Hair loss in women: forms, causes and treatments

Are your hair thinning and accumulating on your pillow? Are you wondering if this hair loss is normal? Hair loss in women, although still a taboo subject, is a reality for many of us. Yes, about one in five women suffers from androgenetic alopecia, for example. The causes of hair loss can be multiple: hormonal, genetic, vitamin deficiency... In short, in this article, we explain why your hair falls out and how to keep it healthy. From causes to solutions, we tell you everything you need to know to take care of your hair!

 

What forms does hair loss in women take?

In women, hair loss can manifest in different forms. Let's review the most common types of hair loss.

 

Female androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a progressive hair loss that affects women, especially during menopause. It results in a kind of diffuse thinning: hair becomes finer at the part and on top of the head. Not to be confused with male pattern baldness, which causes clear hair loss on the forehead and crown of the head!

How to explain this type of hair loss, which is mostly hereditary? Well, notably by the influence of certain male hormones (like testosterone) that affect the hair follicle. And therefore, consequently, the life of the hair.

 

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is another type of hair loss, more related to immune factors. Hair suddenly falls out in circular patches. Body hair can also be lost.

What happens in our body? Well, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and causes a phase of hair loss. And even if it is temporary (unlike androgenetic alopecia), it remains totally unpredictable. Which, we agree, can be quite annoying. However, good news: it can diminish (or even disappear) over time.

 

When should a woman be concerned about hair loss?

Hold on a minute! Before you inquire about a potential hair transplant, read this: according to Vidal, we have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs on our head. From this mass, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. And as soon as one falls out, a new growth phase begins... Our hair, too, has its own life cycle!

That being said, hair loss is distressing, and we understand you. Do you notice more significant loss than usual? A visible decrease in your hair density? Don't panic, most losses are temporary! And your hair will quickly return to a normal growth phase.

But chronic hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, should not be taken lightly. Because it affects about 20% of women. However, given that it is hereditary and hormonal, the best thing to do... Is to consult a specialist at the first clinical signs.

 

What are the causes of hair loss in women?

Hair loss in women can be caused by many factors. Which, of course, vary from woman to woman! Here are the most important ones.

 

Hormonal factors

Unsurprisingly, hormones are playing tricks on us again! Because they remain the main culprits of hair loss in women and new mothers. And yes, a hormonal upheaval, and everything is depleted. We are thinking in particular of:

• pregnancy;
• postpartum hair loss;
• stopping contraceptive pills;
• hormone treatments;
• polycystic ovaries;
• menopause.

These are causes that can make our hormone levels fluctuate. And thus, affect our hair cycle by causing temporary hair loss. We promise: the new growth phase is not far off, you will quickly regain your beautiful volume!

 

Genetic factors

Chronic hair loss is more difficult to treat. We talked about it above: even if this type of alopecia is caused by a disturbance in our hormone levels, it is still hereditary. This genetic predisposition thus makes this type of hair loss generally permanent.

 

Nutritional deficiencies

Maintaining healthy hair and optimal hair cycles involves, among other things, good eating habits. Conversely, vitamin deficiencies or symptoms of iron deficiency can lead to temporary hair loss. So we avoid restrictive diets that can cause it at all costs. You risk disrupting your hair cycle and slowing down (or even stopping) hair growth.

 

Stress and psychological factors

Last but not least: hair loss can be significantly influenced by your psychological state. Thus, if you have recently experienced:

• a psychological shock;
• intense stress;
• physical stress;
• an emotional shock...

... It is highly likely that your hair will pay the price. Because under the effect of psychological stress, the body can send hair follicles into a resting phase. This can lead to sudden hair loss a few months after the triggering event.

 

How to stop or slow down hair loss in women?

Good news: there are several solutions to limit hair loss, depending on the type of loss.

 

1. Hormonal and medical treatments

Is your alopecia linked to hormonal or genetic factors? To start, consult a specialist who can prescribe a hormonal assessment for women. Or, if necessary, medical treatments, such as an anti-hair loss lotion that can help your hair resume a growth phase. They may also consider hormonal treatments to modulate the effect of androgen hormone levels on hair follicles.

 

2. Food supplements

To compensate for iron deficiencies or any other vitamin deficiency, food supplements will become your best friends! For example, turn to a hair loss supplement, like our Baby Hair product. This type of supplementation is specifically adapted to your hair problem.

 

3. Hair care routines

Opt for a gentle routine to avoid worsening hair loss. Limit hair traumas such as:

• repeated blow-drying;
• excessive use of curling irons;
• overly aggressive products.

Instead, incorporate fortifying shampoos and anti-hair loss treatments based on essential oils to strengthen your hair deep down.

 

We know that hair loss in women can be a source of concern. But we hope to have reassured you with this article: there are many solutions to slow it down... And regain beautiful hair! However, if you notice significant hair loss, do not hesitate to consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis and advice adapted to your situation.