The best products for thinning hair in women

"Bald is beautiful." While society accepts hair loss in men, it hasn't quite reached that state of acceptance for women yet, even though as many as 40% of hair loss sufferers are female, according to the American Hair Loss Association. If you are one of that number, don't worry -- there are things you can do to minimize the loss, make your hair look fuller, or even accept your new look. Read on for five ideas on ideas to handle thinning hair in women.

There can be a number of causes of hair loss or thinning hair in women. Child birth, damage from excessive chemical treatments or too-tight braiding or other hair styles can all cause temporary hair loss simply from breakage. The remedy for this is simply to stop whatever you are doing that is damaging your hair and wait for it to regrow. This takes patience and time, but it will happen.

Health and genes can also contribute to thinning hair in women, however, and these can be harder to combat. Both female pattern baldness and polycystic ovarian disease can cause hair loss, but there can be other health issues involved, so if you notice thinning hair, see your doctor for a complete physical workup. Knowing your family's health history can help you get an accurate diagnosis.

If you have minor hair loss, you can simply try a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Pureology Shampoo, Blow Dry Amplifier, and Thickening Mist work together to create density and volume without the alcohol that can further dry and damage your hair (it's also safe for color-treated hair!). You can find it at Salon Rouge at 2017 on Chouteau Ave. in St. Louis.

Talk to your stylist about what styles will work best for you. Shorter styles often work best for thinner hair, disguising the diffuse pattern of hair loss that women most often suffer. Use a mousse to style, rather than a gel. Once you have a cut that works with your hair, try a thickener. Unlike the old spray-on hair sprays that promised to cover thin spots, Hair Cubed works by adding hundreds of microfibers to each strand of hair, giving you the look of thicker, fuller hair immediately.

Rogaine is another option that is readily available over-the-counter for women with more moderate hair loss and thinning hair. It works by promoting hair growth, but it can take as long as 32 weeks to see results. It is also important to get the Rogaine for women -- the 2% strength -- unless otherwise instructed by your physician, since the stronger version for men can promote facial hair growth. Rogaine for women is available at all St. Louis-area Walgreens.

If you have moderate to severe hair loss or a medical condition contributing to your hair loss, it is important that you discuss your thinning hair with your physician. There are other treatments available, including both topical and oral medications. There are more extensive options also available as well, including surgical hair restoration. Only you and your physician can determine the option right for you.

One last option that you may not have considered is acceptance. Many young men, upon realizing their hair is thinning, simply begin to shave it off. While head-shaving may not become a popular trend among women, it is unique and can often have a breathtakingly lovely effect. If you have strong self confidence, it might be a look worth trying out. Check out the following photos: Sinead O'Conner, woman with alopecia, Natalie Portman, Tyra Banks, unknown woman.