Hair loss in women is a brutal truth. The reasons for the same vary from hormonal conditions to lifestyle diseases like hypertension or diabetes. The reason could be as trivial as wearing tight hairstyles. The pattern is not as recognizable as it is in men, so women need to be more careful. If you feel you are likely to become one of the figures in the staggering statistics, then its better that you consult a dermatologist.
Reasons for hair loss in women
Your genes might be at play or it might simply be due to aging. The hormonal changes in the body also take their toll on the hair. Menopause is a time when the woman faces a hormonal change again. The stage may be marked with hair loss. It might happen due to nutritional deficiency or stress.
Characteristics of female pattern balding
Unlike men, women don’t show balding very clearly in the early stages. Men’s hair loss can be identified clearly by a receding hairline. However, women don’t show such signs.
Prevention of hair loss
Follow these tips to help you avoid preventable hair loss:
Refrain from wearing tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails.
Avoid manipulation which is strenuous to your hair like twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair.
Treating your hair gently will be helpful. Be careful while washing and brushing. Gently detangle the hair when wet instead of combing it vigorously.
Keep away from harsh treatments like curling irons, hot oil treatments, and hot rollers.
Avoid medicines which could trigger hair loss.
Treatment of hair loss
Medicines like Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only drug which has been approved by the FDA for use by women. The only other methods which are approved are laser therapy and hair transplant. Rogaine is effective in stimulating hair growth and arresting hair loss. While medication is a non-invasive method, hair transplant is a surgical process. Hair transplant surgery is usually recommended as the last resort.
Signs of hair loss in women
There are three stages of Female pattern baldness on the Ludwig Scale:
- Stage 1 – Thinning of hair on the top of the head
- Stage 2 – High visibility of the scalp in the thinning areas
- Stage 3 – Hair loss on the crown of the head
Consult a hair loss expert and he will be able to ascertain the cause and the treatment for your hair loss. Profile India offers hair transplant facility if you require this procedure. You may try over the counter medicines and other treatments first. Ideally, the surgery should be tried at the last stage when everything else has been tried.
