Dealing with Hair Loss

When we think about hair loss we automatically assume that it is something that happens to men. This is not the case as women can suffer from the effects too. Understanding the various causes of hair thinning and loss is half the battle towards dealing with hair loss. It can also help you come to terms with what is an extremely traumatic event for any woman to have to deal with.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

The pattern for female hair loss is as individual as we are and every woman is different from the next. Some don't start to lose their hair until later on in life and others find their hair is thinning while they are still very young. In most cases women feel isolated and alone when their hair starts to thin, which is why it is crucial for them to be aware that the condition isn't as rare as they think it is.

Equally women want to know why this is happening to them and gain knowledge. The overuse of hair dryers and other heated styling tools - straightening, waving and curling is often said to cause hair loss. In fact, this may not strictly be true. Over-treating and colouring hair can have an adverse effect on condition since the hair shaft may break off near the scalp, but it won’t cause long-term hair loss. In such cases it makes more sense to correct the bad habits that lots of women are guilty of such as excessive use of curling tongs and hair straighteners as well as hair dryers.

For example if they use hair thickening shampoos, conditioners and styling products that add texture and volume; this can help to remedy this short-term problem. When it comes to hair loss caused by genetic and medical factors, the most common form is alopecia androgenica, otherwise described as thinning or "see through" hair. The more rare form of hair loss comes in the form of alopecia areata, which starts as a tiny bald patch the size of ten penny piece and can sometimes result in the total loss of hair. In both cases this can cripple self-confidence in women of any age.

Treatment and Remedies

If you are facing hair loss there are ways to remedy it, the first being through the use of medical preparations such as Minoxidil based solutions. Other remedies are based upon preventative measures. They are as follows:

• Dry naturally - While excessive hair washing strips away essential oils, it is drying with heat that is the most damaging. Leave hair to dry naturally whenever possible, or blow-dry on a cool setting.
• Condition it - As dry hair is very brittle and prone to breaking, it needs regular conditioning.
• Don’t brush – Hair is at its weakest when it is wet, and is more likely to break when brushing or combing. Never brush wet hair, but detangle it using a wide-toothed comb.
• Shampoo type - Choose the right shampoo for your hair type and texture. If your hair is dry, use a gentle, moisturising formula in order to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. If your hair is oily and you like to wash it daily, look for a product which cleanses effectively but is not too high in detergents, which can over-strip hair.