Women's Hair Loss

Like men, many women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. But female hair loss can be helped!  There are various hair loss solutions that can help to prevent shedding and promote hair regrowth, depending on the condition.

The causes of women’s hair loss are more diverse than those of men’s; with men it’s generally a genetic condition, yet with women, hair fall is usually caused by one or more of the following conditions:

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Areas of the scalp affected by specific women's hair loss conditions

The first is genetic hair loss, otherwise known as female pattern hair loss which is hair loss confined to the top area of the head. Many people do not realise that women produce the hormone ‘testosterone’ just like men, only in smaller amounts.  For women who suffer from female pattern hair loss it doesn’t mean that they have more testosterone in their body than other women, but that the balance between testosterone and an enzyme called ‘5-alpha reductase’ is not evenly weighted when this is the case a hormone derivative called ‘dihydrotestosterone’ is produced which is what attaches itself to the follicles and causes hair to be shed.

Belgravia offers treatments for female pattern hair loss including clinically-proven hair loss solutions shown to stabilise this type of hair thinning and promote regrowth. 

Telogen Effluvium

The second hair thinning issue that is commonly found in women is Telogen Effluvium. This is a temporary hair loss condition that is caused by a sudden event such as stress, shock, illness or an operation, and the hair loss is usually spread diffusely over the whole scalp.

Telogen Effluvium causes the hair to be shed approximately three months after the event, so much of the time it can be shocking for the person experiencing the condition and hard to pin-point the cause. The reason that the hair loss is experienced three months later is that, when the event takes place, the hair is passed into the ‘telogen’ phase - the resting phase of a hair’s life. The telogen stage lasts for three months before hair fall occurs and the hair growth cycle starts again.

Telogen Effluvium treatment is not always required as the hair will usually grow back on its own, with a bout of this condition generally lasting no more than six months. We do, however, usually advise treatment as a precaution for a couple of reasons first of all, if the cause of the hairloss is on-going (on-going stress / illness etc.) then the hair will carry on shedding without treatment.  Secondly, much of the time Telogen Effluvium can trigger female pattern hair loss in those women (or men) who are prone to it. Once the hair has regrown, Belgravia hair specialists advise stopping treatment to see if the hair carries on shedding. If it does, treatment can be continued, otherwise it can be stopped permanently as it means female pattern hair loss was not triggered and the telogen effluvium is not ongoing.

Diffuse Hair Loss aka Chronic Telogen Effluvium

Click to View Belgravia Women's Hair Loss Treatment Success Stories (Results May Vary and Are Not Guaranteed)

The final condition that is frequently experienced by women is diffuse hair loss.  The condition involves an increased rate of hair fall and subsequent thinning from all over the scalp, which tends to last for at least six months.

For those experiencing Diffuse Hair Loss, diet should be checked for adequate intake of nutrients. Clinical investigations should be made for thyroid, haemoglobin and hormonal problems. Stress may also be a contributing factor in Chronic Telogen Effluvium.

Women with this condition will usually be advised to visit their doctor in order to discover the underlying cause but treatment can be an effective solution for this temporary hair loss issue, whilst the underlying cause is being researched.

Post-Partum Alopecia

The phenomenon of experiencing hair loss after having a baby - a condition known as Postpartum Alopecia - is both normal and extremely common.

During pregnancy, the active growth phase of a woman's hair growth cycle is extended, but once she has given birth, the cycle starts to resume its normal activity and this includes an extended shedding period.

It is absolutely nothing to worry about and, in most cases, although treatment is possible if desired, the hair will generally return to its pre-pregnancy state within 12 months.

Traction Alopecia

With the popularity of tight hairstyles, such as braids and high ponytails, as well as the increased use of hair extensions, wigs and weaves, hair loss from Traction Alopecia is on the increase.

Traction Alopecia occurs when taut and/or weighty hairstyles are worn too regularly and add excessive tension to the hair follicles. This then causes hair loss, usually around the hairline and at the temples as these are the areas that bear the brunt of the strain.

In mild cases, removing the problematic styles and wearing the hair naturally may help the hair to recover naturally over time, whilst in moderate cases Traction Alopecia treatment may be worthwhile considering. Where the scalp skin has taken on a smooth, shiny appearance - particularly where the condition has been present without intervention for a long time - this can mean there will be permanent baldness in these affected areas.

Belgravia hair loss specialists will recommend the most appropriate treatments for each individual based on their condition, level and pattern of shedding and medical profile. Factors such as lifestyle requirements may also be taken into consideration in order to tailor the optimum hair loss treatment course, generally comprising both medicinal and non-pharmaceutical therapies and hair growth supporting products - that the patient feels comfortable and confident in using.

We understand that hair loss in women can be emotionally difficult and many of those affected may have trouble confronting the situation, finding it hard to talk about.  All our staff are extremely understanding and, please remember, we see many, many women suffering from all kinds of hair loss issues every day, so it is something we are used to and empathetic towards.