Kat von D Copes With Hair Loss

Reports have begun to circulate suggesting reality TV star Kat von D has been experiencing hair loss and thinning. Friends of the star believe that uncertainty caused by the loss of her job and cancellation of her television programme, LA Ink, are contributing factors. Tabloid gossip has also placed von D under increased scrutiny first as a result of an apparent affair Jesse James when he was still married to Sandra Bullock, followed by the collapse of her engagement to James. Clearly this combination of events would put anyone under stress, and this is also believed by friends to be a major contributing cause of Kat’s hair loss.

A source close to Kat von D has stated that the star has recently taken to ordering wigs to disguise her hair loss. Comments from von D’s friends suggest that she is now caught in a vicious cycle. ‘The stress of losing her hair is only stressing her out more and making it worse,’ said one. Many women experiencing hair loss will be able to identify with the dilemma faced by von D.

Female hair loss

Stress-related hair loss among women is often attributed to Telogen Effluvium. This unusual condition is caused by emotional stress or traumatic shock which causes certain hair follicles to stop growing. The affected strands of hair remain in place for around three months after the follicles enter their telogen (resting) phase, before the hair is shed. Often the woman has already come to terms with the shock before the hair is lost. Fortunately, hair loss caused by telogen effluvium tends to be temporary and the hair grows back of its own accord.

Severe stress is also thought by some to be a contributing factor to hair loss through the auto-immune disorder known as Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Areata also causes hair follicles to enter the telogen phase causing patchy hair loss.

Styling and hair loss

Kat von D’s hair styling regime could also be playing some part in causing the hair loss. The star’s penchant for extensions and hairpieces could be contributing to hair loss caused by another alopecia variant traction alopecia. Hair weaves and extensions are known to place additional pressure on weak hair causing patches of hair to fall out, and can over time permanently damage hair follicles, preventing regrowth.

For women like Kat von D who are experiencing hair loss, their first port of call should be a hair loss expert like those employed at The Belgravia Centre, who can diagnose their condition and advise a potential course of treatment. Once a diagnosis has been made, the specialist will formulate a plan to prevent further hair loss and stimulate regrowth. This program may include medications such as Minoxidil which is licensed by the MHRA in the UK for treating hair loss in women.  Minoxidil is available in three strengths, 4% or 5% as a solution with added Medroxyprogesterone, or as a 12.5% minoxidil cream with azelaic acid, depending on our clinicians recommendations. The Belgravia Centre specialists may also prescribe a nutritional supplement to promote blood flow and healthy hair regrowth depending on the client’s specialist needs, as well as an FDA cleared HairMax LaserComb, which can be provided free with most treatment programmes.

Any woman who shares Kat von D’s concerns about her hair can contact us for a free consultation at our London centre, or fill in our online diagnostic form to obtain  a treatment programme that can be used anywhere in the world.

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