What Causes Hair loss In Women?
Losing some hair every day is natural and normal as healthy hair is simply replacing the old. But if you suddenly can see more of your scalp or notice a dramatic increase in hair loss you may want to investigate a little further before you become distressed or demoralised. What causes hair loss in women? Take a look…
1. Stress
Both physical and emotional stress can have an impact on hair growth. Traumatic experiences such as divorce, job changes, or moving house can cause hair to temporarily rest whilst your body copes with events.
2. Pregnancy
Once oestrogen levels go back to normal after childbirth hair shedding can range from mild to intense. Pregnancy-related hair loss is seen commonly after the baby has been delivered.
3. Diet
A decrease in protein intake can shut down hair growth as your body will ration supplies, and if you’re not eating enough your body won’t have enough hairs to replace those being shed. An abundance of vitamin A can trigger hair loss, and low levels of vitamin B can also be a culprit.
4. Heredity
Female-pattern hair loss may be a cause if you are related to women who started to lose their hair at a certain age. Instead of a receding hairline, the head hair noticeably thins.
5. Anaemia
A deficiency in iron can lead to anaemia which is another common cause of hair loss. Almost 10% of women suffer from this and blood tests will be needed to confirm this diagnosis.
6. Alopecia
The result of an overactive immune system can cause alopecia areata where the body is confused into a state of targeting hair as a foreign body. The course of this condition can be unpredictable with hair falling out and then growing back again.
7. Illness
Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and other types of anaemia can cause scarring of the hair follicles resulting in permanent hair loss. Polycystic ovary syndrome and other metabolic conditions can also have adverse effects.
8. Weight Loss
Dramatic weight loss stresses your body and can produce a form of physical trauma that can result in thinning hair. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia shock the system and can also contribute.
9. Medication
Certain medications can cause hair to dramatically fall out – the most common being blood pressure, anti-depressant, and blood thinners. Other drugs such as lithium and anti-inflammatories can also promote hair loss. Chemotherapy rapidly divides hair cells.
10. Styling
Over styling and hair treatments can cause your hair to fall out, increased by extreme styling with tight braids and bands. Harsh chemicals that may be found in relaxers and hot-oil treatments can actually damage the hair root so hair may not grow back.
So What Is the Best Hair Loss Treatment for Women?
- Female hair loss can be treated with Minoxidil that’s used daily and regrows hair 80% of the time – noticeable results take about three to four months.
- Laser combs use red-light therapy to make improvements.
- Dietary changes with the addition of fish, meat, and eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
- Combat stress with exercise, talk therapy, and support.
- Take iron supplements for anaemia.
- Steroid injections may combat alopecia.
- Ask your doctor to lower your medication dose or switch medications.
Hair replacement options for women
One of the best hair loss treatment for women is hair replacement therapy. Hair replacement for women can be carried out professionally by qualified hairstylists at reputable salons offering non-surgical hair replacement. The colour, texture, and density of your hair is carefully matched to ensure a virtually invisible result, and modern hair replacements are fixed so that you can shower and sleep in them, and style them exactly as you would your own hair!