How Can I Tell If I Have Female Pattern Hair Loss
Its best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether its FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so its important to rule out these causes.
What’s To Be Expected When It Comes To Thinning Hair
Just because you see hair in the plughole doesnt mean youre losing it.
Thanks to dry shampoo and a penchant for tousled waves that work on greasy hair, were washing our hair less frequently, which means more comes out when we do shampoo. The average person loses 30 to 50 strands a day, says Buller. But if you wash your hair less frequently, then thats multiplied every time you do wash.
So whats abnormal? If you see what youd estimate to be more than 1,000 strands sinking down the plughole, its time to see a trichologist.
How Do You Measure Hair Loss
Doctors characterize the severity of hair loss using something called the Savin density scale. This scale has 8 stages and describes hair loss around the midline part as well recession in the front of the hairline. Some women lose hair to various degrees around the midline and/or in the front of the hairline. Some women experience hair thinning all over the scalp. Hair loss may occur in episodes or continuously. The doctor parts the hair down the middle of the head and then determines the severity of hair loss. The most common pattern for female pattern baldness is thinning around the midline that occurs in the shape of a Christmas tree. The pattern and severity of female hair loss helps determine the appropriate course of treatment.
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Possible Causes Of Thinning Hair
One of the major causes of thinning hair in women is aging. It is normal for your hair to start thinning as you hit middle age. The following may also cause the problem:
You have to pinpoint the exact cause of hair thinning in your case, so you can choose a treatment or remedy that works for you. This means that thinning hair is something that you can still reverse. In other words, there are several home remedies and treatments for it. The next section of this article will tell you what you can do to reverse thinning hair.
Seven Ways To Reverse Thinning Hair In Women
Just like what has been said earlier, thinning hair in women is a condition that you can reverse. Here are just some ways for you to reverse that problem, which usually affects the female population:
#1 Have a regular scalp massage
Note that an unhealthy scalp may be the culprit for your thinning hair. With that said, you can stimulate your scalp and make it healthier by giving it a regular massage. This type of massage is similar to massaging your body, neck, or back. However, you need to do it a lot gentler when used on your scalp. Just use your fingertips to apply pressure on your scalp gently. Doing so can encourage blood flow.
You can also further enjoy more benefits from a scalp massage with the aid of a handheld scalp massager. It contributes a lot to getting rid of dead skin cells. You can also find brushes that mainly serve as scalp massaging tools. The only thing you have to do to use the handheld massager and the brush is to let them work over your entire scalp similar to when you are applying pressure on the area gently using your fingertips.
You can also further improve the benefits of your scalp massage by using essential oils and serums. Among those that promote hair growth are peppermint and lavender oils. In that case, you may also want to take advantage of a massaging serum applicator. With the aid of such an applicator, you can use a hair and scalp serum designed to fortify your hair and deal with age-related thinning.
#2 Improve your diet
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Why Is My Hair Falling Out
Medically speaking, there is no one reason why women lose their hair. But there’s a difference between the losing a few stray strands and the common hair loss condition alopecia.
This autoimmune disease occurs when your body’s immune system mistakes your hair follicles for a virus and attacks them.
Meanwhile, the NHS website says “70 per cent of women over the age of 70 experience female-pattern baldness” as they get older.
However, sudden hair loss affects young women too and be “as a result of extreme stress”.
Men are more likely to lose their hair, due to male-pattern baldness – a genetic trait that comes from your parents.
It can happen in the late 20s or much later in life.
Other causes include certain medications, too much vitamin A, or not enough protein.
Illness or stress can also lead to sudden, heavy shedding called telogen effluvium.
Solution: Take A Break
If you frequently dye and style your hair, try taking a break from these habits for a month or so to see if they are the prominent cause of your hair loss. Semi-permanent colour or highlighting and balayage techniques can also be less harsh on your tresses, so seek a hair consultation before your next colour appointment to see what options are out there. Hair conditioning treatments, such as Philip Kingsleys Elasticiser and Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask can also help improve the condition of your tresses after a trip to your colourist, by keeping your hair really hydrated, so get into the routine of using them once a week.
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Crash Diets Are Dangerous
Crash diets and fad diets promise quick weight loss, but most do not work and can be dangerous. If you lose 15 pounds or more very quickly, you may lose a significant amount of hair within a matter of months. Inadequate protein and nutrients is one of the potential reasons for hair loss in women. Stick to a healthy, balanced eating plan. Fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meats, and complex carbs give your body the fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals you need to maintain a healthy body, including a full head of hair. Other dietary risk factors for hair loss? Excess vitamin A may set the stage for your luscious locks to fall out.
Get Regular Health Check
A number of health problems, such as thyroid problems, some infections and chronic stress, can cause hair thinning and ultimately lead to balding.
This is why you need to have regular health check-ups. Timely diagnosis and management of illnesses can help prevent hair loss in the near future.
- If youre suffering from stress, learn stress management techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing to help your mind and body relax, and keep your body safe from stress effects.
- For thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, it is important to follow your doctors advice.
- Get quick treatment for infections like tinea capitis and other fungal infections that can affect hair growth.
- If diagnosed with diabetes, control it with a proper diet and exercise.
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What Are The Telltale Signs Of Hair Shedding And Hair Loss That You Notice On Clients
JW: If Im shampooing and I find a few excess hairs in the sink, or if I see the client losing hair while Im combing their hair before the cut, Ill ask a few questions to find out if theyve noticed hair shedding and, if so, how long its been going on. Seasonal shedding is very common. That said, its tricky, because hair loss can of course start with shedding and move into telogen effluvium if not diagnosed and treated in time. Its all about a conversation.
Solution: Change Your Style
If you are struggling with very fine hair or areas of sparseness, how you wear your hair can help minimise its appearance. In general, if you have finer hair, don’t grow it too long,” suggests Moodie. “The longer it gets, the weaker the hair gets and so it can tend to look lank, straggly and not healthy. Instead, focus on creating layers within shorter styles, to get a bit more height. I wouldn’t recommend really short layers though because they can highlight the fineness of the hair.”
Less is also more on fine hair. You might assume that using lots of volumising products will help but it can actually show how fine your hair is by lifting it up. Instead, keep styling to a minimum and focus on adding moisture to your regime to maintain the elasticity of each hair. Plus, if you feel you’ve lost hair, try changing your parting, or use a tinted product, such as Color Wow’s Root Cover Up, to fill in any gaps.
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Coping With Hair Loss
While losing hair at a young age may be concerning, hair loss is a reality for many people as they age. One study posted to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology noted that up to 75% of females would experience hair loss from androgenetic alopecia by the time they are 65 years old.
While many females look for ways to treat hair loss while they are young, at some point, most people accept hair loss as a natural part of the aging process.
Some people may choose to wear head garments or wigs as a workaround to hair loss. Others work with their aging hair by wearing a shorter haircut that may make thin hair less apparent.
Thinning Hair And Hair Loss: Could It Be Female Pattern Hair Loss
For most women, FPHL begins in midlife, when a woman is in her 40s, 50s, or 60s. It can begin earlier for some women.
FPHL is a progressive condition. This means women tend to continue losing hair. But women do not lose all of their hair, as do some men. Instead, your part often gets wider. Hair near your temples may recede. Without treatment, some women eventually develop widespread thinning.
Treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss.
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What Are Some Hair Care Dos And Donts For People Experiencing Hair Shedding
JW:Dont be afraid to wash and brush your hair a clean follicular funnel and a scalp free of debris is key. If you are experiencing hair shedding, that hair that is coming out needs to do so. Avoiding washing your hair doesnt help at all. Do use products designed for hair loss. These products have the right formula of proteins and minerals beneficial to hair growth and reversing problems such as excess sebum or an overly dry scalp.
How To Stop Hair Thinning And Prevent Balding
Unless youre rocking a shaved head, you most likely want to maintain a full head of hair. But unfortunately, hair thinning and balding has become a common problem these days.
Some factors that can contribute to or lead to thinning hair or baldness are genes, untreated medical conditions, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency, exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays and living in a highly polluted area.
Severe physical or emotional trauma, post-pregnancy hormonal changes and chemotherapy also can cause hair thinning and balding.
Even styling your hair can lead to thinning hair and bald patches over time. Continual use of hot styling tools, frequent shampooing, vigorous or frequent brushing, and using a lot of hair products can all lead to breakage and thinning hair.
Although you cant reverse balding that is related to genetics, you can protect your hair from damage that may eventually lead to thinning. If youre already dealing with thinning hair or bald spots, these home remedies also promote hair growth.
Here are the top 10 ways to stop hair thinning and prevent balding.
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A Dermatologists Diagnosis Is Best Before Treating Hair Loss
If you think you have FPHL, its important to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Women develop hair loss for many reasons. Other common causes of hair loss in women can look a lot like FPHL. Each of these causes requires different treatment. Without the right treatment, hair loss often continues.
You can find a dermatologist in your area by going to Find a Dermatologist.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia may occur as a result of hair products or styling techniques that damage hair follicles. The use of hair relaxers, blow dryers, curling irons, and hair extensions can cause central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, as can the process of creating a permanent wave, or a perm.
The frequent application of oils, gels, or pomades can also cause this condition, which may be reversible if you stop using these hair products or styling techniques. Our dermatologists may recommend taking medication to help hair grow back.
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What Questions Might Your Healthcare Provider Ask To Diagnose And Categorize Your Hair Loss
Your healthcare provider might ask about your habits:
- What kinds of hair products do you use?
- What kinds of hair styles do you wear?
- What types of food do you eat ?
- Do you have a habit of pulling your hair out ?
They might ask about your history:
- Has anyone in your immediate family experienced hair loss?
- Is there anything stressful going on in your life?
- What medications and supplements do you take every day?
- Has hair loss ever happened to you before?
- What foods are in your diet?
And, they might ask about your observations:
- How long have you been losing hair?
- Have you been shedding more?
- Have you noticed hair loss in places other than your scalp, like your eyebrows? Leg and arm hair?
- Does anything worsen your hair loss?
- Does anything improve your hair loss?
- Have you noticed hair loss occasionally or has it been going on continuously?
- Have you noticed if your hair growth has changed?
- Has your hair been breaking more often?