Is your hair thinning and accumulating on your pillow? Are you wondering if this hair loss is normal? Hair loss in women, although still taboo, 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, etc. In short, in this article, we explain why your hair is falling 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 take in women?
In women, hair loss can manifest itself in different forms. Here is a look at 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: the hair becomes thinner at the parting and on the top of the head. Not to be confused with male pattern baldness, which causes a clear loss of hair on the forehead and the top of the skull!
How can we explain this type of hair loss, most of the time hereditary? Well, in particular by the influence of certain male hormones (such as testosterone) which affect the hair follicle. And therefore, consequently, the life of the hair.
Alopecia
Alopecia areata (also called alopecia areata) is another type of hair loss, more related to immune factors. You suddenly lose your hair in patches, in a circular shape. You can also lose hair on other parts of the body.
What happens in our body? Well, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair bulbs and causes a phase of hair loss. And even if this is temporary (unlike androgenetic alopecia), it remains completely unpredictable. Which, we grant you, can be quite painful. However, the good news is that it can fade (or even disappear) over time.
When to worry about hair loss in women?
Wait, butterfly! Before you inquire about a potential hair transplant, start by reading this: according to Vidal , we have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs on our heads. Of 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 remains distressing, and we understand. Do you notice a greater loss than usual? A visible decrease in the density of your hair? Don't panic, most hair loss is 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 of hereditary and hormonal origin, the best thing to do… is to consult a specialist at the first clinical signs.
What causes 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 still playing tricks on us! Because they remain the main cause of hair loss in women and young mothers. Yes, a hormonal upheaval, and everything is depopulated. We are thinking in particular of:
- pregnancy;
- postpartum hair loss ;
- stopping the contraceptive pill;
- hormonal treatments;
- polycystic ovaries;
- menopause.
These are causes that can make our hormone levels waltz. And therefore, affect our hair cycle by causing occasional hair loss. We promise: the new growth phase is not far away, you will quickly find your beautiful volume again!
Genetic factors
Chronic hair loss is more difficult to treat. As mentioned above, even though this type of alopecia is caused by an upheaval in our hormone levels, it is still hereditary. This genetic predisposition makes this type of hair loss generally permanent.
Nutritional deficiencies
Maintaining healthy hair and hair cycles at their best involves, among other things, good eating habits. Conversely, vitamin deficiencies or symptoms of iron deficiency can lead to occasional hair loss. We therefore avoid at all costs restrictive diets that can lead to this. 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. So, if you have recently suffered:
- a psychological shock;
- intense stress;
- physical stress;
- an emotional shock...
... It is very likely that your hair will pay the price. Because under the effect of psychological stress, the body can send the 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 hair 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, drug treatments, such as an anti-hair loss lotion that can help your hair resume a growth phase. He 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! Turn, for example, to a hair loss food supplement , like our Baby Hair product . This type of supplementation remains specially adapted to your hair problem.
3. Hair routines
Opt for a gentle routine to avoid making hair loss worse. Limit hair trauma such as:
- repeated brushing;
- excessive use of curling irons;
- products that are too aggressive.
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 this article has reassured you: there are many solutions to slow it down... and get beautiful hair back! However, if you notice significant hair loss, don't hesitate to consult a specialist for a good diagnosis and advice tailored to your situation.
