Hair loss is a pretty common occurrence among men, but is quite rare among women. While losing hair can also affect some people emotionally, its effects on women are magnified. Women have a much tougher time dealing with the effects hair loss has on their self-esteem and everyday social interactions.

 

Hair loss in women can be the result of several factors, but one of the most common is stress. Experts have said that both emotional and physical stress (i.e. a serious illness or recovery from surgery) can cause hair loss by inducing hormonal changes in the body.

Three types of hair loss have been associated with high stress levels. These include Telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. Telogen effluvium typically occurs after pregnancy or a major surgery, and extreme stress. High stress levels cause a large amount of hair follicles to sit into a “resting” phase, or that stage in the hair cycle where no growth happens. With not enough new hair to replenish naturally shed ones, this results in hair loss.

On the other hand, trichotillomania (aka hair pulling) refers to the uncontrollable urge to pull hair out from the scalp or any other area of the body; while Alopecia areata is a condition wherein the immune system attacks the hair follicles.

Of the three major causes of hair loss, the condition most directly related to stress is telogen effluvium. Other factors, such as taking certain medications, can also cause this condition, but emotional and physical stress is often the culprit. One recurring rumor that commonly spreads about this is that this type of hair loss is permanent. It’s not. Thinning hair caused by stress will eventually grow back, but it will take up to a few months’ time.

Women suffering from this condition, however, will understandably not want to wait a few months. A quick and effective remedy would be quality lace closures. These are especially beneficial for women who do not have enough hair for a “leave out” hair extension install. Also, lace closures can be used over specific balding spots, and have the appearance of natural hair coming out of the scalp.

Actual treatment for hair loss is varied. Individuals can opt for over-the-counter prescription drugs like Minoxidil (i.e. Rogaine), prescription ones like Spironolactone (i.e. Aldactone), or a hair transplant procedure where hair from one part of the scalp is removed and implanted into thinning problem areas.

It is best for women with thinning hair to consult their doctors about their condition and receive the proper treatment. Or, they could choose to wait until their hair grows back. Until such time, a natural-looking lace closure from companies like Virgin Hair Fixx can give them the confidence they need to go about their daily lives.

(Source: Stress Can Induce Hair Loss, SunSentinel.com, January 13, 2010)