For countless women, hair loss poses a significant worry, impacting their self-image and emotional state. Whether encountering gradual thinning or sudden balding patches, this concern can stem from various reasons. Therefore, it's vital to discuss some common factors behind this issue. In this blog, we'll discuss about hair loss in women, the most common causes of hair loss and tips for improved hair growth.
Hair loss in women can be caused by a combination of factors, with genetics and stress being two common causes.
- Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss, is a hereditary condition in which hormones like DHT can cause hair to thin over time, especially along the part.
- On the other hand, intense stress can cause a condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely, resulting in temporary but excessive shedding.
- Are your hairstyling preferences causing harm to your locks? Styles such as tight buns, ponytails or braids may seem chic, but they can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia. This occurs when constant tension on the hair follicles causes hair loss along the front hairline or sides of the scalp. In the long run, this can result in irreversible damage.
- Is your hair paying the price for what you put on them? Frequently using heat styling tools and chemical treatments can weaken the hair shaft, resulting in trichorrhexis nodosa. As a result, your hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage. Avoid the vicious cycle of hair damage by rethinking your styling practices.
- Also, your scalp health can significantly affect the thickness of your hair. Issues such as severe dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis can clog hair follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle, resulting in gradual thinning. Additionally, inflammation of the hair follicles, referred to as folliculitis, can lead to hair loss if not adequately treated.
- Often, Hormonal imbalances can also have a significant impact on hair thinning. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or perimenopause can cause fluctuations in hormones, disrupting the hair growth cycle. Elevated levels of androgens and changes in estrogen levels specifically can contribute to hair loss in women.
- Very prevalent, yet least discussed, are Autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia areata, which are characterised by the immune system targeting hair follicles, resulting in bald spots or a complete loss of hair on the scalp. In some cases, other autoimmune disorders may also cause hair loss as a secondary symptom.
Here are some suggestions and Advice to help improve the health and condition of your hair:
- Seek Advice from a Dermatologist: It's essential to seek the expertise of a dermatologist if you are experiencing persistent hair loss or noticeable changes in hair density or texture. They can assess your condition, identify the root cause, and recommend suitable treatment options.
- Consider Different Treatment Options: Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause of your hair loss. They may include Glutathione supplements, vitamins, minerals, medications, topical treatments, lifestyle changes, procedures such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or hair transplantation is an option in select cases.
- Practice Healthy Hair Habits: Small changes in your hair care routine can promote hair growth and prevent further damage. Remember, discovering and implementing healthy hair practices is crucial in protecting and improving the state of your hair.
- You can prevent further damage and promote hair growth by avoiding tight hairstyles, limiting exposure to heat and chemicals, and investing in gentle hair care products.
- In addition, "maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, managing stress levels, and practising proper scalp hygiene are all essential steps to achieving healthy hair"says Dermatologist Dr. H S Chauhan Medical Director, Twacha Dermatology Clinics, India.
Furthermore, seeking guidance from a dermatologist and considering different treatment options for women struggling with hair loss can lead to renewed self-confidence and control over their hair health.
Related Readings:
- American Academy of Dermatology. Alopecia Areata: Signs and Symptoms.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Hair Loss: Who Gets and Causes.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Hair Loss in Women.
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Treating Female Pattern Hair Loss.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Hair loss.
- Mount Sinai. (2022). Female Pattern Baldness.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Alopecia Areata.
