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Hair loss is a frightening future for many women. We rely on our hair for so much – it’s a part of our identity, our femininity, and for many of us, our self-confidence. So, when we start to see our hair thinning or falling out, it can be devastating.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of hair loss in women and what you can do to combat them. Many things can lead to hair loss, from dietary deficiencies to stress and genetic factors.
You can keep your locks healthy and lustrous for years with the proper knowledge and approach.
Your Hair Says a Lot About You
Your hair is an important part of your overall appearance, and it can say a lot about you. If you are experiencing thinning hair, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
There are many possible causes of thinning hair, including hormone imbalances, thyroid problems, anemia, and stress. Fortunately, there are treatments available for thinning hair. If you are concerned about your hair loss, talk to your doctor to find out the cause and develop a treatment plan.
Hair Loss Isn’t Just a Guy Thing
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women make up 40 percent of all hair loss sufferers in the United States. And while it’s more common in older women, it can happen at any age.
There are many causes of hair loss in women, including medical conditions, medications, and stress. If you’re concerned about losing your hair, talk to your doctor. He or she can help determine the cause and recommend treatment options.
How Does Hair Grow?
The hair growth cycle has three phases. The anagen phase is the active growth phase when the hair follicle lengthens, and the hair shaft thickens. This phase can last for years. During the catagen phase, the hair follicle gradually diminishes in size. Then, the hair follicle rests, and the hair falls out during the telogen phase. This cycle repeats itself, with each strand of hair going through these phases at different times.
The anagen phase lasts longer for thicker hairs, while thinner hairs have shorter anagen phases. That’s why people with thinning hair often notice more shedding than people with thick, healthy hair.
How Much Is Hair Loss Normal?
It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. But if you’re losing more than that or if your hair is thinning, it could be a sign of a problem.
What Are the Roots of Hair Loss?
- Hormonal imbalance: This is the most common cause of hair loss in women. When the body experiences a hormonal imbalance, it can cause the hair follicles and hair roots to be smaller, which leads to thinning hair.
- Genetics: If you have a family history of hair loss, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.
- Stress: Hair loss may be a symptom of stress, either mental or physical.
- Medical conditions: Various medical conditions can lead to hair loss, including thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and iron deficiency anemia.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss. Examples include blood thinners, birth control pills, and chemotherapy drugs.
Can You Measure Hair Loss?
There are a number of ways to measure hair loss, but the most accurate method is through a scalp biopsy. This is done by extracting a small piece of tissue from the afflicted region and analyzing it under a microscope.
Once you know what type of hair loss you’re dealing with, you can start exploring treatment options. For temporary hair loss, stress-reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation may help. If your hair loss is due to a medical condition.
Hair Loss Trigger: Thyroid Problems
There are two types of thyroid problems that can cause hair loss: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
This can lead to a number of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and thinning hair. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones. This can cause symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, irritability, and thinning hair.
Hair Loss Trigger: PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that can cause hair loss in women. It is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and can lead to the development of cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can also cause irregular periods, acne, and weight gain. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.
Hair Loss Trigger: Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes the scalp and/or other parts of the body to lose hair in patches. The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There are two types of alopecia areata: sporadic and chronic. Sporadic alopecia areata occurs in people who have no family history of the condition and typically results in small, round patches of hair loss. Chronic alopecia areata occurs in people who have a family history of the condition and often results in larger, more widespread patches of hair loss.
Hair Loss Trigger: Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect the scalp, causing hair loss. It’s important to know the symptoms of ringworm so you can seek treatment early.
Ringworm typically starts as a small, red, itchy patch on the skin. The patch may be scaly or have small bumps. Over time, the patch expands and forms a ring-shaped lesion with raised, flaky edges. The center of the lesion is often clear or has sparse hair growth.
Hair Loss Trigger: Childbirth
After giving birth, many women experience what is called postpartum shedding, which is when the hormones that are supporting your pregnancy start to drop sharply, leading to increased hair shedding.
This usually begins within two to three months after delivery and can last for up to six months. While it can be alarming to see all that hair coming out in the shower or on your brush, it’s important to remember that this is a temporary process, and your hair will eventually return to its pre-pregnancy state.
Hair Loss Trigger: The Pill
Certain pills and medications can cause hair loss by affecting the way your body metabolizes hormones. This can lead to a hormonal imbalance, which can cause hair loss. If you’re concerned about the effects of the Pill on your hair, talk to your doctor about other birth control options.
Hair Loss Trigger: Viral Crash Diets
When you’re not getting enough calories, your body starts to ration energy by redirecting it away from non-essential functions like hair growth. This can result in thinning hair or even complete baldness in extreme cases.
If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to do it in a healthy way that won’t jeopardize your hair (or your health). Slowly cutting calories and increasing exercise is the best way to slim down without putting your body into shock.
Hair Loss Trigger: Tight Hairstyles
If you regularly wear tight hairstyles, it’s important to give your scalp and hair a break every few days. Let your hair down when you can, and try not to pull it too tight when you do put it up. If you notice any irritation or redness on your scalp, take a break from wearing tight styles for a few days until the irritation goes away.
Hair Loss Trigger: Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can be a trigger for hair loss in women. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can both damage the hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and, eventually, hair loss.
Hair Loss Trigger: Extreme Stress
If you’re noticing more hair in your brush than usual, it could be a sign that you’re stressed out. Take some time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Try yoga or meditation, or even just take a few deep breaths. Reducing the amount of stress in your life can help stop hair loss and promote new growth.
Treating Hair Loss: Medicine
There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat hair loss, including minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). These medications can be taken orally or applied topically to the scalp and have been shown to be effective in slowing down or stopping hair loss in many women.
Low-intensity laser treatment is another possibility. In order to promote hair growth, a low-level laser device is used in this procedure. Some studies have shown LLLT to be helpful, but further studies are required to draw firm conclusions.
However, it is important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional to discuss your treatment options.
Treating Hair Loss: Lasers
Laser therapy is a popular hair loss treatment, especially for women. Lasers can help stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
There are two types of lasers that are commonly used to treat hair loss: low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and intense pulsed light (IPL). LLLT involves using a low-level laser to stimulate the hair follicles. This type of therapy is often used to treat pattern baldness. IPL uses a more powerful laser to destroy the hair follicles. This type of therapy is often used to treat alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss.
Both types of laser therapy are typically done in a series of treatments over a period of several months. Each treatment session lasts about 30 minutes and is done under the supervision of a doctor or nurse.
Women Hair Transplant
While there is no cure for female pattern baldness, there are treatments that can help to slow down or halt the progression of the condition. One such treatment is hair transplantation.
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which hairs are taken from an area of the scalp where they are still thick and transplanted to the areas where they are sparse or completely absent. This can help to restore some level of coverage and improve the overall appearance of the scalp.
Hair transplants are typically very successful in women and can produce natural-looking results. However, it is important to note that not all women will be good candidates for this procedure. The best candidates for hair transplant surgery are those who have healthy donor sites on their scalps and those who have realistic expectations for the results of surgery.
Hair-Loss Products and Devices
There are a variety of products and devices available to help with hair loss. Many of these products are designed specifically for women and can be used to effectively treat thinning hair.
Some common hair-loss products and devices include:
- Minoxidil: This is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp. It is available over the counter in both 2% and 5% strengths. Minoxidil has been shown to be effective at slowing down hair loss and promoting new hair growth. It is typically used twice daily.
- Rogaine: This is a brand name for minoxidil. It is available as a foam or liquid in both 2% and 5% strengths. Rogaine is applied to the scalp twice daily.
- Hair transplants: This involves taking hair from one area of the head (usually the back or sides) and transplanting it to the thinning areas. Hair transplants can be very effective, but they are usually quite expensive.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses low levels of light to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote new hair growth. It is most often done in a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Style Tips for Thinning Hair
- Choose the right haircut: If your goal is to camouflage thinning hair, avoid styles that require a lot of volume or fullness at the crown. Instead, opt for a cut that falls just below the chin or shoulder-length. Layered cuts can also help give the illusion of fuller hair.
- Consider color: If your hair is looking particularly sparse, consider adding some highlights or lowlights to give it more dimension and depth. Darker colors can also help minimize the appearance of thinning hair.
- Use styling products: There are a number of styling products on the market specifically designed for thinning hair. These products can help add volume and texture to your locks. Be sure to talk to your stylist about which product would be best for you.
- Don’t overdo it with heat styling: Heat styling can damage your hair, making it more likely to break and appear thinner than it actually is.
How to Handle Major Hair Loss
If your hair loss is due to a nutritional deficiency, you may need to take supplements or make changes to your diet. If hormones are the culprit, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended. There are also various medications that can be used to treat hair loss, depending on the cause. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
If you are struggling with hair loss, know that you are not alone and there are effective treatments available. Reach out to a trusted healthcare provider for guidance on finding the right solution for you.
Final Thoughts
As we age, our hair goes through many changes. For women, one of the most distressing changes can be thinning hair. There are many causes of thinning hair in women, including genetics, aging, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions.
Fortunately, there are also many solutions to thinning hair. If you’re concerned about your hair loss, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. They can help you determine the cause of your thinning hair and recommend the best treatment for you.
