Hair loss is a common problem in men. Hormones, ageing and many other factors play a role. Hair loss in women seems to be less common, but I do see many women in the clinic complaining of this problem.
The growth of hair occurs in 3 cycles – anagen, catagen and telogen. 90% of the hair on our heads is in the anagen phase, or growth phase. The rest are in the shrinking (catagen) or resting (telogen) phase. On an average, we all lose around 50 to 100 strands of hair every day.
We could lose up to 250 hair strands when washing our hair (not washing it does not change this – it will fall out eventually!).
So why do women lose hair?
Hair loss can be a genetic problem in most cases. It usually affects the front of the head, making the forehead a lot more prominent. Close observation of the hair follicles using a magnifying glass shows both thin and thick follicles. This is a common cause of hair loss and is called androgenetic alopecia. It is a genetic condition that runs in the families.
So how can women realise that they are losing hair?
What is normal and what is not? In men, hair loss tends to occur from the forehead, moving in a backward fashion. They can also lose hair around the crown, which is the spot on the back of the head.
In women, hair loss begins with thinning of hair around the top third of the scalp. The gap between
hair follicles increases gradually, and areas of the scalp begin to become visible. Normally, when hair loss occurs, the lost hair is replaced by a hair that is of the same size. When hair loss occurs in women, the new hair that grows is thinner and finer. In other words, the hair follicles begin to shrink and ultimately stop growing completely.
Conditions such as pregnancy, low hemoglobin levels, polycystic ovarian syndrome and thyroid disease can lead to hair loss. It is therefore essential to investigate these.
Treating hair loss is simple. Avoid hairstyles that involve pulling the hair back. The use of chemicals, blow dryers and flat irons can damage hair.
Toweling the hair aggressively when drying it can also cause hair loss. You may want to consider hair fall supplements for women.
The simple measures can reduce the loss of hair. Medical therapies are also available that can help these days.
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