Struggling with PCOS Hair Loss?

Good morning. It’s Saturday, Feb. 8, and we’re covering scalp health and hair regrowth secrets. First time reading? Join other ladies who are thriving despite having PCOS. Sign up here.

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The Essentials

Ladies, let’s chat. Not about skincare (for once), not about bloating (though, ugh, same), but about something that’s been clogging our shower drains and testing our patience—PCOS-related hair loss.

If you’ve ever looked at your hairbrush and thought, Wow, is this shedding normal, or am I starring in my own horror movie?—you’re not alone. PCOS can turn your hairline into an ever-receding mystery, and while it’s not fair (seriously, why can’t we just trade in the excess chin hairs for scalp volume?!), there are solutions.

Inspired by science-backed strategies, and with a little help from Good Housekeeping and GB News, today we’re talking about natural remedies that actually help—without requiring a small loan for expensive treatments.

Let’s regrow that mane, shall we?

1. The Derma Roller: Tiny Needles, Big Hair Energy

If you’re new to derma rolling, here’s the deal: it’s like giving your scalp tiny, controlled paper cuts—but for a good reason.

A derma roller is a little handheld device covered in microneedles (yes, needles!) that gently poke the scalp, triggering the skin’s natural healing response. And by healing response, we mean your body freaks out and starts producing more collagen and blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging growth.

Sounds painful? It’s not. Annoying? Maybe a little. But effective? Absolutely.

Studies show that microneedling (the fancy term for this process) can significantly boost hair regrowth, especially when paired with growth-stimulating treatments like—wait for it—rosemary oil (which we’ll get to in a second).

How to Use It:

• Grab a derma roller with 0.5mm needles (go bigger only if you want a more intense treatment).

• Gently roll it over your scalp once or twice a week—don’t overdo it unless you want to look like a tomato.

• Follow up with a scalp-friendly oil or serum (cue rosemary oil, the queen of DIY hair growth hacks).

2. Rosemary Oil: Nature’s Minoxidil (But Without the Side Effects)

Rosemary oil has been around forever, but thanks to TikTok, it’s having its rightful moment in the haircare world. And unlike most internet trends (cough slugging with Vaseline cough), this one actually holds up.

In a study comparing rosemary oil vs. minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine), both had similar results in hair regrowth—except rosemary oil didn’t come with the fun side effects of scalp irritation or shedding.

Why does it work?

• Boosts circulation: More blood flow to the scalp = more nutrients delivered to your struggling hair follicles.

• Anti-inflammatory magic: PCOS-related hair loss is fueled by inflammation. Rosemary oil helps calm things down.

• DHT blocker: DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the hormone that loves to shrink hair follicles. Rosemary oil helps fight it. (P.S. some other DHT blockers include: Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Green Tea, Spearmint Tea and Flaxseeds… a deep-dive we can have for next weeks edition? I think so!)

How to Use It:

• Mix a few drops with a carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, or argan) and massage it into your scalp 3-4 times a week.

• Leave it on for a few hours (or overnight if you’re feeling fancy).

• Wash it out, and boom—your hair’s new best friend.

3. Scalp Health: The Foundation of Hair Growth

If you’re throwing serums and oils onto your scalp but ignoring buildup, you’re basically trying to grow a garden on a pile of rocks.

Your scalp is skin, and just like your face, it needs proper care to create the right environment for hair to thrive.

Things ruining your scalp health:

• Product buildup: Dry shampoo is great until you realize it’s suffocating your follicles.

• Inflammation from poor diet: Sugar, dairy, and highly processed foods can throw your hormones out of whack (which = more hair loss).

• Hard water: Minerals in tap water can clog hair follicles and dry out your scalp.

Scalp Care 101:

• Clarify once a week with a gentle exfoliating shampoo (or a DIY apple cider vinegar rinse). Personally, I have started using The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% for skin and scalp health.

• Hydrate—if your scalp is dry, your hair will be too.

• Scalp massage daily to stimulate circulation (bonus points if you do it while applying rosemary oil). Check out my top tool recommendation HERE.

Yes, You Can Regrow Your Hair

If PCOS has been stealing your edges and thinning your ponytail, don’t lose hope. With consistency, the right products, and a little patience, you can reclaim your hairline.

The best part? You don’t need a $500 serum or salon treatments to do it. Just a simple derma roller, some rosemary oil, and a scalp care routine that doesn’t involve drowning your follicles in dry shampoo.

So tell me—have you tried any of these hacks before? Or do you have your own PCOS hair growth secrets?

Hit reply and let me know what’s been working for you—I want to hear all about it!

Updates You Can Use

Hormones & Health

> A gynecologist explains that while variations in menstrual blood color—such as bright red at the start and darker shades towards the end—are typically normal, certain changes can signal health issues. For instance, a foul odor may indicate an infection, and experiencing excessive bleeding, irregular cycles, or severe pain could suggest conditions like fibroids or hormonal imbalances, warranting medical attention. (More)

> The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted healthcare access for women with PCOS, leading to canceled appointments, longer wait times, and worsening symptoms due to delayed treatments. Many faced increased stress, weight gain, and mental health struggles, highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare support during crises. (More)

Hair & Body Beauty

> The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner gently removes buildup, excess oil, and dead skin cells, keeping hair follicles clear and healthy. Its exfoliating properties help reduce dandruff, improve circulation, and create the perfect environment for hair growth—all without stripping the scalp’s natural moisture. Just apply it to your scalp 1-2 times a week. (More)

> Sofia, a trainee trichologist diagnosed with androgenic alopecia, successfully transformed her thinning hair into thick, luscious locks with these hair growth strategies. (More)

PCOS Pulse

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5 Delicious Dinner Ideas to Lose PCOS Belly Fat!

Avoid these 10 Types of Foods If You Have PCOS.

^{Why PCOS Queens? I want to save you the energy and time in researching and instead give you the shortcut to managing PCOS. I want to help you avoid feeling self-conscious and thinking you have to accept how things are. I want to help you overcome the worst of your symptoms, feel empowered and discover your inner strength. I want to hand you the keys to take back control of your life.}

*Disclaimer: Every women is unique, and this information is provided for educational purposes only. I share summarized research data and personal experience, but this should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health needs.