Women's Hair Loss

Long, short, bouncy, sleek - for most women, hair is far more than a bundle of fiber. It's an explanation of style and personality. Research also suggests hair and self-image are closely intertwined. If an casual "bad hair day" can make a woman feel bad, hair loss can be a distressing sight to face every morning in the mirror.

The idea that thinning hair is a guy problem is simply wrong. 40% of people who experience limited or long term hair loss are women. Some have hair that is thinning all over, while others see the center part gradually widen. Still others develop distinct baldness at the crown of the head. Unlike men, women hardly develop a receding front hairline.


        How Hair Grows        

The average scalp has 100,000 hairs. Each follicle produces a single hair that grows at a rate of half an inch per month. After growing for two to six years, hair rests awhile before falling out. It's soon replaced with a new hair, and the cycle begins again. At any given time, 85% of hair is growing, and it is resting.

    How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?    

Most people lose about 50-100 strands every day, because resting hairs regularly fall out. You'll typically find a few strands in your hair brush or on your clothes. Unusual hair loss can happen in several ways. You may notice dramatic clumps falling out when you shampoo or style. Or your hair may thin slowly over time. 

If you're disturbed about changes in your hair, you can check with your doctor.

                                                                           

     Finding the Cause of Hair Loss       

Hair fall in women can be triggered by about 30 different medical conditions, as well as several lifestyle factors. Sometimes no specific cause can be found. As a starting point, hair loss experts recommend testing for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances. In many cases, hair will regrow once the cause is addressed.