Society has idolized long, thick hair on women for centuries. For this reason, hair loss in women can be particularly devastating. Women who are suffering through the loss of their hair have, over the years, often chosen to hide their condition under wigs and hats, only to have to face their situation in those most intimate moments with their families or significant others. Even when their hair loss is easily disguised, such as in the workplace, there is often the feeling that others can notice, and are whispering sympathy behind their backs. This is a terrible feeling that is difficult to imagine if you haven't experienced it first-hand.

Treatments for hair loss vary, and depend upon your age, the cause of the condition and your general health. Often the best first step to addressing hair loss is to visit your doctor, to make sure that your overall health is sound. This will rule out the possibility that an underlying disease or illness might be the cause of hair loss. Another condition that a doctor may recognize is an infection or fungus on the scalp, which can cause hair loss and can be readily treated. If hair loss is associated with pregnancy there is usually little to worry about - this is a temporary condition that will take care of itself. It is best to rule out some of these simpler, temporary causes of hair loss before beginning to take serious the need for a cure.

For some though, hair loss is progressive and permanent if something isn't done about it. These cases are usually caused by hormonal or genetic influences, and steps can be taken to reduce the rate of loss. Here are a few things that you can begin to do right away that will help stem hair loss:

1. Stop using harsh shampoos. Some shampoos contain surfactants that irritate the scalp. Look for a shampoo that is gentle; irritated scalp and hair follicles will naturally shed more hair than normal.

2. Stop using dry heat methods of drying and styling. Get a hair style that does not require so much blow-drying or, worse, curling irons.

3. Reduce or eliminate hair colorings and permanents. These chemical treatments cause damage to individual hairs and will cause them to shed faster than normal.

4. Eat a well balanced diet. A diet rich in proteins and essential oils will help promote a healthy head of hair.

5. Exercise more to increase the blood supply to your scalp. Increased blood supply can help to keep follicles healthy and producing.

6. Relieve stress and anxiety. Stress is normal and sometimes unavoidable, but you need to reduce its impact on your life. Exercise is a great stress reducer, as are Yoga and meditation. Learn to deal with stress in a healthy manner.

7. Try "natural remedies" - these include essential oils and herbs which, in various mixtures, can be spread on the scalp and help follicles to remain open and healthy.

In order to actively stimulate new growth, you need to go a step further and find a product specifically designed to promote new hair growth. Products for hair loss are plentiful today, and several of them have proven track records and medical approval indicating their effectiveness in addressing hair loss in women. You can shop these products on the Internet from the privacy of your home, and with a bit of sound investigation you can find one that works for you. Everyone is different, so different products work for different people, but one particular product, Provillus seems to work for a broader cross-section of people than others. Provillus is available in a formulation specifically designed for women, and address hormonal and genetic hair loss from many angles.

Wigs and hair extensions can provide relief, and some women accept these as their permanent solutions. Surgery is expensive, but many opt for it every day. Female pattern baldness responds best to this method, because hair is still relatively thick in the back and can be transplanted to front and crown areas. Hair grafts are also an option when there is an overall balding concern.Fortunately, a great deal of money is being poured into this problem. Research labs across the world are working continuously to develop medical preventions and cures. Progress is being made, and the wise sufferer of hair loss will keep abreast of any new research which surfaces.