Hair loss is often seen as a men’s issue. However, women also face special challenges in keeping their hair healthy. Many women face hair loss at some time in their lives. This can be profoundly upsetting and damage their confidence and self-esteem.
There are many types of hair loss. Some types are more common and severe in women. These include traction alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central cicatricial centrifugal alopecia, and chronic telogen effluvium.
Understanding Hair Loss in Women
Hair loss is a sensitive issue for many women. Unlike men, who often experience noticeable bald spots or receding hairlines, women may struggle with thinning hair that can be less visible but no less distressing. The psychological impact can be significant, as hair is often linked to a woman’s identity and femininity. For many women, hair loss may feel like an unwelcome change that they cannot control.
Moreover, women face additional challenges when dealing with hair loss.
- Hormonal fluctuations throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can lead to temporary hair thinning.
- Women frequently face limited treatment options during these periods due to safety concerns. Many hair loss treatments for men may not be safe for women. This is due to possible side effects or hormonal issues.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding might necessitate pauses in your treatment regimen, potentially resulting in more advanced hair loss.
- Hair transplants are more challenging in females.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is among the most common causes of hair loss in women. It is a type of androgenic alopecia, meaning it is influenced by hormones and genetics.
Unlike male pattern baldness, which typically causes receding hairlines or bald spots, FPHL causes thinning throughout the scalp. The hair may get thinner over time, especially at the part or crown of the head. However, the front hairline usually stays the same.
Women with FPHL may find it emotionally difficult to cope with the gradual change in their appearance, especially since hair is often tied to a woman’s sense of beauty and identity. The onset of FPHL can also be harder to detect early on, and by the time noticeable thinning occurs, it may feel too late to reverse.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a form of scarring hair loss that primarily affects African American women. It starts in the crown of the scalp and spreads outward, leading to permanent hair loss in the affected areas. The condition can cause a noticeable bald spot in the center of the head, and it can be associated with itching, pain, and irritation.
The exact cause of CCCA is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to inflammation and damage to hair follicles. In many cases, the condition is exacerbated by hairstyling practices such as tight braids, weaves, and chemical relaxers. These practices can cause traction on the hair follicles, leading to the destruction of hair over time.
African American women are more likely to experience CCCA due to a combination of genetics, hairstyling habits, and inflammation. Since CCCA leads to permanent hair loss due to follicle destruction, it can have a significant emotional impact. Women who suffer from this condition often feel self-conscious about their hair loss, as the condition can lead to permanent scarring.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia in a female Afro American patient
Chronic Telogen Effluvium
Chronic Telogen Effluvium (CTE) is a condition that causes excessive shedding of hair, leading to thinning or diffuse hair loss. Unlike FPHL, which is usually a slow process over the years, CTE can occur suddenly and dramatically. Women with CTE may experience noticeable thinning all over the scalp, though it does not usually cause complete baldness. It is a condition in which more hair follicles than usual enter the shedding phase (telogen) of the hair growth cycle.
The condition is more common in women than men, particularly during times of stress or hormonal changes. Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period are common triggers. Stress, illness, or certain medications can also trigger CTE. The condition can last for months or even years, and its fluctuating nature can be frustrating and difficult to manage.
Females have specific reasons for more frequent CTE: chronic anemia (often linked to severe bleeding during periods), higher frequency of autoimmune conditions, etc.
Chronic Telogen Effluvium often leads to rapid and widespread thinning, which can be especially distressing for women who are sensitive about their hair. Since CTE can come on suddenly, women may feel a loss of control, adding to the emotional burden. Unlike other types of hair loss that may be more permanent,
CTE can sometimes improve on its own, though it can also be chronic in some cases.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which individuals have an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair. This condition can affect both men and women, but it is more commonly seen in women. It is classified as a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can lead to noticeable bald patches in the areas where hair is pulled out, such as the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
The cause of Trichotillomania is not fully understood, but it is often linked to stress, anxiety, or trauma. It can be triggered by emotional distress or serve as a coping mechanism for anxiety or tension. Women are more likely to develop this condition due to a combination of emotional vulnerability, societal pressures, and sometimes underlying mental health conditions.
Trichotillomania can be particularly difficult for women because of the social stigma associated with the condition. The act of pulling out hair is often done in private and can cause shame or embarrassment when visible patches are noticed.
Traction alopecia
Traction hair loss happens due to tight hair styles and is more common in Afro-American female patients. It usually presents with hair loss and thinning in the area of pulling. At the early stages it is usually reversible, but when late, it may lead to a permanent hair loss.
Before and after treatment for traction alopecia. For more images, see our gallery.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFFA)
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a form of scarring hair loss characterized by the recession of the hairline. Some experts view it as a distinct condition, while others see it as a variant of lichen planopilaris.
Patients may sometimes report thinning and a burning sensation on the scalp, with inflammation occasionally visible around hair follicles, though this is not always observed. The condition can progress slowly but may result in irreversible hair damage. Facial and skin pigmentation changes, along with eyebrow involvement, may also occur. The exact cause remains unknown, but it is more frequently observed in postmenopausal women, suggesting a potential hormonal influence.
How can we help
Our goal is to provide comprehensive support and effective solutions tailored to your unique needs.
The first step in our process is to schedule a detailed consultation. During this meeting, we use advanced techniques like digital trichoscopy. Scalp biopsies and blood work may be performed if seems to be needed.
By making a clear diagnosis, we can better understand the type of hair loss you have. This could be androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or another condition.
Once we understand your situation, we can talk about the different regenerative and medical treatment options we offer for women. These treatments may include:
- Medications based on your diagnosis and presentation.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This new treatment takes a small amount of your blood. It processes the blood to concentrate the platelets. Then, it injects the platelets into your scalp. The growth factors in PRP can stimulate hair follicles, promote hair growth, and improve overall scalp health.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment. It uses laser light to help hair follicles. This therapy also increases blood flow to the scalp. This option promotes hair regrowth safely and effectively, and you can use it alongside other treatments.
- Topical Treatments: We provide various topical solutions, like minoxidil and other special formulas. These can help revive hair follicles and promote new hair growth.
- Mesotherapy: enhancing the scalp using medicinal treatments, vitamins, peptides, growth factors, or exosomes.
- Laser Treatments: Stimulating your scalp with laser energy, usually coupled with the application of growth factors and hair boosters.
During your time with us, we focus on open communication and support. We want you to feel informed and empowered at every step. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results, restoring not only your hair but also your confidence and self-esteem.