While many people believe thick, luscious hair is purely genetic, the right lifestyle choices help thousands of women achieve their desired look.
One trainee trichologist struggling with female pattern baldness has offered hope to many facing similar struggles after finding some solutions that work; including natural DHT blockers, minoxidil and derma-rollers.
Sofia, who has been documenting her journey with androgenic alopecia, recently revealed the products she used to transform her thinning hair into long, thick locks through years of research and experimentation.
“I have androgenic alopecia, which is also known as female pattern baldness and that basically means I have hair loss and hair thinning, but I have managed to grow my hair really long and thick,” she told her TikTok followers.
Sofia has been documenting her journey with androgenic alopecia
TIKTOK / SOFIAHAIRHEALTH
The condition affects approximately a third of women during their lifestyle, with the number increasing to two-thirds after menopause.
“It’s taken me years of testing different things,” she explained. “Literally years seeing different dermatologists and testing different products.”
The treatment plan that has worked best for Sofia begins with five per cent minoxidil, which she described as “the most effective thing for hair loss”.
She recommends using the product alongside a derma-roller, which can be added to the routine twice a week before applying the product.
Natural DHT blocks are equally crucial, according to Sofia, with saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil shown to be particularly effective for those with genetic hair loss.
“Natural DHT blockers, like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil, are both proven to work for hair loss. Both are proven to block DHT,” she explained.
Daily scalp massages can further enhance hair growth by encouraging more blood flow to the scalp. “You want to massage every say for five minutes,” Sofia advised.
The final component of Sofia’s routine is a caffeine-based treatment, which lab studies have shown can enlarge hair follicles and extend their growth phase.
DHT blocks and minoxidil are the backbone of Sofia’s hair care routine
TIKTOK / SOFIAHAIRHEALTH
Sofia recommends letting the caffeine serum or tonic sit for 20 minutes, twice a week, to enhance blood flow.
The last step of Sofia’s routine involves using scalp oils containing specific ingredients.
“You want to get one with peppermint oil or pumpkin oil, because these have been proven to block DHT and take blood supply to your scalp,” she said. “A healthy scalp does lead to hair growth, this is also important.”
“But the base you really want to stick to is DHT block natural supplements, minoxidil and derma-roller.”
