Hair Loss In Women

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It is a widely accepted misconception that hair thinning and balding are problems that are unique to the male gender. Though still not desirable, there is an expectation of sorts that hair loss comes with age for men, but not for women. In actuality, hair loss does not discriminate and a notably high percentage of women will experience some degree of thinning or balding during the course of their lifetime.

The single largest cause of hair loss in women has hereditary origins and is known as Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). This type of loss is usually identified by thinning along the part rather than the thinning at the hairline that is frequent in its male counterpart, Male Pattern Hair Loss. The degree of a woman’s hair loss with FPHL is measured using the Savin Scale. According to a 2013 study conducted by the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, some 21 million women in the United States alone are suffering from FPHL with 12% of women seeing signs by the time they are 30 and upwards of 30-40% of women dealing with FPHL in their 60s. These numbers are astounding when one considers how little female hair loss is discussed and acknowledged in today’s society!

In addition to FPHL, hair loss in women can also be attributed to a number of other causes including hormonal changes such as postpartum, birth control, or menopausal hair loss, extreme stress, regular overstyling, medications including, but not limited to, chemotherapy, underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or lupus, other known hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata and trichotillomania, and the list goes on and on. It can seem a bit daunting to pinpoint a specific cause with so many possibilities, but a doctor or specialist can help individuals to understand their unique diagnoses and the potential solutions that are suited to their condition.

It is true that certain medications or procedures that are successful in men are not as broadly applicable in women. For example, some medications simply do not treat FPHL and others have female specific side effects that deter doctors from prescribing them. This is not to say that there aren’t a range of options for women dealing with hair thinning and loss, because there absolutely are. From hair transplantations and medications to laser therapies and high quality human hair wigs, opportunities for female hair restoration have never been so plentiful. Like diagnoses though, these prescribed treatments require the expertise of a specialist who understands how to accurately match the unique details of a woman’s hair loss with the dynamic impact and effectiveness of various solutions.

Last, but certainly not least, the social and emotional impact of hair loss in women is a fundamental piece of the challenge faced by females who are enduring ongoing thinning and baldness. For centuries, hair has played an enormous role in defining self-image, femininity, youthfulness, and beauty, and despite how one categorizes things like beauty and femininity, losing the opportunity to decide for oneself can be remarkably difficult to overcome. Frequently women seek to hide their thinning scalp with a new style or limited public exposure, and these temporary solutions leave them feeling vulnerable and isolated. By increasing awareness and initiating conversations about hair loss in women, there is potential to not only limit the loss and commence restoration, but also to minimize the negative social and emotional strains on females that are caused by unwanted hair-based changes. Women struggling with hair loss are not alone!

With more than 40 years experience, Van Scoy Hair Clinics has offered the latest advances in hair restoration for men and women in our state-of-the-art facilities in Cleveland, Columbus and Ashland, Ohio. Schedule a FREE hair loss and scalp analysis today.

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My Hair Is Thinning What should I Do

QUESTION:

Hello Todd,

I came across your website and decided to write to you about a problem that has been plaguing me for about 6 to 8 months now. I do hope you can help guide me in the right direction.

I used to have very very thick black hair till 2 years ago. However, it was a problem I effectively ignored till 6 months ago. Now, I do not have bald patches anywhere, but there has been such thinning that I fear that I soon will be bald!! You can actually see my scalp from between my hairs now, which was out of question before. I lose about 70 strands everyday, and this has been the case for at least 6 months now.

I had hypothyroidism, but the condition has long been rectified by thyroxin, and my levels are normal now. I do not take any kind of external medication apart from thyroxin. No contraceptive pills either. All blood tests have been done, and I do not seem to suffer from anything serious.

I was told it could be telogen effluvium, but surely that cannot last this long?? I have no other apparent symptoms apart from hair loss, to give me a pointer in a definite direction. Please can you help me?

This condition has affected my sleep, and my life in general, making it difficult for me to even work at times.

I look forward to hearing from you, when you may find time.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

C.G.

ANSWER:

Dear C.G.,

Thank you for writing.  Keep in mind, I am not a Doctor and I only can respond with what I know.

70 hairs per day is actually a normal hair loss.  And, being able to see your scalp between your hairs is also normal.  But I think you are alarmed because you recognize increase thinning of your hair density.

Generally, Doctors are not too concerned about hair loss because they perceive it as being “non-life threatening,” but you and I realize what stress it can cause.

I would strongly suggest a face-to-face discussion with one of our hair loss experts. We would be able to do a free scalp analysis to better offer you the right solution. You can schedule a consultation online here and see our various locations here.

Thank you for the response and we hope to see you soon!

Todd VanScoy

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female hair loss

I Can’t Talk About My Hair Loss

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My hair was always something I didn’t really think about until now, as I’m beginning to lose it. I am really feeling uneasy and I don’t know what to do. My hair seems like a big part of who I am and I’m just watching it slip away day by day. Will I remain the same person? Is there any help for me? I have so many questions and people close to me have questions too. I am suffering with hair loss and I can’t talk about it. I worry that I will go completely bald and that scares me. I can’t imagine myself wearing a wig. What do other people do that have thinning hair? I never thought this would happen to me. I know there are people out there going through tougher things than hair loss but to me this is so upsetting.

I Remember The Confidence I Used To Have in My Appearance

When I was younger, I would but a lot of time and thought into how I styled my hair. My sister and I would sit for hours learning to braid each other’s hair. We were so thrilled when we figured out how to do a French braid. In the summer time, I would have highlights added and when school began, I always had a new hairstyle to start the year off. It is only now that I am losing my hair that I realize how much my hair is such a big part of me and my self identity, much more than I thought.

Take Action and Take Back Control Over My Life

It has been a few months now since I started noticing more hair on my pillow in the morning and in the drain of the shower. I know I have to do something to take control of my hair loss. The constant worrying about my hair loss is affecting my personal life and work. I turn down invites to go out with friends, I stay at my desk at work for lunch so I don’t have to be around other people. I know there are hair loss specialists but I can’t tell you why I haven’t gone seen one. I guess deep down I fear that they will tell me that there isn’t anything that can be done for me. It’s time for me to take action and take back control of my life. I’m making that call today. I have a sister that I know will come with me for support, and I have nothing to fear.

I live in the Jacksonville area and a friend of mine referred me to VanScoy Hair Clinics. They offer non-surgical hair replacement and have a great reputation which is important to me. It’s time for me to schedule my free hair loss consultation, no more delays.

 

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What you may NOT know about Breast Cancer

At Van Scoy Hair Clinics, we serve many women battling breast cancer and although each individual’s struggle is different, during our private consultation session we may share some of the common threads of hair loss from our experience of being in this business for over 20 years.

There is so much information floating around about breast cancer, but isn’t there always some new little tidbit to learn, no matter how much you thought you already knew?

For instance, one study suggests that lonely women are at higher risk of having breast cancer than women that gather often with friends.

And the genetic link to breast cancer can as easily come from your father’s side of the family as your mother’s side.

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Why Menopause Doesn’t Have to Mean Hair Loss

menopauseBy the age of 50, half of all women experience some sort of hair thinning, according to the North American Menopause Society. While hair thinning may be predetermined by genetics, there are also plenty of other causes of hair loss in a woman’s 50s and 60s.

To avoid significantly thinning hair, women should identify the underlying cause of their hair loss and aggressively seek treatment. With help from a doctor, a hair loss specialist and a combination of medications, topical treatments and other hair-health boosters, many menopausal women report they can stop their hair loss.

How Menopause Causes Hair Loss

When a woman begins menopause, her body stops producing the same levels of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones encourage hair growth and overall hair health, so many women experience a drop-in hair thickness when their hormones start to change. As these hormones decrease, many women’s androgens become more potent. These androgens can trigger hair thinning, and it can also cause facial hair in women.

To treat menopause, doctors may recommend that women take testosterone. Androgen-sensitive women may experience even more hair loss as a result of this treatment. Plus, many women entering menopause may have taken hormonal birth control, which encouraged hair growth. When they stop using birth control, women may notice thinning that occurs as hair growth returns to normal levels.

Other Hair-Loss Factors

Women may attribute hair thinning to menopause, but there are other causes of hair loss that coincide with menopause. First, menopause can often cause weight gain, and weight-control diets can cause hair loss. Weight gain can also cause increased androgen levels, leading to thinning hair.

Second, certain women are genetically predisposed to hair loss. While most women over 50 experience some hair loss, genetics may determine if it’s a subtle thinning or significant loss.

Third, hair loss can cause stress, which then accelerates hair loss. Menopause may also cause higher stress levels in certain women, leading to a discouraging cycle of hair-loss-related stress and resulting additional hair loss.

Some women may also take medications or have a vitamin deficiency that causes hair loss. All women should make sure they consume enough folic acid and vitamin B-6 to encourage hair growth. Thyroid imbalances, surgeries and general illness can also prompt hair loss in menopausal women.

Overcoming Hair Loss

Hair loss isn’t an inevitable side effect of menopause. Even if the cause is hormonal, treatment options are still available. Experts recommend women who notice hair loss see their doctors to develop a treatment plan. Making an appointment at a hair loss studio is also an option. They can offer immediate hair restoration techniques.

Regular exercise may also help stop menopause symptoms and encourage a hormone balance that protects hair health. It may take several months to notice any visible change.

Women who miss their hair shouldn’t just ignore menopause-related hair loss. Researchers have found that hair loss is linked with a loss of self-esteem and confidence. In more extreme cases, hair loss can cause depression, anxiety and other serious issues, so women should strongly consider pursuing treatment if hair loss bothers them.

Each year, new treatments are approved to treat hair loss. Women who are experiencing hair loss should attempt to determine and treat the root cause. By carefully tracking the efficiency of these treatments and protecting their overall health, many menopausal women can beat the hair-loss blues.

Van Scoy Hair Clinics are dedicated to helping women find beautiful, practical solutions to female hair loss, regardless of cause. If you’re suffering from hair loss, we will find the solution that’s right for you. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

 

Photo Credit: agnesti Via Pixabay

 

Source List:

http://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/hair-loss#1

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-j-bauman/hair-loss-during-menopause_b_3873608.html

http://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/combating-hair-woes-during-menopause.aspx

 

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Raise Your Self-Esteem And Be Your Best You in 2017

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Unfortunately, hair loss is something that many women face during their lifetime. In fact, female pattern hair loss affects almost 40 percent of American women. This can lead to loss of self-esteem and confidence, an unfortunate side effect of the condition.

However, hair loss doesn’t mean you should also lose your self-esteem. This New Year could be your best one yet!

My Story of Hair Loss

For me, hair loss was a result of stress. A move, a break up and family issues were causing me to lose sleep and, even worse, my hair. I noticed it in the shower at first. The average woman can lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day, but it was clear my problem was far greater than normal.

Before I knew it, my hair was starting to look thin in places it had never before, and my confidence was dashed.

Fortunately, the stresses in my life have calmed substantially. That, combined with tailored treatment and careful planning, have curbed any continued hair loss. But I understand the pain and loss of self-worth women experience when their hair is affected.

Types of Hair Loss in Women

To combat your hair loss and bring back your confidence, it’s important to understand the type of hair loss you are experiencing.

Some hair loss, like mine, happens due to lifestyle changes or adjustments. The following can affect your hair in different ways:

Stress or anxiety

Pregnancy

Hormonal birth control

There are also medical reasons that women may face hair loss, such as alopecia or complications from medicine.

Finding the Light in 2017

Make the resolution to remain positive and focused on yourself in the New Year. Though you may feel your self-confidence wither, remind yourself that you are beautiful, strong and capable of everything. Positive affirmations can go a long way toward making self-esteem soar.

You may also consider visiting a hair loss studio in the New Year.

Meeting with hair-loss experts could be the first step to finding the root cause of your female hair loss and determining a plan of action.

The New Year represents a new start. Make the focus of next year you — and start building the path to self-confidence and self-esteem. You’re worth it!

If you’re suffering from hair loss make 2017 the year you do something about it! Come see us at Van Scoy Hair Clinics. We offer proven non-surgical, non-invasive hair replacement and hair loss treatment solutions for men and women of all hair types. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: RyanMcGuire Via Pixabay

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Did You Know That Hair Loss Can be a Common Side Effect of Taking Medications?

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medicationsMedications often have side effects that can make using them seem as troublesome as the problem they treat. A large number of drugs made to handle all sorts of conditions can cause hair loss. This is often a shocking experience and can have a huge impact on how a person lives their life. However, more often than not drug-induced hair loss is reversible.

How Drugs can Cause Hair Loss

The most common way that drugs cause hair loss is by changing the typical growth cycle of hair on the scalp. In the two to six years anagen phase, the hair grows. During the three-month long telogen phase, the hair rests and near the end hair falls out to be replaced by new growth.

Consequently, there are two types of drug-induced hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium

The most common form of drug-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium and it happens around four months after using the drug. Telogen effluvium makes follicles shift into the resting phase and fall out prematurely. Typically patients with this condition lose from 100 to 150 hairs daily.

Anagen effluvium

The second type of hair loss is anagen effluvium, which happens, of course, in the anagen phase of the hair cycle, as the hair grows actively. This type of hair loss stops the matrix cells from making new hairs and from going through their regular dividing process. This condition starts within days or weeks of starting the medication. This kind of hair loss happens when people take chemotherapy drugs and it can be severe, resulting in a person losing the hair on their head, eyelashes, eyebrows, and other areas of the body.

The amount of hair loss depends on the kind of drug and the size of the dosage primarily, but also how sensitive the patient is to the effect of the drug.

The Types of Drugs that Cause Hair Loss

Here is a list of common drugs that can cause hair loss:

Acne medications with vitamin A (retinoids)

Chemotherapy drugs

Antibiotics and antifungal drugs

Antidepressants

Anti-clotting drugs

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Immune system suppressants the

Steroids

Weight loss drugs

High blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and diuretics

Hormone replacement therapy

Regardless of the cause of your hair loss, whether it’s temporary or permanent Van Scoy Hair Clinics will find the hair loss solution that is right for you. We offer non-surgical, non-invasive hair replacement treatment solutions. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: katicaj Via Pixabay

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Women’s Frustrations with Their Own Hair

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Women's FrustrationsIf you sometimes find yourself reaching for a beanie not to warm your head or be on trend but simply to hide your hair, you may suffer from a common female frustration: hair hatred. Why is it that so many women covet the hair they do not have? Those with straight hair envy their curly haired counterparts. Those with curly hair spend hours per week flat ironing their locks only to end up with a frizzy hybrid by day’s end. Life would be so much simpler if we could learn to love our locks!

Surprising Stats

The folks at Dove surveyed women and discovered that hair profoundly affects the way women see and feel about themselves. Specifically, 90 percent of the women surveyed agreed that women judge one another based on their hair, more than half admitted to having “hair envy” and only 11 percent said they loved everything about their hair.

Another survey of more than 1,000 women conducted by Consumer Reports’ “ShopSmart” magazine found that a bad hair day often becomes a bad day, period. Nearly half of women reported that their mood and self-esteem are affected on bad hair days. Sadly, hair hatred begins early. Also according to Dove, only four out of 10 girls with curly hair think their hair is beautiful.

Embrace It or Change It!

Dove has launched a campaign encouraging women to love their natural hair. That’s wonderful, in theory. It’s not always realistic, though. Fortunately for those who simply cannot be swayed to embrace their natural hair, there are options. Women with thinning or fine hair who covet voluminous locks increasingly are turning to hair extensions, which provide insane versatility and are incredibly natural looking. Curly haired women who desire sleek hairstyles can now head to blowout bars whose sole purpose is to fight frizz and tame tresses. Straight-haired women can head to any retailer that sells beauty products and find a wide selection of curling irons and hair rollers in just about any diameter they desire.

Whether you covet curls or cannot stand yours, perhaps you’ll be comforted by the knowledge that you are most definitely not alone. Don’t let your bad hair day get the best of you. It, too, shall pass.

No matter how we feel about our hair losing it can be devastating. If you’re suffering from thinning hair or hair loss, Van Scoy Hair Clinics will help you find the hair loss solution that’s right for you. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

Photo Credit: Ann_Sarkisyan Via Flickr Creative Commons

 

 

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou7CyPtkpng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeJVNum2zwY

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-04-12-bad-hair_N.htm

http://www.today.com/video/how-to-love-your-hair-share-how-you-embrace-the-color-texture-more-670699075906

http://www.goodyardhairblog.com/why-are-hair-extensions-so-popular-nowadays.html

 

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Mother’s Day Spa Day: A Hair Treatment Celebration for Your Mother With Thinning Hair

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Every day’s a good day to celebrate your mother, but Mother’s Day is a particularly great time to show the maternal figure in your life just how much she means to you. One of the best ways to show your mom gratitude on Mother’s Day is by pampering her — and treating her to her very own spa day! If your mother suffers from thinning hair, which is common in postmenopausal women, you can throw her a spa celebration that is both relaxing, but also healthy for her hair. Check out some great DIY spa activities for Mother’s Day that can help make for a fun, rejuvenating celebration of motherhood.

Start With a Scalp Treatment

One of the best ways to boost head and scalp health is by using a Jojoba Oil treatment. To make the treatment for your mother, combine 4 ounces of Jojoba oil with 10 drops of rosemary oil and lavender oil, 5 drops of basil oil, and 2 drops of Thyme and Cedarwood essential oil. Then, massage the tonic into her scalp. The tonic should soak into the scalp for about an hour. You can offer your mother a shoulder massage while she waits! Scalp tonics can help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and ensure your mother’s head is properly moisturized.

Shampoo With a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Once the scalp treatment is completed, you can rinse your mother’s hair out in the sink using a healthy shampoo. Choose a shampoo that is free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a common ingredient in many shampoos), since sulfates are known to be harsh on locks — particularly those that have already started thinning. Then, gently massage the shampoo into a lather. Rinse it out with warm water in order to ensure all of the shampoo and tonic have been removed. Your mother’s hair should now be moisturized and clean — and smell delightful, too!

Sip Cucumber Water

No spa day would be complete with a healthy, refreshing glass of cucumber water. An added benefit of cucumber water is that cucumber is traditionally believed to boost hair health. Make the cucumber water the night before by slicing one cucumber, placing the slices at the bottom of a pitcher, and filling the pitcher with water. Refrigerate overnight. Then, when you’re wrapping up your spa day, you can take advantage of the delicious crisp taste, as well as the healthy benefits.

The benefits of throwing a spa day for your mother who is experiencing hair loss is threefold. You can make her feel rested and refreshed, you can help boost the health of her thinning hair, and you can spend some quality time getting closer to someone who deserves to be celebrated!

We all want the best for our moms and if your mom is suffering from hair loss Van Scoy Hair Clinics can help her restore her hair. To schedule a private consultation today call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Unique Hotels Via Flickr Creative Commons

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Beauty Hurts and May Cause Thinning Hair

Women's Hair Loss Women always want to have gorgeous hair and will just about anything to achieve it, including trying all the latest hair products or gadgets to get the look you want. Flat irons, hair product chemicals and harsh hair brush bristles are doing real damage to your hair. As women get older, their hair goes through changes and hair thinning is one of them especially has they enter their 50’s and 60’s. Hair experts believe this happen because of hormonal changes, but haven’t determined the exact cause of thinning hair as we age.

Thinning hair may also have another factor and that is how you treat your hair. Intense heat from curling irons and chemicals can affect your roots and in turn cause female pattern baldness. Wearing cornrows, tight hair braids or weaves can also cause hair los and often it may not grow back.

Here are some simple tips to help avoid damaging your hair:

  • Use brushes with soft bristles.
  • Often condition your hair after shampooing it with proper pH balanced products.
  • Use hair products that don’t contain sulfates or parabens.
  • Try not to overexpose your hair to highlighting or hair coloring chemicals.
  • Cut down on weekly use of flat or curling irons.
  • Trim your hair regularly to get rid of split ends.
  • Taking Biotin and vitamins on a regular basis may also increase healthy hair growth.

If you’ve found yourself suffering from hair loss and it may be self-inflicted, come meet privately with a hair loss specialist at one of our Van Scoy Hair Clinic locations. Contact us today and we’ll set up a hair and scalp consultation.

Photo Credit: Artur Chalyj via Flickr Creative Commons

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