When you think about hair loss, the chances are the first image that comes to mind is a balding man, such as Dwayne ‘The Rock” Johnson, Prince William, or Billy Zane.
That is possibly because society has long since treated hair thinning and hair loss as mainly a “guy problem,”. And to be fair, that is probably true, in the sense that around 70% of men around the world will lose hair when they get older.
However, the truth is that hair loss affects women too. Millions of us, in fact. When it happens, it can feel even more isolating because it’s not talked about enough. And, of course, women’s appearance usually gets judged more.
So, if you’ve noticed your hair isn’t as thick as it once was, or you’re finding more strands in the shower drain than usual, you’re definitely not alone.
The question you should be asking is ‘what can I do about it?’, which is something we’ll attempt to answer in this post.
Why Do Women Lose Their Hair?
Hair loss in women can happen for a bunch of different reasons, some of which are temporary, while others are more permanent.
Here are some of the most common causes why it might be happening to you:
1. Hormonal changes
Things like pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and even going on or off the pill can cause fluctuations in hormone levels that impact hair growth.
2. Genetics
Just like men, women can inherit genes that make them more likely to experience thinning hair or patterned hair loss.
3. Stress and trauma
Emotional stress, surgery, accidents, or sudden weight loss can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium. This can result in a large amount of hair shedding all at once.
4. Medical conditions
Medical conditions like thyroid disorders, anaemia, and autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata can all lead to noticeable hair loss.
5. Lifestyle factors
Poor nutrition, smoking, and lack of sleep can all result in women experiencing hair loss. Additionally, harsh hairstyles (like tight ponytails and braids) and over-processing hair with dyes and heat can be contributory factors.
If you are experiencing hair loss, understanding the root cause (no pun intended!) is the first step to finding the best way to treat or manage it.
How to Tell If You’re Losing More Hair Than Usual
You might not be aware of this, but all of us lose hair every day. Indeed, it’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs on a daily basis. However, if you notice any of the following, it could be time to chat with a professional:
- A widening part
- A ponytail that feels thinner
- Bald patches
- Excess hair on your pillow, hairbrush, or shower drain
Treatment Options for Female Hair Loss
If you are experiencing hair loss, the good news is that there are several treatment options and remedies open to you. Your best bet is to get in touch with a company like GRO Clinics, which specializes in personalized hair restoration treatments that are minimally invasive, natural-looking, and tailored to your needs.
However, before you do that, here’s a heads-up on some of the countermeasures you can adopt.
1. Topical Treatments
Minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine) is one of the only medically approved treatments for female pattern hair loss. It’s a foam or liquid you apply directly to your scalp.
2. Prescription Medications
For some women, hormonal treatments or medications like spironolactone are prescribed to block the hormones that contribute to hair thinning.
3. Non-Surgical Therapies
Services like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or Growth Factor Treatments can stimulate hair follicles to encourage natural regrowth without the need for surgery.
4. Surgical Hair Restoration
If hair thinning is at an advanced level, hair transplants can offer a permanent and natural-looking solution. New techniques are far more refined than they used to be, to the point that they leave minimal scarring and very natural results.
5. Lifestyle Changes
There are several lifestyle changes you can make, including improving your diet with iron, zinc, and biotin, managing stress through exercise, mindfulness, or therapy, and adopting a gentle, scalp-friendly hair care routine.
It is also a good idea to limit any heat styling or chemical treatments you might have previously been partial to doing.
The Emotional Side of Hair Loss
For many women, our hair is tied deeply to our identity and losing it (or, for that matter, going grey) can take a massive toll on their confidence.
It’s completely normal to feel upset, frustrated, or anxious about hair changes. So, if you're struggling emotionally, it’s okay to seek help from a counsellor or support group.
Tips for Coping with Hair Loss
If you find yourself in a situation where you are losing your hair, here are a few practical tips you can embrace to manage it on a daily basis:
1. Find a supportive stylist
Try to find a hairstylist who specialises, or at least is experienced with thinning hair. They may be able to recommend flattering cuts and gentle colour techniques that will build up your confidence again.
2. Experiment with accessories
Headbands, scarves, and hats can all be styled in ways that make your hair feel comfortable without doing it harm.
3. Consider volumising products
Using shampoos, mousses, and powders that are designed for thin hair can help create the appearance of fullness.
Leave a Reply