Female hair loss, fine or thinning hair? Over 20 million women suffer from hair loss, 10 million under the age of 40! Estimates say another 40 million suffer from "problem hair". This is hair that is fine, sparse or just will not grow to any appreciable length. Whether you are in a transition phase or have been thinning for some time, I can offer you solutions to your problem.

Women’s hair loss is nothing new nor is it more prevalent than it was 50 years ago. Hair loss in women varies greatly, from just a little thin on top to thinning over the entire scalp. The majority of women losing their hair are just that, thinning, not bald. There are times a woman may lose all of her hair but in general, womens’ hair tends to become thin. For most women, the cause of thinning hair is hormone related. Please see causes of womens hair loss page for more detailed information. For example, some women experience thinning in the front area. Others experience diffused hair loss throughout the entire top of the head. Whatever the pattern, there is a solution for you.

The majority of women don’t need a full coverage wig. Not only is it unnecessary, they’re not the best solution. Big, bulky machine made wigs are usually made with synthetic hair. Why cover the hair you have or receive more hair than you need? The idea is simple ~ Use your existing hair as much as possible, using more hair to fill in and around the natural growing hair. Using quality human hair is a key factor in creating the most natural look. High quality human hair that blends with your natural hair. It bends & curls just like your natural hair. There are several techniques to filling in the thin areas, using only as much hair needed to create a full head of hair. I have found the hair integration system is the most versatile solution. Hair extensions can be very hard on fine or weak hair but are also a versatile solution.

Creating more hair is a hair addition process. This allows existing hair to be utilized instead of covered. Using less hair to fill in only the areas needed, your style will be just what you want, no more. You’ll be able to achieve the appearance you’re most happy with. Once you make the decision, the rest is easy. And all you need to do to end your concerns about thinning hair is give me a call. I will be happy to walk you thru the process, step by step until we find the solution that is right for you. I realize you may be hesitant but making that phone call is the first step in finding a solution that you’re comfortable with. So please, call and let’s talk about what I can do for you to feel confident about your hair.

Female pattern baldness usually begins about age 30, becomes noticeable around age 40, and may be even more noticeable after menopause. Female hair loss is usually an overall thinning -- two hairs where five used to be -- rather than a bald area on top of the head, though women may have a receding hairline, too. It's thought that about 20 million American women have such hair loss. As in males, hair follicles simply shut down, with hormones playing some role in the process.

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as Anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.

The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:
Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologists's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.

HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.

MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS
* Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
* Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
* 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
* Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments.
* Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy.
* Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker.
* Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth
• Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
• There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.
• Stress causes permanent hair loss.
• Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties.
• Hair loss affects only intellectuals.
• There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.

These are only a few of the common myths. It is suggested to first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.