hair loss

A new study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests that marital stress, smoking, and heavy drinking disproportionately affect women's hair loss. The study, conducted on 42 sets of female identical twins, found that the major predictor of female hair loss was divorce or widowhood, but that heavy drinking and smoking also contributed significantly. In contrast, the primary predictor for male hair loss is genetics, followed by smoking, sun exposure, and dandruff.

Female hair loss, then, would appear to be driven far more by physical and emotional stress than genes. Interestingly, we know that marital stress like divorce does have plenty of other negative effects for men, including shortened lifespans. So if you want a full head of hair well into old age, don't smoke, drink moderately, and stay single.

Right around the time my daughter hit the 6-month mark, I freaked in the shower when clumps of hair came into my hands while shampooing. Then I remembered a mom in my postnatal yoga class complaining about gobs of her hair falling out months after giving birth. Losing hair after pregnancy is pretty crappy common, but if you didn't just have a baby and you're concerned that too many strands are ending up in your hairbrush, eating some of these nutrient-rich foods may help prevent thinning hair.

• Tofu: This soy-based food is a healthy source of iron, with a one-cup serving offering 6.8 mg. If you're concerned about an iron deficiency, which is known to cause hair loss, make sure you're getting 18 mg of iron a day.
• Cottage cheese: Dairy products are great sources of protein, especially since they contain whey and casein. If you're not a fan of the consistency of cottage cheese, snack on yogurt instead.
• Oysters: These shellfish are another source of iron. A three-ounce serving contains 6.6 mg. People might eat oysters to inspire love, but they'll also inspire your hair to grow. Besides the iron, oysters are also high in the antioxidant zinc.
• Flaxseeds: Another great source of iron, flaxseeds also contain omega-3s, which support scalp health and can encourage hair growth. One tablespoon of whole flaxseeds contain 2.3 grams of omega-3s, while one tablespoon of flaxseed oil offers 7.2 grams.

To see what other foods you can add to your diet to encourage a thick, lustrous mane keep reading.

Having used Latisse on my eyebrows, I can attest that it really did (temporarily, at least) help places I'd overplucked in high school grow back in. So it's not surprising that Allergan, the drug's maker, is now using the stuff in clinical trials to see if it also works for baldness.

I would assume that it'll be pretty effective, but questions arise as to what kinds of side effects it might cause, and who'll actually be able to afford it if it gets cleared by the FDA. Right now, a month's supply of Latisse for the lashes costs over $100, and I can't imagine how much it would cost to do someone's entire head. And that's assuming people would even want to. Also, if the skin discoloration I got from Latisse is any indicator, perhaps there's a chance the stuff could end up dyeing your scalp purple-red. Regardless, this is one trial I'll be curious to see the results on. Until then, though, I'd avoid trying it for hair loss at home.

Hair loss is the pain after pregnancy! It often occurs in the months after a new mama's hormones adjust. From the clumps of hair found in the shower drain to the baby wisps that sprout up, mothers have much to deal with after delivery. We asked Paul Lebrecque from the eponymous salon for some tips in managing postpartum hair.

• Don't be afraid to keep hair long. Paul agrees that the 47 percent of LilSugar readers who have kept their hair long are making life easier. Long hair gives moms more options, including ponytails, chignons, and updos.
• Consider a Keratin treatment. The Brazilian straightening treatment makes blowouts fast and easy, lasts for up to three months, and is safe for use on nursing mothers. Paul does recommend that moms should pump and dump their first batch of milk the next day as a precaution.
• Keep popping prenatal vitamins. The same vitamins that give expectant mamas thick manes and strong nails can help combat hair loss. Paul tells his clients to stay on the pills for three months after their tots have weaned.

For more of Paul's tips, read more