Did you know there are 5 types of hairfall in women? Yes, as many as five types, which means, for us to look for remedies or solutions, we need to know more about them and what to do. Isn’t it?
What’s Hair Fall?
It’s a normal occurrence to lose a few strands of hair. Isn’t it? Everyone, both men and women lose hair. As long as there’s hair in our heads, we tend to lose a few here and there. It’s all part and parcel of life. But, when is it not?
Experts say we can lose anywhere from 50 – 100 strands a day. But when we lose more than 100 strands a day, consistently, it’s hair loss or hair fall. So, do you experience more hair fall? Does it fall within the normal spectrum or not?
Yes, we can’t all count every day, every time, but we get an idea. We can see how much we’re losing and decide if or not it seems OK. What do you think?
What’s the Difference Between Hair Fall in Men & Women
We’re not talking about male or female pattern hair loss only, we’re talking about hair loss in general. Hair loss differs between men and women.
With men, it’s more obvious and visible for everyone to see. They usually have bald patches, or full or partial balding more often.
As for women, it’s more subtle and happens over a period of time. It could be receding hairline, widening hair part, hair thinning and reduced density but bald patches are really rare. However, there can be diffuse hair loss in women all over their scalp.
Types of Hair Loss in Women
When you want to treat hair loss, identifying the type of hair loss is probably the first step. Yes, there are times when we can’t do it all on our own, but understanding the different types and having an awareness helps in the long run. Don’t you think so?
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia or androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common types of hair loss in women. According to statistics, at least 40% of the women are affected by it before they hit 40.
It is triggered or caused by aging, genetics, hormonal imbalance and stress. It is diagnosed based on tests or physical examination by a specialist.
The most common traits include a receding hairline and thinning hair, particularly on the crown and top of one’s scalp. Depending on the severity and other factors a treatment course is recommended.
Chemical-Induced Hair Loss
Excessive use of chemicals like in the case of coloring, perming or other hair styling treatments or certain treatments like in the case of chemotherapy or radiation for cancer treatment, which can leave one with chemical-induced hair loss.
The hair follicles are damaged and for some it can be permanent. It could start with breakage or dryness that eventually becomes a fully blown hair loss problem. Depending on the issue and other factors a treatment protocol is recommended.
Telogen Effluvium
This is a temporary hair loss condition that can cause excessive hair loss due to medical conditions, hormonal changes or stress. Examples include menopause, childbirth or even certain health conditions like a surgery or even shock or trauma.
The underlying cause of telogen effluvium is first identified and handled and that curbs hair loss. Depending on the cause remedial measures or tips for handling the underlying causes are recommended.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is the most common hair loss condition that affects both men and women. It’s an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss.
The most common causes include stress, hormonal imbalances or even genetics. Even so, stress is the most common trigger, closely followed by hormonal imbalances, especially for women. The treatment course is usually recommended based on the underlying causes and other factors.
Traction Alopecia
You’ve probably heard the term traction alopecia. It is a hair loss condition that’s more common in women. It is caused by tightly pulled up hairstyles and the hair loss is often permanent.
Damaging and pulled up hair styles leave hair follicles damaged beyond repair resulting in hair loss. Receding hairlines especially in the front is the most common symptom for traction alopecia.
Causes of Hair Loss in Women
We have already discussed the causes of hair loss in women briefly. Don’t you want to know the list of causative factors that can cause hair loss in women? Come, let’s explore together.
Hormonal Imbalances
Yet again, here we are! Is there anything we can talk about us women without talking about that pesky hormones? I wonder!
Hormonal changes or hormonal imbalances is a cause that’s common with women of all ages. Irrespective of one’s age, there’s always something to do with hormones when talking about women.
It could be childbirth, menopause, PCOS and whatnot! There are numerous reasons where our hormones could go out of whack. Isn’t it? In most cases, once the hormones are regulated, hair loss can be curbed and that’s often the treatment protocol when hormones are behind our hair loss.
Deficiencies
This is more common with women than men. Well, what can we say? With aunt flo’s visit every month, can there be another way? That’s probably why most women are deficient in iron. Would you know, anemia is a leading cause for hair loss in women.
Besides iron, other deficiencies that can cause hair loss include Vitamin D, Zinc, Biotin, etc. Now there’s more reason to grab those supplements if your specialist recommended one for you! Don’t you think so?
Health
Not just deficiencies, one’s health can also determine hair health and more. Don’t you agree with me?
Did you know certain health conditions including lupus, diabetes and even rheumatoid arthritis can cause hair loss? It’s usually temporary and can be managed by addressing the root cause of the problem.
What about medications? Did you know birth control pills can trigger hair loss in women? Yeah, sad, not many practitioners give that heads-up when recommending one!
Stress
Like men, women can also face hair loss and stress is a common trigger. Did you know at least 40 – 50% of the women who walk into Vitamins Revive face hair loss due to stress?
Alopecia is often triggered by stress. Did you know even androgenic alopecia can be triggered by excessive stress?
There are many other causes, but these are quite common and major causative factors that many of us can relate to.
Helpful Tips & Ideas
Keep your hair follicles healthy – enough can’t be said about this really! Hair follicles are the most important part of your hair and can be damaged beyond repair due to excessive styling or harsh chemicals. Did you know inflammation destroys hair follicles?
Care for your hair right – give it the tender loving care that it undoubtedly needs. Gentle care can go a long way in keeping your hair healthy.
Use natural ingredients to keep your hair and scalp healthy. When you’re buying off the counters make sure to check the ingredients and don’t go for any products with harsh or damaging ingredients.
Stay away from heat or chemicals – not for drying and definitely not for styling. What happened to good old air drying?
Try using hair masks at least once a week. It helps nourish your hair and scalp and keep problems at bay.
Try keeping your hair and scalp moisturized and hydrated – dryness can often lead to hair breakage. Regular scalp massages are a great idea. Have you tried it?
Get regular exercise. A healthy and active lifestyle is important to stay healthy. Your hair is only as healthy as your body is!
Don’t forget to have a healthy and balanced diet. A diet that includes all the key nutrients is the only way to get all the vital nutrients. It’s also a great way to improve hair growth and health.
Did you know scalp rinse can help your scalp? A clarifying scalp rinse can clear scalp build-up. My favorite is a ACV hair rinse for clarifying, though I use other herbal hair rinses for improving my hair health.
Treating Hair Loss in Women
So, what to do when facing hair thinning or hair loss or both? Dealing with hair issues is never easy, more so for women.
Unlike men, patchy hair loss isn’t common in women, but can happen too. While everyone can lose hair, the intensity can vary. Even the solution for the same type of hair loss can be different with individuals.
Did you know certain hair and scalp disorders could be the reason and certain medications or other measures are suggested to deal with the underlying issues? For example – Dandruff
It’s a good idea to consult a specialist when dealing with thinning hair and hair loss. They can help identify what’s happening and how to deal with it. Let’s take a look at the most common approaches for treating hair loss and a few remedies that you can try at home. Shall we?
Home Remedies
Who hasn’t tried home remedies for different issues? But the knowledge is dwindling and not many have the time to whip up the recipes. But the good news here is that we’re sharing tried and tested but simple recipes that anyone can try. So, let’s get started!
Onion Juice
Don’t discount it as the new fad, because it isn’t. It is a tried and tested remedy not just for hair loss. Did you know it can treat patchy hair loss?
Onion Juice has been proven as an effective alopecia areata treatment. You can apply it for a few minutes on your scalp before washing off for best results.
I like to add a dash of pepper and garlic to stimulate scalp circulation and improve hair growth and regrowth.
Rosemary Essential Oil
This again seems like it is recommended everywhere, but it’s not without reason. Did you know this wonderful herb has been shown as an effective remedy against female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness?
Yes, you can use the essential oil, infused oil or even it’s extract. I like to add it to my hair oil and use it regularly. I also use its tea as my final rinse.
Saw Palmetto
A natural DHT Blocker, it’s an effective remedy to combat hair loss that’s often due to DHT. It can be consumed as a supplement, though it’s best to seek the advice of a professional on the right dosage or suitability.
Medical Treatments
Did you know Minoxidil is used as a topical remedy for treating hair loss? Apparently it can improve hair growth while curbing hair loss.
Corticosteroids are used to treat alopecia areata, while medications like spironolactone is used for androgenetic alopecia.
Modern Treatment Options
Did you know modern options like Plasma Rich Platelet Therapy and Low Level Laser Therapy are suggested to treat hair loss and related issues like receding hairline and more?
Hair Transplant
Hair transplantation is often the last resort when no other options work, or are suitable. This is more common with women dealing with female pattern baldness or other hair loss issues that have resulted in permanent hair loss or when there’s an underlying cause that prevents them from going with other treatment options.
Conclusion
Now that we understand more about hair loss, possible causes and what’s exactly happening behind the scenes, it’s easier to deal with it. It’s important to understand that while hair loss is inevitable, it can be managed effectively in most cases.
When it is hair loss, hair follicle damage, alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia and what not, hair loss treatment begins with acknowledging the problem first. You’ve already taken a step in the right direction.
In most cases, it’s possible to recover hair health and promote hair regrowth. Noticeable hair loss is not that common in women, but can happen. It varies with individuals, a reason specialists can help.
When noticing hair loss, give home remedies a shot. But if nothing seems to work, seek professional help. It’s not wrong to ask for help and not a sign of weakness! In fact, it’s a brave thing – asking for help isn’t easy. Is it?
