Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss is often considered to be a men’s issue, but it impacts many women as well. In fact, at least half of all AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) women will experience thinning hair or hair loss during their lifetime – particularly as they enter their 50s and 60s.

We are taught that hair is our “crowning glory” and that thick, healthy hair is a signifier of youth and vitality. It is no surprise that hair loss in women can have a profound effect on one’s confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, the past decades have brought tremendous advances in the understanding of female hair loss as well as new techniques to regrow or replace lost hair.

What is the Reason for Hair Loss in Women?

· Genetics are responsible for androgenic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL), the most common form of hair loss in women. Heredity, in conjunction with hormones and aging, can lead to significant hair loss as a woman ages.
· Hormonal hair loss often follows pregnancy or menopause and is also caused by PCOS.
· Health issues, especially those that cause inflammation, are frequent causes of hair loss. Autoimmune hair loss and thyroid hair loss are two types of health-related shedding.
· Stress, both mental and physical, can trigger hair loss by disrupting the hair’s growth cycle. A common condition called telogen effluvium occurs when stress causes excess shedding of up to half of one’s hair.
· Diet and nutrition are a common culprit in hair loss. A poor diet does not provide the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth. Even losing or gaining weight too quickly can upset the delicate balance required for the
scalp to produce healthy hair.
· Styling and individual behavior can lead to hair loss. Whether it is wearing a tightly pulled hairstyle, using harsh motions when brushing one’s hair, or having a nervous habit of pulling out one’s hair (a condition known as trichotillomania). Anything that pulls at hair strands weakens the follicle and hair shaft.
· Medications and medical treatments often have the side effect of partial or full hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, beta-blockers, blood thinners, and semaglutides are only a few of the types of medications that may cause excess hair shedding.

What Does Female Pattern Hair Loss Look Like?

Androgenic alopecia in women presents differently than it does in men. Where men typically experience a receding hairline and balding at the crown of the scalp, women tend to have overall hair thinning.

Women rarely experience total hair loss. A female’s hair loss pattern typically starts with the widening of the part. This may be followed by more thinning of the top of the head (forelock) with usual preservation of the hairline. Some women may experience a slight variation where they may have hairline recession. The first signs of female hair loss are often subtle and escape notice until an increasing number of lost hair strands appear in one’s brush, on the pillow, or in the shower drain.

Does Hair Restoration Work for Women?

Hair loss treatment for women has advanced considerably in recent years, with cutting-edge non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures that produce visible results. Women with patchy or severe hair loss may also be candidates for hair replacement surgery.

· Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses LED or laser light to stimulate the scalp. PBM treatments are performed with a handheld device, or a cap with embedded lights may be worn during treatment. These forms of light therapy improve cellular function and reduce inflammation in the scalp, spurring healthy hair growth. PBM can be done as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with other treatments.
· Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment harvests platelets from a patient’s blood and injects them directly into the scalp. Growth factors in the plasma stimulate the follicles to produce healthier, stronger hair. PRP may also be used alongside other therapies.
· Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a roller with small needles to create miniscule punctures in the skin of the scalp. This technique stimulates blood flow to the area and may help regrow lost hair and make existing hair thicker and healthier.
· Transplantation may be an option in cases of serious hair loss, provided adequate donor hair is available. In a transplant, follicles in a hair-producing area are carefully selected and removed (either singly or in small groups) and are then introduced into a recipient area. Transplant procedures may either be done manually or with robotic assistance. LSE is an excellent option for women as the donor zone does not need to be shaved short, and with longer hair, the resulting scar is not visible.