Women's Hair Loss
Women's Hair Loss
Women's Hair Loss
Women's Hair Loss
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Women’s Hair Loss
Hair loss can be distressing, even devastating for some women. Hair is often linked to a woman’s femininity, identity and feelings of attractiveness.
When women lose their hair, it can take a toll on their self-esteem and affect their careers, relationships and social lives. While male pattern baldness is widely discussed, female hair loss is rarely talked about. This lack of conversation about it can lead to feelings of isolation. But, there is hope. You don’t have to suffer in silence any longer. For most women, hair is more than keratin strands rooted to the scalp. Hair is an expression of personality and a representation of style. The good news is you don’t have to accept losing your hair. Learn what you can do to get your hair back.
REASONS WOMEN LOSE THEIR HAIR
What Causes Hair Loss in Women?
Studies show that around 40% of all women will experience some type of hair loss before the age of 40. The most common cause of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, which is a genetic predisposition to hair loss. However, women can lose their hair for a number of other reasons. See the list below for more information about other causes of hair loss in women.
Most women start to see hair loss in the form of a widening part, diffuse thinning all over or bald patches. If you notice an increase in the amount of hair falling out, it’s not too late to take action. Often, hair loss is progressive, meaning it typically worsens over time—so the sooner you act, the more options you have.
More Causes of Thinning Hair in Women
In addition to genetic hair loss, your hair could be falling out due to:
- Age: Aging can cause hair to thin. Over time, an increased number of hairs transition into the resting phase of hair growth while remaining hairs become shorter and thinner. This process is called involutional alopecia.
- Changes in Hormone Levels: Childbirth and menopause are common causes of hair loss due to hormone imbalances surrounding these events.
- Conditions and Disorders: There are several conditions and disorders that lead to hair loss, including trichotillomania and alopecia areata.
- Diseases: Numerous medical conditions can cause hair loss, including thyroid disease and autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
- Cancer Treatment: Some chemotherapies and radiation therapies can cause your hair to fall out.
- Prescription Drugs: Certain medications can trigger hair loss, including blood thinners, birth control and medicines for heart problems, blood pressure and depression.
- Diet and Nutrition: A lack of protein and iron in your diet can contribute to hair loss, as can eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.
- Harsh Styling Practices: Frequent use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners, can damage your hair. Even wearing tight styles like ponytails, braids or buns for extended periods of time can cause hair loss.
- Chemical Hair Treatments: The chemicals used in coloring, perms and relaxers can damage your hair and cause it to break, leading to an overall appearance of thinning
LEARN MORE ABOUT HAIR LOSS CAUSES
For informational purposes only. The exact cause of hair loss can only be determined by a medical professional.
The Ludwig Scale and Female Pattern Baldness
To help women better understand their hair loss, experts often refer to the Ludwig Classification Scale, which shows how female pattern baldness progresses. This scale separates women’s hair loss into three grades, or levels, based on severity.
Grade I
This type of hair loss is characterized as minimal thinning. Hair loss at this stage can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. Typically, the hair becomes thinner in appearance, but the front hair line does not recede. However, those with Grade 1 hair loss will not experience a receding hairline.
Grade II
At this moderate stage, women may notice decreased volume and a widening of their part. More of the scalp can become visible, and women may see an increase in hair shedding.
Grade III
Often described as diffuse thinning, this grade of hair loss creates a see-through appearance on the top of the scalp. This is the most severe type of hair loss for women.
Women's Hair Loss FAQs
The average person sheds 50-100 hairs a day. However, if you notice your hair thinning or there are more hairs than usual on your pillow, in your brush or in the shower drain, you may be experiencing hair loss. Act as soon as you notice a change in your hair to proactively address the issue.
Yes, HairClub’s proven solutions have helped women of all ages and ethnicities get their hair back. No matter the color, length, type, curl pattern or texture of your hair, our hair restoration experts will work with you to personalize your solution.
It’s possible. Women who are predisposed to hormone-related hair loss, or who are hypersensitive to hormonal changes, may experience hair loss while on birth control, or for several weeks or months after stopping birth control. If you’ve recently started using birth control and are experiencing hair loss, talk to your doctor.
There are many common prescription and over-the-counter medications that can contribute to hair loss, including, but not limited to:
- Antibiotics
- Acne Medications
- Antidepressants
- Oral Contraceptives
- Blood Thinners
- Cholesterol Lowering Medications
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs)
If you think you may be experiencing hair loss, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a hair loss expert right away. In many cases, hair loss is progressive, so the earlier you act, the more options you have available.
