I have already discussed various treatments and ways to control thinning hair and/or hair loss due to the high testosterone levels women with PCOS often have. While doing some research, I stumbled upon these “tips” to healthy hair and scalp. They seem so simple, but many I never even stopped to consider.

Since hair loss is extremely upsetting to me, and to most women suffering from it, I thought this information would be helpful.

Follow these simple tips and “hair care procedures” to improve scalp hair (Hair: An Owner’s Handbook by Philip Kingsley). These tips, along with your daily hair care routine, AND taking action to lower your testosterone levels (either by prescription medication, or herbs like Saw Palmetto or Nettle) will help better your hair quality and reduce hair loss/thinning hair:

• Hair should be shampooed daily, and rinsed fully.
• Conditioning the hair removes tangles, particularly at the ends of the hair.
• Avoid insufficient rinsing, and minimize any tangling with a wide-toothed comb.
• Use of a brush with sharp bristles should be avoided. Smooth combs are preferable.
• Undefined stresses, hormonal medications (androgenic-like oral contraceptives, as well as a number of other medications may be associated with hair loss).
• Blow drying should be done with a hair dryer about 6 inches away. As the hair starts to dry reduce the heat gradually. Avoid blow drying hair from damp to dry to minimize hair damage, brittleness and split ends.
• Rollers have to be used carefully, and not tightly. Similarly, pins and clip use should be minimal and never while sleeping.
• If elastic bands and barrettes are used at all, they must not be tight. They have been noted to cause traction alopecia. Similarly, pulling the hair too tightly from the forehead may also lead to severe hair breakage.
• A habit of compulsively touching and pulling hair (trichotillomania) should be avoided.