Causes and Solutions for Women
21 million women experience hair loss in the United States alone.
1 in 4 women suffer from hair loss, thinning hair or pattern baldness.
Women's Hair Loss
Typically, the first sign of female hair loss is the widening of the hair part on the top of the head, sometimes referred to as “the Christmas tree effect.” This pattern is usually the first sign of a woman who is suffering female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. Just like men, this is due to the conversion of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When you have female pattern hair loss, your follicles are sensitive the hormone. DHT will “attack” the follicle by constricting the blood flow to hair, causing the hair shafts (or strands) to miniaturize, and eventually causing the follicles to close up completely. DHT also can cause inflammation, tenderness and itchiness in the scalp.
Women often believe their hair loss is a result of a health issue. In reality, those can simply be factors that attribute to genetic hair loss (female pattern hair loss).
Women often believe their hair loss is a result of a health issue. In reality, those can simply be factors that attribute to genetic hair loss (female pattern hair loss).
Top Causes of Female Hair Loss
Genetics
Hormones
Stress
Pregnancy
Menopause
How do you know if you have hair loss?
We always encourage women to meet with a specialist. Sometimes blood work, Biopsies or other tests are needed in order to accurately diagnose hair loss in females. Here are some basic signs that you have hair loss:
- Increased visibility of the scalp
- Hairline has become see-through
- Hair looks and feels finer
- Decrease in Pony tail size
- Excessive Shedding (most women will see it in the shower and when they brush their hair)
How can I stop the shedding or get my hair to grow back?
Before the only option was to conceal and camouflage female hair loss using products like hair fibers or wigs. While those are still great options to have, there are now treatments and other solutions guaranteed to stop hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth.
Medications- Since women cannot take finasteride, some doctors will prescribe medications that are thought to help stabilize hormonal imbalances in women. Spironolactone is one of the more popular.
Minoxidil or Rogaine- Topically applied and is available without a prescription.
Laser Therapy- Laser Therapy is the first completely holistic approach in stabilizing the hair loss. FDA Cleared in 2015, it is proven to be safe (no side effects) and effective in stopping genetic alopecia and stimulating regrowth in miniaturized hair. For more information on laser therapy, click here. We ALWAYS encourage our female clients to start a laser therapy program almost immediately.
Non-surgical hair replacement- All females are candidates for this solution. These solutions are pain-free and can re-create any hairstyle or head of hair. For more information on non-surgical hair restoration, click here.
Medications- Since women cannot take finasteride, some doctors will prescribe medications that are thought to help stabilize hormonal imbalances in women. Spironolactone is one of the more popular.
Minoxidil or Rogaine- Topically applied and is available without a prescription.
Laser Therapy- Laser Therapy is the first completely holistic approach in stabilizing the hair loss. FDA Cleared in 2015, it is proven to be safe (no side effects) and effective in stopping genetic alopecia and stimulating regrowth in miniaturized hair. For more information on laser therapy, click here. We ALWAYS encourage our female clients to start a laser therapy program almost immediately.
Non-surgical hair replacement- All females are candidates for this solution. These solutions are pain-free and can re-create any hairstyle or head of hair. For more information on non-surgical hair restoration, click here.
Others Causes of Hair Loss in Women:
- Traction Alopecia: Wearing your hair in a style that pulls on the hair (tight braids or tight ponytails) can cause hair loss.
- Alopecia Areata and Other Types: Classified as an autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata causes the body’s own immune system to attack healthy hair follicles.
- Diseases: There are about 30 diseases overall that can lead to hair loss. Thyroid, skin and auto-immune disorders like lupus and anemia can result in hair loss.
- Chemotherapy Treatments: If a person is diagnosed with cancer, a common treatment is chemotherapy, and hair loss is a common side effect. Click here for more information on Chemotherapy related hair loss.
- Illness: A major surgery, high fever or even the flu can cause hair loss. Your dermatologist may call this telogen effluvium.
- Infections: Scalp infections, such as ringworm, can invade the hair and skin of your scalp, leading to hair loss.
- Medicine – Diet and Poor Nutrition – Birth Control – Drastic Weight Loss – all of these things can also affect or trigger hair loss.