Female hair loss can be a devastating and socially debilitating condition. As our society glorifies beautiful, long, full, thick hair, sufferers of hair loss are cowering under hats and wigs, feeling alone and depressed, and experiencing great discomfort during intimate times with their husbands or significant others. On the job can be just as bad. There is always that feeling that others are whispering their comments or giving sorrowful looks of sympathy. No one really knows how it feels unless they experience it for themselves.Treatments vary widely, dependent upon age, cause and general body condition.The first step is to see a physician. Hair loss can be an early sign of some diseases, like Diabetes, and these need to be ruled out. As well, if your scalp is itchy and scaly, it is possible that a bacterial or fungal infection is at work. Fortunately, these can easily be resolved.
Women who experience hair loss during or immediately following pregnancy or after surgery should not be alarmed. Chances are, these are temporary conditions and will right themselves. Poor diet and lack of exercise can be culprits as well. The important thing is to rule out any of the simpler, temporary causes and set your mind at ease.For others, hair loss is considered a permanent condition. Whether a result of heredity or hormones, it is there to stay unless treatments can be successful.There are separate treatments for the reduction in the rate of hair loss and for the potential regrowth of hair that is already gone.
For reduction in rate only, the following suggestions are widely made:
1. Stop using harsh shampoos – those with surfactants(lathering ingredients) are tough on hair and can cause early demise of hair strands.
2. Stop using dry heat methods of drying and styling. Get a hair style that does not require so much blow-drying or, worse, curling irons.
3. Stop coloring and treating so much – these processes damage hair, and, as it is brushed or combed, greater loss will be the result
4. Fix your diet – well-balanced meals, particularly high in protein and natural oils can help.
5. Exercise more to increase the blood supply to your scalp. Increased blood supply can help to keep follicles healthy and producing.
6. Try to reduce your reactions to stress and anxiety. If you have normal stressors that are typical in your day, find time to relax and get peaceful. Yoga and other forms of meditation can help to reduce your stress and anxiety.
7. Try “natural remedies” – these include essential oils and herbs which, in various mixtures, can be spread on the scalp and help follicles to remain open and healthy.
For reduction in rate and the potential of regrowth, there are a variety of medical options. These are advertised through all media, and most include research results which show the levels of effectiveness. Some contain both man-made chemicals and natural ingredients, some one or the other. Solid investigation and some experimentation are warranted, so that you find the one that works best for you. This can be a lengthy process, because you may have to wait 3-6 months to determine effectiveness. Female equivalents of medicines such as rogain, Provillus, and Propecia are available – and be certain you use the ones for women only.Wigs and hair extensions can provide relief, and some women accept these as their permanent solutions.Surgery is expensive, but many opt for it every day. Female pattern baldness responds best to this method, because hair is still relatively thick in the back and can be transplanted to front and crown areas. Hair grafts are also an option when there is an overall balding concern.Fortunately, a great deal of money is being poured into this problem.
Research labs across the world are working continuously to develop medical preventions and cures. Progress is being made, and the wise sufferer of hair loss will keep abreast of any new research which surfaces.
Women who experience hair loss during or immediately following pregnancy or after surgery should not be alarmed. Chances are, these are temporary conditions and will right themselves. Poor diet and lack of exercise can be culprits as well. The important thing is to rule out any of the simpler, temporary causes and set your mind at ease.For others, hair loss is considered a permanent condition. Whether a result of heredity or hormones, it is there to stay unless treatments can be successful.There are separate treatments for the reduction in the rate of hair loss and for the potential regrowth of hair that is already gone.
For reduction in rate only, the following suggestions are widely made:
1. Stop using harsh shampoos – those with surfactants(lathering ingredients) are tough on hair and can cause early demise of hair strands.
2. Stop using dry heat methods of drying and styling. Get a hair style that does not require so much blow-drying or, worse, curling irons.
3. Stop coloring and treating so much – these processes damage hair, and, as it is brushed or combed, greater loss will be the result
4. Fix your diet – well-balanced meals, particularly high in protein and natural oils can help.
5. Exercise more to increase the blood supply to your scalp. Increased blood supply can help to keep follicles healthy and producing.
6. Try to reduce your reactions to stress and anxiety. If you have normal stressors that are typical in your day, find time to relax and get peaceful. Yoga and other forms of meditation can help to reduce your stress and anxiety.
7. Try “natural remedies” – these include essential oils and herbs which, in various mixtures, can be spread on the scalp and help follicles to remain open and healthy.
For reduction in rate and the potential of regrowth, there are a variety of medical options. These are advertised through all media, and most include research results which show the levels of effectiveness. Some contain both man-made chemicals and natural ingredients, some one or the other. Solid investigation and some experimentation are warranted, so that you find the one that works best for you. This can be a lengthy process, because you may have to wait 3-6 months to determine effectiveness. Female equivalents of medicines such as rogain, Provillus, and Propecia are available – and be certain you use the ones for women only.Wigs and hair extensions can provide relief, and some women accept these as their permanent solutions.Surgery is expensive, but many opt for it every day. Female pattern baldness responds best to this method, because hair is still relatively thick in the back and can be transplanted to front and crown areas. Hair grafts are also an option when there is an overall balding concern.Fortunately, a great deal of money is being poured into this problem.
Research labs across the world are working continuously to develop medical preventions and cures. Progress is being made, and the wise sufferer of hair loss will keep abreast of any new research which surfaces.