Vin Diesel might be seen as sexy with his shaved head, but all women are expected to maintain glorious manes of hair. Unfortunately, hair loss in women is just as common as it is for men. About 5 percent of women under 30, and 60 percent of women older than 70, suffer from hair loss.
Women experience hair loss differently than men though. Women may notice that the part in their hair gets wider, or that their front hairline becomes “see-through” as more scalp shows through the now finer, shorter hairs. There is some good news to be shared here and that is that most hair loss can be reversed
Hair loss can be caused by medical conditions or lifestyle factors. Genetics, menopause and aging also contribute to the problem.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Androgenetic Alopecia
Excess male hormones can cause women’s hair loss. If you see a thinning pattern similar to men’s hair loss, see your doctor for possible treatment with prescription medications. Excess male hormones may be a sign of a serious medical problem. So, seeing your doctor is a smart move if you suspect this may be a situation you’re facing.
Alopecia Areata
This is an alarming condition, because the hair falls out in patches. What’s happening is that the immune system is attacking healthy hair follicles causing them to fall out. Thankfully the hair that’s lost usually grows back in 6 months to a year.
Trauma
Sickness, surgery, blood loss and severe stress can cause hair loss that might last 6 months or more. It can be confusing because the hair loss doesn’t start right away—it usually happens months after a traumatic event. Unfortunately this type of hair loss can become chronic if the stress continues. Stress reduction therapy could be helpful in this situation.
Chemo and Radiation
Hair loss is almost inevitable with these two cancer treatments. The good news is that the hair almost always grows back.
Dieting
It’s best to think twice about trying radical diets. Too little protein and too much Vitamin A can cause hair loss. It may come as a shock, but don’t worry—it will grow back if you start eating healthy again
Iron Deficiency
Yes, even a lack of iron can affect the fullness of your hair. To check for this, have your doctor do a blood test for ferritin levels. If these levels are low, your doctor may suggest iron supplements.
Cosmetic Causes
You may look good, but harsh treatment, including coloring, ironing, and tight cornrows or braiding can cause your hair to fall out. If this happens, keep your hair loose and natural so it can grow back.
Help! Is There Any Treatment?
Yes! There are many solutions for your hair loss in addition to what we’ve shared here. Moreover, New Look Institute does not just offer one solution, but we offer many options, which give you the confidence that there will be a fully customized solution that fits your needs. Schedule a free confidential consultation today to learn more about what may be causing your hair loss, and more importantly, what can be done about it!
Photo Credit: Robert Couse-Baker Via Flickr Creative Commons
