What is hair loss in women?
Hair loss in women is unfortunately a widespread problem. Hair begins to thin and/or fall out which can have a negative effect on the quality of life of those affected.
Hair loss in women is often most obvious around the centre parting line on the upper area of the scalp. In women the effect is from a general thinning of the hair which is most obvious where the hair is parted. Whereas, men tend to lose all their hair from one area. This can be either temporary or permanent.
The biological structure of hair
There are, on average, about 100,000 hairs on the scalp. Each strand of hair goes through different growth stages. First, is the anagen phase, more than 90% of hair is usually in this stage. Anagen hairs are difficult to pull out as they are deeply rooted in the subcutaneous tissue.
The anagen phase makes up almost the entire lifecycle of the hair strand, with each hair in this phase staying rooted for several years before it is replaced by a new one.
In the next phase, the catagenic phase, cell death occurs. This phase lasts about two weeks. After that, the hair goes into the telogenic phase, which lasts approximately three months. This phase is a kind of resting phase before the hair falls out. It is much easier to pull out hairs that are in the telogenic phase than the anagen phase.
Every day, up to one hundred telogenic hairs are shed, this is perfectly normal. Hair loss becomes a problem in woman (and men) if far more hairs than that are being lost.
What causes hair loss in women?
Why do only some women lose their hair? There can be several reasons:
Hereditary factors
If your mother has had hair loss problems, there is also a risk that you will be affected. Hereditary hair loss in women can start as early as the 20s. Slowly over the next 10-20 years, hair loss will gradually worsen as the new hairs that form new strands begin to disappear. Over time, each new strand of hair becomes lighter and thinner until they eventually stop growing completely.
Hormonal changes and stress
Another cause of women losing their hair may be due to hormonal changes in the body. This can be in connection with the use of birth control pills, menopause or pregnancy and can lead to the condition known as Telogen effluvium.
This results in a sudden change in the ratio of anagen and telogenic hairs. Instead, of being 90% anagen and 10% telogenic, it changes to 70% anagen and 30% telogen. Resulting in the loss of three hundred or more hairs per day, rapidly thinning out a full head of hair.
However, when the cause of the change in hormones is removed hair loss may persist for another six months. After this, the hair begins to normalize again and return to its previous state.
Lack of vitamin and minerals
Not getting enough vitamins and minerals in your daily diet can affect your hair and cause hair loss. This is especially true if you suffer from iron deficiency or you do not get enough vitamins B and D.
All three play important roles in maintaining the health of your hair. A deficiency of any or all can cause hairs to become fine and weak and eventually fall out.
Scalp diseases
Skin diseases such as psoriasis and dandruff can be a reason behind thinning hair. Psoriasis is a scaly and dry skin condition that often appears around the temples, behind the ears, at the hairline and on other parts of the scalp. Scalp psoriasis is not always associated with hair loss but in severe cases the disease can cause hair loss by effecting the health the scalp.
Excessive use of hair products
Overuse of shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, hair mousse and other hair styling products, can cause hair loss. Many hair products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp, destroy the natural structure of hair and cause the roots to become weak. In turn, reducing growth and leading to hair thinning and loss.
Side effects from medication
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain types of medication. This is especially true if you are receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer. But it can also be a side effect of other types of medication. If hair loss is a side effect, it will be stated in the package leaflet of the medicine.
Who is most affected by hair loss?
Studies show that many women suffer from hair loss. In fact, it can affect as many as 50% of all women aged 50 and over. Half of all women report that their hair starts to thin out once they are over 50 and for the 10-15 percent of them, there is significant hair loss.
But hair loss can affect women during all stages of life, for example in connection with hormonal changes during pregnancy, stress at work or other factors that influence hormonal changes.
What treatments are available for female hair loss?
Although hair loss in women is a widespread condition, there are good options available for treating and improving the situation to restore thicker hair and normal hair growth.
Hair loss treatment for women
Hair loss is due to an imbalance in the natural growth, which can be caused by any or all the reasons mentioned above. To solve this problem, Australian Bodycare has developed a remedy based on three key products needed for a healthy scalp and hair. Our hair loss products contain Tea Tree Oil, Capilia longa (Turmeric), and Biotin (Vitamin B) which together slow down the hair loss process and create the best conditions for the hair to recover.
Natural Australian Tea Tree Oil deep cleanses the scalp restoring the natural balance and health giving your hair the best chance to grow strong and full. The multi-active properties of Capilia longa extracted from Turmeric reduces hair loss by helping to reactivate the hair roots to restore hair growth. And, Biotin, to maintain the natural strength of the hair.
This unique combination of ingredients is available in all our hair loss products so that you can choose the best format for you: Serum, Shampoo, Conditioner or Spray. They can be used separately but we recommend that they are used together for the best results.
Step 1
Apply the serum to your scalp daily and massage in. The serum should not be washed out and should be allowed to soak into the scalp.
Step 2
Thoroughly massage the shampoo into wet hair and scalp to cleanse and balance the scalp and hair removing any impurities that may affect hair growth.
Step 3
Massage the conditioner gently into hair and leave for 2-3 minutes and rinse with water. This nourishing conditioner with natural, Australian Tea Tree Oil, Capilia longa, and Shea Butter leaves hair smooth and shiny, and protects against breakage.
Step 4
Use the hair spray after washing your hair and on days when you skip washing it. The hair spray strengthens the hair and helps prevent the hair strands breaking.
Using our hair loss products in combination will give your hair and scalp the best conditions for your hair to grow strong and thick and counteract the risk of hair loss.
When should you see a doctor?
If you are unsure about why you are suddenly losing your hair, it is always a good idea to speak to your doctor. He or she can investigate the cause. If it is due to low metabolism, a scalp disease or something completely different, you may require further treatment.
Preventing hair loss – what can you do?
To prevent hair loss, there are steps you can take help your hair stay healthy and strong.
Use the products together
The serum, shampoo, conditioner and hairspray can be used individually. But for the best results they should be used together. The serum is massaged into the scalp to promote healthy hair and a healthy scalp. The shampoo mildly cleanses the scalp free of impurities so that hair growth is not inhibited. The conditioner nourishes and leaves the hair smooth and shiny protecting against breakage. And finally, use the hair spray after washing or on dry hair to strengthen each strand of hair to become more resistant to damage.
The products work together to counteract hair loss by creating the best scalp and hair conditions for growth and prevention of further hair loss. All 3 products can be used daily.
Stronger medical treatment
Medical treatment for hair loss is available. It often consists of a hormone treatment with tablets. The tablet treatment should counteract the hormones that can inhibit hair growth, but the treatment can often have side effects, such as impotence in men.
Only your doctor can prescribe the tablets to you, and therefore you should talk to him or her first. Your doctor will be able to assess whether the treatment will be beneficial to you.
Transplantation of healthy hair
Hair transplantation is another treatment for hair loss. The transplant is carried out by finding donor areas with strong strands of hair and healthy follicles, typically at the back or side of the head. The hair follicles are taken out individually and planted in the bald areas, such as the top of the scalp or the receding hairline.
After a few weeks, the transplanted hair will fall out and the new hair will gradually emerge from the healthy follicle planted in the scalp. It usually takes about 12-18 months to see the final result.
Other ways to prevent hair loss
There are several other ways to prevent hair loss. It may be difficult to put the brakes on the aging process but there are things that can be done to maintain a healthy head of hair.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
A healthy and nutritious diet goes a long way to prevent hair loss. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, both strengthen the hair and counteract hair loss. Also, try to eat sesame, sunflower, and/or pumpkin seeds. They contain valuable minerals that help keep the hair strong.
If you do not get enough Vitamin B in your diet, it is very beneficial to take B vitamin supplements, particularly in the winter.
Limit the use of hair styling
Hair dryers, hair spray, hair mousse, straighteners and curling irons can all damage hair. Reducing the use of hair styling products and tools will benefit your hair by allowing it to retain its natural oils and strength.
Make it a habit of washing your hair the night before so that it can air dry, and you do not have to use the hair dryer to dry it in a rush (also great for the environment). If you cannot do without hair dryers or straighteners, use gentler hair products that are heat protective and free of chemicals and other harsh substances. For example, Australian Bodycare Hair Clean Shampoo and Hair Care Conditioner will nourish rather than strip your hair.
Tips for healthier hair
Wearing your hair up with a hair band with a metal closure tends to damage and wear the hair making it worn, porous and susceptible to breaking. This can be avoided by using hair bands without this metal closure.
Sleeping with your hair loose can also wear your hair and pulls the hair strands making it less voluminous as it rubs against the pillow. Instead, put it up in a loose ponytail or bun so it won’t wear on the pillow in the same way as you sleep.
