Hair loss is a common problem for older women. I interviewed Dr. Ben Behnam, a well-known dermatologist in West Los Angeles featured in Best Life and Pop Dust. He, along with his twin brother, are the founders of HappyHead.com. I interviewed him and he gave me a rundown on what can cause you to lose your hair, and what can be done about it.
Watch my video interview with Dr. Behnam!
Click on the player below.
Highlights of our conversation
Dr. Behnam focuses on topical medications that will prevent hair loss containing Finasteride and Minoxidil. Oral Rogaine is often touted as a solution but can cause sexual side effects.
The brothers launched their website just after the COVID shutdown as a telehealth company to allow patients across the U.S. to gain access to their hair loss solutions.
They now have over 1000 patients using the products with great success.
The company helps both men and women. Women under 50 who plan to get pregnant cannot use medications such as Finasteride, but other options are available.
What causes hair loss?
Most of the hair loss in females over 50 is genetically based coming from their parents or grandparents. We also lose more hair as we age. Women begin to lose their hair on the front sides and a little on the top. However, most will still maintain their frontal hairline.
The number #1 thing to consider in female pattern hair loss is diet
Dr. Behnam always asks his female patients if they are vegetarian because protein intake is a factor in preventing hair loss. Vegetarian women are more likely to experience losing their hair because they do not consume adequate amounts of the amino acids found in protein.
Women with hair loss may need to take pre-natal supplements, vitamin D, or an iron tablet. Older women over 50 that are no longer menstruating should NOT take iron.
Always do a blood test to check your vitamin D, iron ferritin level, and thyroid before taking supplements. It is common for women of all ages to be low in vitamin D and iron. Dr. Behman usually recommends a vitamin D 2000-a-day supplement and liquid iron from Whole Foods (for women under 50) because it is less constipating.
Vegetarians must increase their protein intake and Dr. Behnam recommends that they add protein powder to their diet. He suggests a whey protein concentrate that you can purchase online. If you already take whey protein powder check the label to see the ingredients. Whey protein isolates can contribute to hair loss. Switch to whey protein concentrate instead.
Collagen is an important supplement as well. He recommends Vital Proteins Collagen. Take one scoop and add it to your protein shake. Drink it as a meal replacement so you don’t gain extra weight.
Nonvegetarians can increase protein intake by adding more chicken to their diet. Avocado and cashews help also.
DO NOT drink soy milk and get rid of energy drinks.
Medications for female hair loss
The most common medication used for females with hair loss is spironolactone. It is a blood pressure medication used in low amounts for adult hormonal acne. Higher doses can be prescribed for female pattern hair loss. Dr. Behman says it works well, about 50-50.
There may be side effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness. You may also pee more because it is a diuretic and it can increase your potassium levels so avoid bananas or coconut water. Spironolactone is a testosterone blocker that can mess with your hormones, particularly in menstruating women.
Oral minoxidil is another blood pressure medication that is used for hair loss in both males and females. It isn’t associated with hormonal changes and can help females, so Dr. Behman is a big fan of it. It is also affordable. Side effects can be caused by blood pressure changes, so if you are tiny (like 90 lbs) be careful with it. You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, or heart palpitations.
Oral Finasteride is effective for women over 50 and is sometimes combined with oral minoxidil depending on the individual.
Topicals are alternatives to oral medications. That is where Happy Head shines as they are the premiere website to purchase topical hair loss medications for both males and females. They also offer subscription options and doctor consultations.
Other reasons why you may be losing your hair
If you wear a tight braid, you will probably start losing hair on the sides. This is called traction alopecia. Stop pulling your hair back in braids, ponytails, or buns. Avoid wearing tight hats. Loose clips in the back of your head are fine.
You can try using a dermal roller on the sides of your head. If you gently roll it back and forth it will stimulate your hair growth. PRP (Platelet-rich plasma injections) and stem cells help as well. (especially PRP)
Alopecia Areata attacks hair follicles and can cause hair loss. Cortisone injections will help.
Scarring hair loss is harder to treat. Some medications are effective.
I asked Dr. Behnam if hair loss medication could increase chin hair growth. He said no and that you can have them lasered off. However, once chin hairs turn gray, lasering does not work.
If you are on treatments, such as chemotherapy, ALWAYS check with your own doctor before taking other medications. That is a much more complicated matter.
I’m surprised he didn’t mention Biotin. It’s definitely helped me!
Good point. He prefers collagen but I’ve heard good things about Biotin as well.
Great article. Thanks for writing about this. I started on a vegetarian diet in June, and I think it’s causing hair loss. I’ll keep track of proteins I get every day and see if I should try some protein powder.