New Survey - Thinning Hair in Women

A new survey reveals the impact that thinning hair has on women. Lamas Products, a health and beauty company, questioned 500 women in the United States last month and found that 34% are starting to notice thinning hair or wish that their hair was fuller or thicker. Thinning hair is often the early stage of various hair loss conditions.

Hair loss in women can be highly distressing and 54% of women said they are changing their lifestyles to try and prevent hair loss by doing the following:
Washing their hair less frequently
Wearing hats
Wearing their hair in a ponytail or bun
Using several products daily to give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair

While these might appear to be good ways to protect the hair from damage, actually they will not prevent hair loss. While using less heat (hairdryers / straighteners) will protect the hair's condition, the number of times the hair is washed will not make a difference to the amount that is shed overall. Ponytails worn too tight can cause excessive tension leading to a hair loss condition called Traction Alopecia and using too many products on the hair can lead to a build up of residue on the scalp which may cause scalp problems.

Diffuse Thinning is a condition that results in a thinning of the hair all over the scalp. It can be the result of a thyroid problem, a blood disorder, a nutritional deficiency or stress.

Telogen Effluvium is caused by a sudden shock to the system such as childbirth, medications, rapid weight loss, severe stress or an illness. While the hair growth cycle usually returns to normal approximately six months after the event, in some cases it can trigger Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Female Pattern (genetic) Hair Loss. Approximately 50% of women will suffer from the effects of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which attacks the hair follicles causing hair growth to slow down. This results in a thinning across the top of the head. Some women may also experience baldness if left untreated. The condition often starts when a woman is in her 30s, with the thinning becoming noticeable in her 30s or 40s. The menopause can exacerbate the condition, which women often find stressful, and stress can also make the thinning more severe.

Almost twice as many women surveyed said they would turn to their hairstylist for advice about treating thinning hair, as opposed to a doctor. While this is understandable, as doctors are sometimes unsympathetic to hair loss, seeing a hair loss specialist is the best way to preventing hair loss because they will be able to diagnose the condition accurately and find the treatment (be it natural or medical) best suited to a woman’s stage and type of hair loss.

There is only one product that has been shown to be both safe and effective in treating female hair loss conditions. Minoxidil is found in many hair loss products in a 2% concentration, however studies have shown it to be significantly more effective in higher strengths. To see the kind of success Belgravia’s female clients have experienced using high strength minoxidil, take a look at one woman's video diary of hair loss treatment.

If you would like to discuss hair loss treatments, contact Belgravia for a free consultation with a specialist. To book an appointment, just call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, complete the online diagnostic form and a treatment advisor will be in touch over the next 2 working days.

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