Is your hair thinning and accumulating on your pillow? Wondering if this hair loss is normal? Hair loss in women, while 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 in different forms. Here's 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 distinct loss of hair on the forehead and crown of the head!
How can we explain this type of hair loss, which is mostly hereditary? Well, in particular, it's due to the influence of certain male hormones (such as testosterone) that affect the hair follicle. And therefore, the life of the hair.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata (also known as alopecia areata) is another type of hair loss, more related to immune factors. Hair loss occurs suddenly in patches of circular hair. Hair loss can also occur on other parts of the body.
What's happening in our bodies? Well, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and causes a phase of hair loss. And even though this phase is temporary (unlike androgenetic alopecia), it remains completely unpredictable. Which, we grant you, can be quite distressing. However, the good news is: it can lessen (or even disappear) over time.
When to worry about hair loss in women?
Hold on, 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 is still a worry, and we understand. Are you noticing more hair loss than usual? A visible decrease in your hair density? 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. It affects approximately 20% of women. However, given that it is hereditary and hormonal in 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. These, 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 culprits of hair loss in women and new mothers. Yes, a hormonal upheaval, and everything is depopulated. We're thinking in particular of:
- pregnancy;
- postpartum hair loss ;
- stopping the contraceptive pill;
- hormonal treatments;
- polycystic ovaries;
- menopause.
These are some of the causes that can throw our hormone levels out of whack. And thus, affect our hair growth cycle by causing occasional hair loss. We promise: the new growth phase isn't far off, and you'll soon get your beautiful volume back!
Genetic factors
Chronic hair loss is more difficult to treat. As mentioned above, although this type of alopecia is caused by a disruption 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 optimal hair growth cycles requires, among other things, good eating habits. Conversely, vitamin deficiencies or symptoms of iron deficiency can lead to occasional hair loss. Therefore, avoid restrictive diets that can cause this at all costs. Doing so risks disrupting your hair growth cycle and slowing (or even stopping) hair growth.
Stress and psychological factors
Last but not least, hair loss can be significantly influenced by your psychological state. For example, if you have recently experienced:
- a psychological shock;
- intense stress;
- physical stress;
- an emotional shock...
...It's highly likely that your hair will pay the price. Under 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 hair loss.
1. Hormonal and medical treatments
Is your alopecia linked to hormonal or genetic factors? To begin, consult a specialist who can prescribe a hormonal assessment for women . Or, if necessary, medication treatments, such as an anti-hair loss lotion, can help your hair return to a growth phase. He or she 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, dietary supplements will become your best friends! Turn, for example, to a hair loss dietary 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 worsening hair loss. Limit hair trauma such as:
- repeated brushing;
- excessive use of curling irons;
- products that are too aggressive.
Instead, incorporate strengthening shampoos and anti-hair loss treatments based on essential oils to strengthen your hair from the ground up.
We know that hair loss in women can be a cause for concern. But we hope this article has reassured you: there are many solutions to slow it down... and regain beautiful hair! However, if you notice significant hair loss, don't hesitate to consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis and advice tailored to your situation.
