All About Hair

Hair is one of the first things people notice about us when we meet them. Hair conveys aspects about your style and personality. Throughout their lives, particularly as they age, hair care may become even more important for women. Some researchers found that beginning in the late 20th century, perceptions about old age began to shift. It became increasingly important for older women to have groomed, managed hair to avoid negative perceptions related to aging. Some women begin to experience hair loss as they age, particularly during menopause. It can be distressing and negatively affect self-esteem, but there are many strategies and treatments to manage hair loss in women. The medical term for baldness is alopecia. Complete baldness of the scalp is alopecia totalis. Continue reading to learn more about hair loss causes and treatment strategies in women.

Hair Loss in Women

We think of hair loss as a common problem in men, but women experience it, too. Fewer than 45% of women go through their whole lives with a full head of hair. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) increases with advancing age. Women who experience hair loss often experience psychological distress and impaired social functioning as a result of it. As female pattern hair loss tends to be a chronic, progressive condition, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. This may help arrest subsequent hair loss. Some treatments may even help stimulate the growth of new hair. See your dermatologist if you are experiencing hair loss. A trichologist is a dermatologist who specializes in the health of the scalp and hair.

How Hair Grows

 

The human scalp contains about 100,000 hair follicles. Hair grows from the bottom of the follicle from an area called the root. Blood vessels nourish the root, allowing hair to grow. Hair grows up and toward the skin, passing an oil gland. Oil glands keep hair shiny and soft. Too much oil may make hair greasy. Hair is dead by the time it pokes out through the skin. Hair on the head grows at a rate of about half an inch per month. Hair on your head remains there for between 2 to 6 years. That is about the length of time for the growth phase. Then the hair stops growing for a period before it falls out. The resting phase of the hair follicle is called the telogen phase. Then the cycle begins anew.

Is Hair Loss Normal?

We all lose hair. Some hair loss is perfectly normal, as hair falls out after it completes the 2 to 6 year growth phase. You may notice loose hairs that have fallen out on your clothes or in your comb or hairbrush. The average person loses about 50 to 100 hairs per day. This is normal. What is not normal? If your hair starts to fall out in clumps, especially when you brush or comb it or are in the shower, you should see your doctor. If you notice that you can see larger areas of your scalp or that your hair is thinning, see your dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of your hair loss condition.

What Causes Hair Loss?

There are many different types of hair loss with a variety of potential underlying causes. Several medical conditions are associated with hair loss. Common causes include thyroid problems and hormone imbalances. When these are adequately diagnosed and treated, hair loss may stop, and hair may grow back. Stress, nutritional factors, and genetics may may also play a role in hair loss. Severe physical stress such as going through childbirth, surgery, or suffering a serious illness may precipitate a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This is a condition in which stress forces large numbers of follicles to enter the resting phase, and after a few months, hair will fall out. Sometimes doctors are not able to determine what is causing hair loss. Other potential causes of hair loss include radiation therapy, cancer, kidney failure, liver failure, medication side effects, and autoimmune disease. If you are experiencing new or increasing hair loss, see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.