If you’re a woman, dealing with hair loss can be very upsetting especially if you have no idea what is causing it. There are all sorts of causes of hair loss and if your hair suddenly starts to thin or fall out, and there isn’t an obvious reason for it, you need to visit your doctor. Here are some of the common causes of women’s hair loss and some of the things you can do about it.
Most people know the term “male pattern baldness” but not every one knows that this condition also affects women. It’s actually called Androgenetic alopecia. This has to do with the hormone testosterone (which is found in small amounts in women too) changing into a chemical called DHT that prevents hair follicles from growing. For women, this condition usually happens around menopause. The good news for women is that, while men often go completely bald from this condition, in women it usually only leads to thinning of the hair in certain places.
Although some lost hair may never return, the proper diet, topical medications, and vitamin supplements can prove helpful in reducing hair loss and even promote re-growth.
One vitamin that can prove useful at treating both hair loss and premature graying of the hair is PABA, which can be found in many multivitamin supplements. You should also make sure you’re getting all of the essential B vitamins in your diet, especially Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid. You also want to ensure that you get enough zinc, as it is very important to the overall health of your hair.
Other common reasons women experience hair loss is because they use products on their hair and undergo treatments that actually damage the hair. For example, the toxic adhesives found in some hair extensions will not only weigh down the hair causing traction alopecia, it can also clog up and destroy hair follicles. Some straightening techniques, if over done will strip the natural oils away from the hair causing breakage and loss.
Even products such as hair coloring, shampoos and conditioners that contain harsh chemicals could be contributing to your hair loss. Using hair dryers or curling irons too often can also damage your hair. Even when you go to the beauty salon it is important that you’re only purchasing products that are gentle on the hair. If you color your hair, try not to do it too often and definitely not more than once every couple of months or so. You need to think carefully about what sort of hairstyle you choose because some kinds of styles are extremely tough on your hair. If your hair loss persists ask your doctor to recommend a good hair replacement stylist, they can help you make the most of the hair you do have.
