Hair loss can be a worrisome, scary occurrence especially when you don’t know why it is happening and are unsure what you can do about it. The good news is that many types of hair loss can be prevented, slowed, or sometimes reversed, depending on the underlying condition. Female hair loss is not uncommon, though male pattern baldness may make it more common for men to lose their hair. If you are beginning to see more hair in the shower or on your brush than you used to, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s occurring and why.

To help you become more familiar with female hair loss, consider these facts…

1: How Many People Have Hair Loss?

Often, women believe that their hair loss is unique or even rare. That is not the case. In fact, up to 40 percent of women in the United States will have some level of thinning hair by the time they reach the age of 40. That is a substantial number of people. What does that mean for you? In short, it means that you are not alone, and, in many cases, it is common. Yet, female hair loss can be devastating for many women.

2: Why Does Hair Loss Happen to Women?

There are potentially many reasons hair loss occurs. For most women, it is one of three conditions:

• Anagen effluvium: In this condition, medications cause the hair loss. This includes medications used for chemotherapy to treat cancer.
• Androgenetic alopecia: This condition is often called female pattern hair loss or baldness. It is the most common cause. Generally, hair thins over the top of the head and along the sides of the head.
• Telogen effluvium: This condition occurs when the number of hair follicles on the head reaches the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. That is when hair falls out and it is a natural level of hair loss.

3: Who is Most Likely to Experience Hair Loss?

Hair loss can happen to anyone. It is most likely to happen to women who have just had a baby or who are undergoing chemotherapy or are using other medications. It is also more likely to happen to women who are over the age of 40 and those who are menopausal. Also, some women may be at a higher risk for the development of thinning hair if they use heat-related treatments to style their hair, those who tie their hair up in a tight ponytail, and those who use harsh chemicals on their hair.

4: What Are Some Common Myths About Hair Loss in Women?

Consider these:

• Too much shampoo is causing hair loss.
• You’ve colored or permed your hair so many times that this is causing hair loss.
• You brush your hair too much.
• Stress is behind your permanent hair loss (it may cause temporary hair loss, though).
• Wearing a hat is causing your hair loss.
• If you want your hair to come in thicker, just shave your head.

Remember, none of these are true.

5: Why Do Women Lose Their Hair?

There are many reasons this can happen. However, one of the most common especially in younger women is hair styling. If you pull your hair tightly into a braid or corn rows, you are more likely to suffer some traction hair loss. Other causes of hair loss in women include a deficiency in certain types of vitamins, very restrictive diets that lead to rapid weight loss, and over processing the hair, which can lead to breakage.

Other times, hair loss can occur due to extreme physical stress or shock to the body such as after the loss of a loved one or surgery. It may also be caused by abnormal thyroid function, some medications, high doses of Vitamin A, or changes in hormones.

There are a lot of reasons why hair loss can happen. What’s most important to you is to notice what’s happening as early as possible and then to seek out help from your doctor and hair stylist to determine what you can do to strengthen your hair growth and prevent further loss of hair. We are here to help, contact the team at Unique Hair Concepts for a complimentary, private consultation.