for Choosing a Sunscreen for Your Scalp

Keep in mind that finding the right sunscreen for your scalp can be tricky. If you have thinning hair, you’ll want a formula that’s thick enough to protect your delicate scalp but won’t cake into your strands of hair. Finding the right sunscreen for your scalp is a bit like Goldilocks looking for the happy medium – you want something “just right.”

Here are a few factors to think about when you’re on the lookout for a good scalp sunscreen: (09)

Sunscreens for the skin on the body tend to be oily. You may not want an oily sheen covering your scalp and hair.
Stick sunscreen is excellent for small areas (like your crown or part) but not ideal for use over large areas with thinning hair.
Powder sunscreen options for the hair are convenient and can make hair appear thicker. However, powder sunscreen can be twice the price of other types of sunscreen.
Sunscreen sprays or mist are practical and are reasonably priced, though they can sometimes weigh hair down.
Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays and prevent radiation from reaching your scalp and skin. These kinds of sunscreen don’t typically leave that white cast on the skin that sunscreen is known for.

A few ingredients found in chemical sunscreens are:

Avobenzone
Octisalate
Oxybenzone
Octocrylene
Octinoxate
Homosalate

Mineral sunscreen physically blocks or shields UV radiation. This sunscreen blocks the rays of the sun and deflects them back out. People with sensitive scalps or chemical sensitivities may find mineral sunscreen less irritating.

A few ingredients found in mineral sunscreens are:

Titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide

What is the best sunscreen?

According to the AADA, the sunscreen that’s best for you is the one you will use consistently. Whatever sunscreen you choose, make sure it meets the following criteria: (09)

Broad-spectrum for both UVA and UVB rays
Consists of an SPF of 30 or higher
Water-resistant

In short, if you have thinning hair, you need sun protection for your scalp. Whether you’re looking for some fun in the summer sun or you’re working outdoors, remember that you – quite literally – have skin in the game. Protect it!

Resources:

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25682789/

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25682789/

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7320655/

(04) https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer

(05) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddg.13546

(06) http://skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/

(07) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2383280

(08) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-wearing-a-hat-make-you-go-bald/

(09) https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs