Lili Reinhert Has Entered Her ‘Wig Era’ After Alopecia Battle
Lili Reinhart recently shared on her Instagram Stories that she’s entered her “wig era” after her alopecia diagnosis. The Riverdale star has been open about her experience of alopecia during a depressive episode, which she announced during a TikTok video at the beginning of last year.
And Lili isn’t alone. Young or old, hair loss can happen to anyone, at any time, and it’s estimated to affect 35 million men and 21 million women worldwide, with females who experience high-stress levels 11 times more likely to lose their locks.
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair loss, not just from the scalp – but all over the body. For some, the condition may only last a short period; the hair will grow back, but for many, the hair loss is unfortunately permanent. But while hair loss is relatively common, losing your hair can be traumatising, particularly for those where the loss of hair is permanent.
Studies have shown that alopecia can have a detrimental impact on mental health, with suffers often experiencing anxiety and depression, poorer body image and low self-esteem.
If you’re also experiencing hair thinning as a result of alopecia or stress, here’re some tips to help…
A nutritious diet is key
If you’re experiencing hair thinning, then it’s vital that you have a healthy and nutritious diet. The foods you eat have a direct impact on the growth, strength, and volume of your hair.
In particular, it’s important to consume plenty of protein as the hair follicles are mostly made up of a protein called keratin. So, when an adequate amount of protein is consumed, the hair produces higher levels of keratin, enabling the hair to repair and grow.
Similarly, ensure you’re eating foods rich in iron, Omega-3, Vitamins A, C, & E, Biotin, Zinc, and Selenium. By filling your body with the essential nutrients, you can encourage strong regrowth and prevent future hair loss or weakness.
Change up your hair routine
While many people will think they have perfected their haircare routine, the overuse of certain products, home dye kits and over-washing can result in further damage.
Harsh chemicals involved in many dyes and bleaching kits can kill off melanin and destroy the hair follicles, leading them to thin or fall out. Plus, over-washing can cause strands to become brittle and break during combing. It can also damage the follicles if the natural oils are constantly washed away.
Revise what you’re putting on your hair by checking the label for harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, propylene glycol, imidazolidinyl urea and sodium chloride – that could result in further hair loss. Instead, look for products containing essential oils like rosemary or tea tree that help boost hair growth.
And to avoid hair dye reactions, it’s best to visit a professional for colour changing services, who will offer a consultation and perform a patch test.
Invest in hair enhancers
If thinner locks are making you self-conscious, take a leaf out of Lili’s book and embrace hair enhancers, such as wigs or hair extensions.
If you are experiencing mild hair loss, investing in a set of hair extensions is a quick way to add length and volume.
Before committing to a set, consider what type of extension you are going for. For example, clip-in hair extensions are the best option for a quick fix, as they are easy to maintain, clean and take-off, while tape extensions are a more permanent yet natural-looking low-maintenance option.
Quality is crucial, too, if you want them to last a bit longer. Synthetic hair might be cheaper and look shinier, but will most-likely get tangled easily and not hold styles or textures. Remy – human hair with the cuticle still intact – which is slightly more expensive, will last a lot longer, blend better and be easier to style.
And it’s important to opt for the right length and color to suit you. Lengths generally range from 12″ to 24″ inches – with 12″ or 16″ the recommended for anyone with short-mid length hair. Meanwhile, most suppliers provide a shade matching service, where you send in a picture of your hair in natural light to allow the experts to provide the best match possible.
Talk to a professional
If none of the above improves your hair growth, it may be worth speaking to a professional.
Trichologists are specialists in the function, structure, and diseases of human hair and scalp. Upon appointment, they will be able to work with your GP to evaluate which treatment is best for you, with options such as laser therapy, hair systems, scalp micro-pigmentation, and alopecia treatments or specialised creams and shampoos.
Alternatively, if you are suffering from high levels of stress or anxiety, speak to your doctor for additional support with your mental health.
Written by Nicole Petty, Haircare Expert for Milk & Blush