Archive for September, 2009

Female Hair Loss

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Guys, you are not alone! Sad to say, however hair loss is actually a common problem among many women. Female hair loss, also known as; androgenetic alopecia, can happen as early as puberty and generally follows the pattern of patched baldness. It mostly occurs on the top and front of the head.

Balding for anyone is an embarrassing problem, but can truly affect a woman’s self esteem. Female hair loss occurs in 1/3 of all women, but it’s truly never actually noticed till after menopause. Despite this fact, many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It may also follow any sudden physical or psychological stress to the body!

What are treatments for this type of problem? It often starts with Women’s Rogaine, which contains the chemical product; topical minoxidil 2%. It is the only FDA approved medication for women in treating hair loss. Another route is a hair transplant, but it must be with an experienced surgeon and you have to have realistic expectations. Meaning, don’t wish for Pocahontas’s long hair and only get a bob.

Sometimes, the best and only option is a wig or different style of your hair. Many salons can give you the look you want while you keep your patterned balding a secret. Also, contrary to popular belief, shampooing often does not increase real hair loss. So keep it washed and pretty!

Hair Loss is Frightening

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Hair loss is a frightening experience for anyone, male or female. Especially at a young age like your 20’s or 30’s, heck even your 40’s!

While certain everyday things we do, such as wearing hats, can contribute to the loss of hair, it can also be genetics. For example, my husband began to go bald at the age of 25. He has lovely hair, a healthy scalp and never wore hats. However, his hair line has receded on the corners of his head, and the very top and quite far back just behind his ears!

Loss of Hair in men

Loss of Hair in men

Both his mother and father have a full head of hair and they are now in their late fifties. The only person in his family with a receding hair line as his; is his uncle. He was very upset at first, but he has learned to cope with it as it will be a complete duplication of his uncle’s hair line.

The basis is, sometimes no matter what precautions we take to preventing hair loss, it sometimes will take place whether we like it or not. While that is a frightening thought, there are ways to treat it of course. Treatments such as: Rogain, medical hair transplants, or even the widely used toupee or wigs for women.

Personally, if you ask me and I have already told my husband this, I would prefer a bald man any day!