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Most Common Questions:
Female Genetic Thinning: The Quiet Epidemic
Reproduced with kind permission of Tony Pearce, RN, RPN.
Consulting Trichologist,
There is an insidious epidemic affecting the appearance and confidence of
women - and it is dramatically on the increase. It is not something openly
discussed, nor is it fully understood even by many health professionals.
That epidemic is excessive hair loss/thinning hair in women.
Whilst the subject of male balding is now "out of the closet" thanks to a mix
of sporting personalities and TV satire, hair loss in women is still being silently
endured by its sufferers, with seemingly few options or answers as to treatment.
The reality is though that most women's hair loss is readily treatable, at little
expense, and with the prospect of excellent outcomes.
The causes of women's hair loss are many and varied. However unless the hair
has been chemically or mechanically damaged, causing the hair to break off or
fall out: excessive loss of hair (hair fall) is always a response to an internal
disturbance.
This response may be a normal, temporary experience as a result of a high
fever, food poisoning, operations (particularly when involving blood loss),
commencing certain medications, crash diets, or following child birth. About
2-3 months after any of these experiences, the hair fall will begin abruptly
and shed in large amounts for approximately 2 to 3 months before settling.
This type of hair loss should return to normal density within 6 months of onset.
When hair loss is subtle; slowly thinning out over many months or even years,
then the underlying cause is likely to be a medical or nutritional disturbance.
Of these, iron deficiency anaemia, problems of the thyroid gland, diabetes or
calcium deficiency are the most common causes. Hair loss experienced from
any of the above conditions is termed diffuse hair loss; that is, excessive hair
loss from the entire scalp.
Genetic thinning in women (also referred to as androgenetic alopecia or female
pattern thinning), is a condition characterized by a progressive thinning-out of
the frontal/top areas of the scalp. It differs from male genetic thinning in that
the women's hairline is preserved and does not eventuate in baldness.
Female genetic thinning often begins at menopause or after a total hysterectomy.
It may also develop after childbirth, although this should not be confused with the
temporary diffuse hair loss of post-pregnancy. Trichologists are seeing increasing
numbers of younger women with genetic hair loss. Often the cause is the taking
of certain oral contraceptives which can trigger genetic thinning in predisposed
women. In many cases, thinning hair from this cause can be corrected by
changing contraceptives to one that inhibits androgen activity.
Another possible reason is that we are continually being exposed to new, foreign
molecules and androgen-like (male hormone) substances which, in a susceptible
person, may trigger a genetic or autoimmune response.
Treatments for female genetic thinning usually means hormonal therapy in the
form of either phytoestrogens or antiandrogens. A phytoestrogen is a naturally
occurring oestrogen derived from plants (phyto means plant). The herbal
supplement Dong Quai Complex is a phytoestrogen which helps prevent and
rogens from influencing the hair, thereby preventing further thinning.
Phytoestrogens may also be consumed in some food sources such as soya
products, tofu or miso.
Prescription antiandrogens include Androcur and Aldactone (spironolactone).
The possible side effects of these medications can include weight gain, mood
swings, headache and nausea.
The topical solution Minoxidil can also be beneficial. Minoxidil works by stimulating
follicle hair growth. It should be used for a minimum of 4-6 months and ideally for
12 months. Depending on the strength, it is obtainable across the counter or on
prescription.
Although hair loss/thinning does not constitute a health problem itself, it can be
psychologically distressing for the sufferer. However hair, because of its rapid
growth, is extremely sensitive to internal changes within the body. For this reason
hair loss may be one of the first indicators that an internal problem is developing;
for example, underactive thyroid or lupus.
A certified trichologist is a non-medical specialist of hair loss and scalp problems.
You can can contact Tony Pearce directly by pressing the link and you can go
to our trichology section if you would like to find out how to get treatment for
this condition. © VirtualHairCare Q & AQ: What is the right hairdo for my face?
A. * Long faces: Cut your hair above your shoulders, with long layers and a side
part.
* Square faces: It's best if your hair is cut above or below your jaw line, in layers.
No center parts.
* Oval faces: You're in luck, just about any length and style works for you.
* Round faces: Wear your hair cut below the chin, with shorter layers in front.
Avoid full bangs.
* Heart faces: Cut shoulder-length, and go for fullness from your chin down with
waves or soft layers.
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Q. Are salon products any better than products purchased in drugstores
and grocery store?
A. In general yes. Most salon brands use gentler surfactants in more concentrated
amounts. Also, many "drugstore" brands produce products with an end price point
in mind, limiting the quality or amount of ingredients vital to maintain healthy hair.
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Q. I have used "conditioners" but they all seem to weigh my hair down.
Is there a solution?
A. Yes. First let me address the problem. The reasons your hair may be weighted
down are: * You should not use the product as often
• The molecular weight of the product is too high. High molecular weighted
products can coat the hair and cause over protection.
• You may be using the improper type of "conditioner". Conditioners generally
fall into 4 categories:
• Reconstructors- make the hair stronger
• Rinses and Acidifiers- close the cuticle and seal the hair
• Moisturizers- balance the moisture content in the cortex of the hair
• Thermal protectors - prevent heat damage before it starts
• You may be using too much of the product Generally, polymeric products have high molecular weights. Look for products
which contain hydrolyzed human hair keratin protein. Products with hydrolyzed
human keratin protein generally are best because the products generally have
low molecular weights. This provides for a superior product that does not weigh
the hair down.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q. I can never get my hair to style the same way they do in the salon, why?
A. One key reason is your stylist uses styling tools you may not have. Next time
into your salon, ask your hair designer what styling product(s) were used to
create the style. Have your stylist explain how each product was used. The
choices may range from foams, spray gels, gels to different types of hair spray.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q. Does diet affect my hair?
A. Yes! Here are some ideas to "build" better hair from the inside out...
Eat more protein rich foods.
Supplements of choline and inositol help hair development
Supplements of tyrosine (an amino acid) play a vital role in hair growth
Supplements of B vitamins help produce healthy hair
Supplements of biotin, cysteine,and cystine aid in healthy hair growth
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q. I need more volume to my hair. How do I achieve this?
A. 2 part answer:
1. Get a "wave" (not a curly perm), just enough to create the volume you desire.
Pativa® has new tech. that is damage free...
2. Use Paul Mitchell® Volumizer. Also, apply virtually any styling tool to the roots
and comb or work through to the ends. "Volume" occurs at the scalp area , not
the ends. Paul Mitchell® also makes Extra Body Foam and Gel.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q. My hair is always "frizzy", what do I do?
A. There are many great silicone based products now that will knock put the
frizzies in one step. Ingredients to look for are: Dimethicone and or cyclomethicone.
They are VERY light silicone oils that can even be used on fine hair. Most of the
products available are extremely concentrated, so usually a few drops will do the
trick.
Recommendations:
Paul Mitchell® Gloss (small amount applied to wet or dry hair)
Pativa® Shinner (small amount applied to wet or dry hair)
Lanza® Design Shine (small amount applied to wet or dry hair) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q. Why does hair turn grey and what can I do about it?
A. In the aging process the hair bulb produces less hair pigment (melanin). The
absence of pigment in the cortical layer of the hair makes the hair clear (or grey).
Although not scientifically proven, large amounts of the vitamin PABA (you can
buy it at health food stores) may slow this process. Also supplements of biotin,
tyrosine, B-vitamins, cystine, inositol, and choline will produce healthier hair.
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Q. What does pH balanced mean?
A. Nothing. I mean by this any company can say their products are pH balanced.
The pH of normal hair is between 4.5 to 5.5 (in an aqueous solution). Most
companies mean their product fits into this range. However, some companies put
pH balanced on the bottle as a marketing ploy. In depends what they are balancing
the pH to...hair, water (pH 7.0), perms (6.8 to12+)???????? "Hypo allergenic" is a
similar phrase meaning nothing. "Hypo-Allergenic" means less likely to cause an
allergic reaction. Less likely than what....bleach, poison ivy, acids????????
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