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Should You Be Worried About Your Thinning Hair?
by April Maguire
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about hair loss and how to treat it, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
For women, hair loss can be stressful and embarrassing. Despite the fact that women lose their hair at almost the same rate as men, there is still a negative social stigma attached to female hair loss. As a result, most women want to stop their hair loss the moment it starts, but this is obviously easier said than done.
The trick to conquering hair loss is figuring out the root cause. After all, some degree of hair loss is a natural part of the hair cycle. You see, your hair doesn't just grow continuously. The growth phase only lasts between three and five years. Once that phase is complete, your hair goes into the catagen phase for ten days to two weeks, during which time it's transitioning form the growth phase into the shedding phase. This final step, called the telogen phase, can last for months on end, and during that time old hairs are shed.
In general, we lose around a hundred hairs a day. The problem occurs when new hairs don't replace the old ones. So how do you know if your hair loss is just a natural part of the hair cycle or if it's cause for concern?
The Causes of Hair Loss
Unfortunately, many factors can disrupt the normal hair cycle and lead to permanent shedding. By far, the most common culprit is androgenic alopecia, or male/female-pattern baldness. In women, this type of hair loss typically manifests as splotches of thinning or baldness along the scalp, and since it's a genetic condition, there are no guaranteed cures. Another common form of hair loss comes from hormonal imbalances, which can be caused by menopause or thyroid issues. In many of these cases, however, the hair loss can be reversed through medication.
Believe it or not, there are actually several types of hair loss that are easy to treat. Traction alopecia, for example, is the result of putting too much stress on the hair follicles, typically by wearing it in overly tight styles such as ponytails, pigtails, braids, cornrows, or even weighing it down with extensions. Simply releasing the pressure and wearing your hair naturally can typically correct the problem.
Other easily reversible types of hair loss come from medication, high levels of stress, overuse of heating devices and iron-deficiency. In these cases, simple lifestyle changes can typically result in your hair growing normally again. Similarly, some women lose their hair during pregnancy, but the problem is typically reversed shortly after giving birth.
If you've noticed that your hair is thinning, consult with your doctor about the potential causes. With any luck, the problem will be easily correctable and your lovely locks will begin flourishing before you know it.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about hair loss and how to treat it, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
Call 866-471-8869 for FREE Consultation
