Hair loss is just something that no one really wants to talk about, isn’t it? Especially because there is still the perception that it predominately affects men. Which, to be fair, is true! That doesn’t mean though, that it should be overshadowed by millions of women experiencing it at some point in their lives as well.
The emotional and psychological impact can be massive. Be it feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and even depression that can be the result of it. Luckily, there’s been an increase in awareness and discussion around female hair loss in the UK recently, openly encouraging us to seek support and explore effective coping strategies. I feel that understanding the causes and finding appropriate ways to manage hair loss helps tremendously, too.
What can cause hair loss?
There are various ways we can develop it – mainly hormonal changes, medical conditions, genetics, and simply being stressed. Hormonal fluctuations particularly include those related to pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid issues (a small gland in our neck that produces hormones). Medical conditions could be polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or alopecia areata. Genetics provide hereditary patterns and stress – both emotional and physical – can trigger conditions such as telogen effluvium, where hair simply falls out after a stressful event.
Diet and lifestyle can also be critical factors, though. Poor nutrition can deprive our hair of the essential vitamins and minerals it needs, leading to weak and brittle hair that eventually becomes prone to falling out. You see, there are plenty of reasons why you experience hair loss. To properly figure out which one you are suffering from, always consult a healthcare professional.
Seek emotional and psychological support
As already mentioned, the toll of hair loss can be quite severe, impacting self-esteem and mental health. After all, our hair is a big part of our identity, so losing it partially may make us feel isolated or less attractive – which in turn can exacerbate feelings of sadness or anxiety. That’s why seeking support is essential. Do not shy away from looking to friends and family for comfort and reassurance. There are also support groups that can offer a space to share experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges! And seeing that a good 40% of all women by the age of 50 develop some form of hair loss, you definitely won’t be alone.
There is also the possibility of professional help, of course, such as therapy or counselling, which can be invaluable. Here, you’ll get the help you may need to develop coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety or depression, to make sure that your mental health isn’t being left neglected in the face of your physical changes.
What treatments and solutions are there?
There are several medical treatments that can effectively manage hair loss. There are topical treatments like minoxidil which are widely used. Prescription medicines such as finasteride are another option, though they require a bit more supervision in female treatment than male. There are also hair vitamins that supplement all your hair’s needs. Surgical options, like hair transplants, are a more permanent solution. It involves transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp to the thinning areas, which again promotes natural growth over time.
For non-medical solutions, there are also options like wigs, hairpieces, and extensions! Modern ones are highly realistic and can be styled to suit whichever individual preference you might have. And even small tricks to incorporate volumizing techniques into your hairstyles or styling can conceal thinning areas quite well, too. Important is, that you avoid harsh chemicals, excessive heat styling, and rough handling – your hair is fragile enough as is!
Of course, a balanced diet helps as well – especially when focussing on nutrients like biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. All of which you can find in foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Have a look at stress-reducing practices, too! Yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can make a considerable difference.
