Baldness or hair loss is usually a problem associated with the male gender. However, hair loss and baldness are just as problematic for women as they are for men. Fortunately, many types of female hair loss can be easily treated. Female hair loss in women can start at any age. Some women experience hair loss that is hereditary in nature, while others may experience hair loss as a result of hormonal changes or the use of medications. Not all women suffer from female pattern alopecia, which involves thinning hair on top of the scalp. Some women, for example, may experience hair loss on the sides or back of the scalp. Others may experience general weight loss. Some weight loss, such as that associated with the postpartum period, is often temporary.
Patterns of hair loss
Patterns of hair loss vary from woman to woman. The most commonly reported patterns of hair loss in women include:
1. Thought that occurs over the entire scalp. This thinning is usually more evident at the back of the head.
2. Thinning over the scalp with more noticeable baldness or thinning towards the front of the head. However, this pattern usually does not involve the front hairline.
3. Thought that occurs at the front of the scalp including the hairline.
Causes of hair loss
Aside from androgenetic alopecia, which is often associated with male pattern baldness, a number of conditions can cause female hair loss. These include:
- alopecia areata – This is believed to be the result of an autoimmune disorder and can cause patches of hair to fall out.
- trichotillomania – Hair loss results in this case from compulsive pulling. Usually, psychological treatment is necessary to solve hair loss problems.
- triangular alopecia – This condition results in hair loss on the temporal areas of the scalp. Some women with this condition begin to lose their hair in childhood. A doctor can usually treat this problem with medication or surgery.
- scarring alopecia – This is hair loss that results from scarring. This commonly occurs in African American women. It may be the result of tight braiding that persists over time. Postmenopausal women are usually more susceptible to this condition.
Hair loss in women can be devastating. Society often considers women’s hair as a sign of beauty, fertility and youth. Many women feel that a full head of hair is necessary to function well in life. Hair loss can result in emotional turmoil and self-esteem for many women. Fortunately, there are a number of highly effective treatments that a woman can use to help combat hair loss. Here are some popular treatment options for women experiencing hair loss:
- hair transplant – While this procedure is most commonly associated with men, women can also undergo hair transplant surgery. This treatment is often effective in reducing hair loss associated with a hereditary condition. Not all women are good candidates for this procedure. Women who are good candidates include those with patchy areas of thinning rather than total thinning of the hair. Women must also have enough donated hair available for transplantation and the procedure must be able to meet the woman’s expectations after transplantation.
- minoxidil – This is an effective and FDA approved treatment for hair loss in men and women. Women simply apply this topical treatment twice a day to help prevent or delay hair loss. Many users have reported that hair has grown back with routine use. Many find this product easy to incorporate into a daily beauty regimen. Also called Rogaine, Minoxidil is one of the best-known therapies for hair loss in women.
- hair extensions – Many women opt for human hair extensions to help restore the thickness and length of their hair. Human hair extensions provide a natural looking alternative to hair transplant surgery. You can use them to cover patches or to treat general hair thinning across the entire scalp. Hair extensions are applied in individual strands or in wefts. The safest application procedures involve braiding extensions into the hair. Using glues or waxes to apply hair extensions can result in further damage to a woman’s already fine and sparse hair.
It is important that you consider your personal goals and lifestyle before selecting the hair treatment alternative that best solves your hair problems. Remember, for many women hair loss is a reality. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent the problem from affecting your life and well-being!
