Wong Darren asked:


There is a general belief that hair loss only happens to men. Women are expected by society to carry a full head of hair all their lives. People believe that men are the only ones susceptible to hair thinning or balding, especially if there is a family history.

Hair loss statistics, however, can disprove this theory. A survey done by the American Academy of Dermatology shows that at least 30 million women are facing hair loss issues in the United States. Another study published in Dermatologic Surgery says that a lot of young and middle-aged women suffer from hair loss problems. Moreover, the incidence of female hair loss is continually increasing.

Causes of Women Hair Loss

But what causes hair loss in women? To best understand that, it is important to know the hair growth cycle. Scientists say that our hair usually grows at the rate of half an inch a month. This growing phase, called Anagen, usually lasts for two years but it can last as long as six years. After this long period of growth, the Catagen phase comes. This is the transitional period in which the hair stops growing. Finally, Telogen occurs, which is the last resting stage of the hair. This lasts for about five to six weeks. Near the end of Telogen, new strands of hair in the Anagen phase develop and pushes out the old Telogen hair. Around 90 percent of our hair are in Anagen, while the remaining 10 percent are in Telogen.

In those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, hormones called androgens interfere with the normal hair growth cycle. These androgens are found in men in large amounts and in women in smaller amounts. When testosterone, an androgen, comes in contact with the enzymes found in our hair, it is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that disturbs the hair growth cycle. DHT induces hair loss since its build up causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually die. For a long time, scientists believed that this is the cause of balding for both men and women.

However, more experts now believe that other types of enzymes and hormones are involved in female balding. What gave rise to this new theory is the difference in the balding pattern between men and women. In females, balding begins at the top of the head and spreads out. In males, however, balding occurs in the different spots – the crown, sides, and back of the head. Moreover, it has been found that male hair loss is usually the result of family history. With women, hair loss can occur at any point of their lives.

Treatments for Women Hair Loss

Thus, hair treatments for women are different than those for men. Hair loss drugs, such as finasteride or dutasteride, are commonly prescribed for men. Hair treatments for women, on the other hand, lean more on surgical procedures, such as hair transplantation, and other methods, such as hair extending or weaving. This is because prescription drugs usually have harmful side effects on pregnant or potentially pregnant women; they may bring about deformities in male fetuses. It is thus recommended that permanent hair loss in women be treated through hair weaving (addition of hair by braiding synthetic or human hair to root of original hair) and hair transplantation (transferring bald-resistant scalp areas to a bald area). But before you consider any procedure for hair loss treatment, it is a must to consult your physician.



Create a video blog

Raj Kumar asked:


First and foremost, it is important to understand that male hair loss is much different than female hair loss. In males, the hair loss is according to specific patterns, and hence their hair loss is called as male pattern baldness. Men generally lose hair systematically on their scalp, either through the sides of their head, or above the forehead line, or at the center of the head in a circular fashion. Of course, the thinning of hair occurs on the entire scalp, but in particular areas the hair loss is more pronounced. Whereas in women, the hair loss is all over. There is no pattern baldness in women. For that reason, male hair loss products are also totally different from female hair loss products.

That was important to be addressed at the very start, because there are many men who do not mind which hair loss product they are using. This shows them no results at the end of day, adding more to their worry. When dealing with male pattern baldness, it is necessary to choose specific products targeted for the male scalps.

So, let us see what options are available.

1. Minoxidil - Minoxidil is the first drug that comes to mind when discussing male hair loss treatment. This is commercially available as Rogaine in the US and as Regaine outside the US. This is a hair tonic, which is meant to be topically applied on the scalp uniformly and not just in the areas where the hair loss is occurring. Minoxidil is available for both men and women actually, in concentrations of 5 and 2% respectively. But in women, this drug has shown many adverse side effects including low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, etc. In men, there are no major side effects apart from an itchy sensation on the scalp till the scalp get acclimatized to the drug and a spell of hair loss before the growth begins to take place. For men, Rogaine is available in the form of liquid as well as foam.

2. Finasteride – Finasteride is sold in the commercial market under the brand name of Propecia. Propecia is available as a tablet, and the principle of its working is to alter the hormonal balances that help to increase the growth of hair. When men are younger, they have more testosterone in their bodies which keep the hair healthy too. But as they grow, the testosterone converts into dihydrotestosterone, which is not specific to hair growth. That is a part of the reason why the hair loss occurs more in men as they age. Finasteride tries to rectify this balance of the male body. Propecia also has lesser side effects than Rogaine and is also effective in a larger number of men, for a longer period.

3. Treatment methods – There are many other male specific treatments in vogue nowadays, including the hair weaving (technically, hair transplant) and the hair replacement methods. These are cosmetic methods, though; they do not allow the hair to grow naturally. Hence, they are good if you are looking for just an appearance. In your own mind, you know what you have on is not your real hair.

Related Articles:

Top rated hair loss treatment products

How to Keep Your Natural Hair Naturally



Caffeinated Content