Hair Loss and Thinning Hair in Women
Baldness and hair loss is something that is most often associated with men. In fact for a vast majority of men so-called male pattern baldness is an inevitable sign of aging. Men can be self-conscious and embarrassed by hair loss. However baldness and thinning hair is not a uniquely male problem. While men will find it socially self-conscious to have thinning hair, it can be completely devastating for women. Some men do go to great lengths to treat or cover up problems with thinning hair, yet others can and have embraced their baldness. There are several men from Yul Brenner to Shaquile O’Neil who have made bald men sexy. Women have no such icon. Blonde, brunet or redhead, female sexuality has long been identified with flowing tresses and full radiant hair. A woman with thinning hair can’t help but feel like a social outcast. But take heart ladies, there are things that can be done to control, even reverse the effects of hair loss.
How does Hair Grow?
Hair is basically a protein called Keratin. This is the same protein that makes up our fingernails and the outer most layer of the skin. The hair we see on the tops of our head and that in the best of circumstances is thick, lush, and able to be styled, is the hair shaft. That part, the hair shaft, is actually dead tissue, and why it can be cut without feeling any pain. The “living” part of hair [...]
Tags: thinning hair in woman
First Steps in Reducing Thinning Hair For Women(and Men)
[ad#Ad-plus-sense]There are many claims about what can be added to hair as a thinning hair remedy. There is new, yet controversial, information on what can be avoided to reverse hair loss. The claimed culprit is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient in most personal care products from shampoos to toothpastes. SLS is found in over 95% of all commercial shampoos and its stated function is removal of grease. It is found in larger amounts in garage floor and engine detergents. This may sound immediately revolting, but it should be made clear that the amount of SLS in industrial solvents is considerably higher than that in shampoo.
It is widely thought that eliminating of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate containing shampoo is the ultimate thinning hair remedy. Some believers have gone as far as eliminating shampoo use completely. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure of SLS to the skin does actually damage hair follicles, but the theory of SLS avoidance as a thinning hair remedy is called weak by some since shampoo is almost immediately rinsed off the skin and hair. There are arguments to the contrary that residue will always remain.
While the claims are contentious, it is still clear that SLS is in no way good for you. Shampoo has anywhere from 10-20% content of this chemical which is nowhere near innocent. It is definitely advisable to rinse thoroughly after using it and to go [...]
Tags: natural shampoos, Thinning Hair, What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, womens thinning hair
Hair Problems on Dialysis
[ad#Ad-plus-sense]Conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause changes to your body when you are on dialysis – such as hair loss or nail discoloration. What happens to your hair when you have chronic kidney disease? Like a person’s skin, hair can become visibly abnormal when you develop a disease. Some people experience breakage due to dry and brittle hair, while others find that their hair falls out, or sometimes both. For some kidney patients, hair problems can occur before starting dialysis, or it may happen after being on dialysis. In contrast, people who do not have chronic kidney disease lose their hair, is usually due to the aging process, stress or heredity.
Why is my hair falling out?
Hair is made of protein. If you become malnourished, a few months later your hair may break more easily and fall out. Eating enough good protein will help, but it takes a couple of months to see a change. Ask your dietitian about good protein sources. Hair loss can also be caused by thyroid problems, zinc deficiency, drug reactions, and other problems. Some patients have had hair loss when the unit changes the type of dialyzer (kidney) used. Talk with your doctor about this, or ask for a referral to a skin doctor.
For people with chronic kidney disease, hair and nail changes are common. But there are a couple of reasons why hair and nail changes occur in those with kidney disease: malnutrition and side effects of certain [...]
Tags: chronic kidney disease, hair fall out, Hair Thinning On Dialysis
Thinning Hair – Female Pattern Hairloss Scale
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Female thinning hair and hairloss is an issue that affects at least 20% of women and can be very difficult to diagnose because the different conditions and causes can have a similar superficial appearance. Your doctor may initiate an early diagnosis or recommend the following tests to start a process of elimination before a dermatologist is recommended.
* Hormone levels (DHEAS,Testosterone, Androstenedione, Prolactin, Follicular Stimulating Hormone, and Leutinizing Hormone).
* Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin, TIBC (Total Iron Binding capacity)
* Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
* VDRL
* Complete Blood Count (CBC)
* Scalp Biopsy
The female pattern hairloss is measured on a scale of loss similar to male pattern hairloss. It is known as the Ludwig scale and the scale measures several degrees of hairloss as can be seen in the pictures below:
Ludwig I-1
Ludwig I-2
Ludwig 1-3
Ludwig I-4
Ludwig II-1
Ludwig II-2
Ludwig III
Ludwig
Advanced
Ludwig -
Frontal
Tags: degrees of hairloss, Female Pattern Hairloss Scale, Ludwig scale, thinning hair on women
Pregnancy and Hair Thinning
by Karen Hall
[ad#Ad-plus-sense]Not all women experience lush hair growth during pregnancy. Many report hair loss while pregnant and after the baby is born. Most women actually experience a small amount of hair loss while pregnant, even if they don’t realize it. Along with a lot of other changes that occur as a side effect of pregnancy, hormones often cause hair to fall out. Hair loss during pregnancy may be minimal in one woman, but may be very noticeable in another woman. Hair loss really does vary from pregnancy to pregnancy, even with one woman. (see Thinning Hair)
Many women notice that the hair on their head is thicker during pregnancy. Many lose a lot of hair a few weeks or months after delivery. These changes are normal. Hair growth generally returns to its regular growing cycle within six months after delivery.
During pregnancy, hairs tend to stay in the resting phase longer. And much more of your hair is in the resting phase at any one time. Therefore, fewer hairs fall out each day. This causes your hair to seem thicker and fuller.
If you are looking for ways to cover up hair loss you might want to think about cutting your hair if you are wearing it really long. The thinning of your hair might be more noticeable if you have long hair, so trim it and maybe ask your hair stylist to put a few chunky layers in to add volume. Also try covering up hair loss by [...]