Hair loss doesn’t just affect guys… it can hit us too! Get to the root of the issue and learn how to restore your crowning glory.
Hair loss doesn’t just affect guys… it can hit us too! Get to the root of the issue and learn how to restore your crowning glory.
Are you often taken aback by the number of strands caught in your hairbrush, or worried about a sudden reduction in the volume of your ponytail? Hair loss is a common (and rising) problem here, says dermatologist Dr Eileen Tan from Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. And although it most commonly occurs around menopause, 40 per cent of women actually experience visible hair loss by age 40 due to a variety of reasons, according to Vivian Leong, hair and scalp expert at PHS Hairscience.
Find out what some of the causes are and how best to treat the condition:
THE CAUSE
You can attribute your thin locks to your parents, says Dr Tan, who reveals that the most common cause of hair loss is a mix of genes and hormones. “Family history is an important factor of female (and male) pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia,” she says, although it can involve a variety of other lifestyle factors too.
There are a few health conditions that can cause hair to fall out: Autoimmune illnesses, thyroid disease and iron deficiency can all have an impact. An imbalance in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can also affect hair growth. This can often be the case with new mothers, who may experience temporary hair loss after giving birth. Hair usually returns to its pre-pregnancy thickness after six to 12 months. Hormone-related hair loss can also be a problem for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Certain medications, such as those that manage cholesterol, blood thinners and blood pressure treatments, can also increase your risk of thinning hair. And it’s worth noting that medications derived from vitamin A, like those used to treat acne, can have hair loss as a side effect. Speak to your doctor if you think any medications you are taking could be to blame.
Thinning hair can also occur as a result of severe stress – this may cause up to threequarters of hair to shed. Your hair may grow back once your stress is under control. If you’re unsure of the cause of your hair loss, Dr Tan recommends seeing a dermatologist for a proper assessment.
THE TREATMENT
If you notice that you’re suddenly losing more hair than normal, it’s a good idea to seek treatment immediately.
“The earlier you intervene, the better the outcome,” says Dr Tan. This is because it’s hard to regain that fullness once a significant amount of hair has been lost, especially when no treatment was administered in the early stage. Plus, she says, if you were born with naturally thin hair, the hair loss will be more dramatic than if you had started with a baseline of bouncy, thick hair.
Both Dr Tan and Vivian recommend an effective over-the-counter topical treatment containing minoxidil, a medication applied directly onto the scalp to affect blood supply to the follicle. There are no side effects but there is one caveat: You have to keep using it to maintain the benefits. “Multivitamins targeting skin, hair and nails can be considered for six to nine months,” suggests Dr Tan, who says that nutritional support is crucial to support the growth of healthy hair.
Another method is low level hair laser therapy, a painless and non-invasive treatment that’s useful for those not keen on long term medication. “The treatment stimulates cell metabolism and blood flow that in turn boosts hair growth and induces dormant hair follicles into a growth phase,” says Dr Tan.
And there is good news for women: We don’t tend to go bald the same way men do. Even in a worst-case scenario, Dr Tan says that women tend to camouflage hair loss better than their male counterparts. While men typically experience a receding hairline, women tend to maintain it.
CARING FOR YOUR HAIR
Your day-to-day hair care routine can affect the quality and density of your hair. Here’s how to keep it lush and healthy:
DO keep thinning hair in the best shape possible by investing in a restructuring treatment or serum formulated to slow down hair loss and help thicken strands.
DO use volumising products and dry shampoos that can help create texture and add volume to thin locks.
DO opt for a replenishing shampoo and conditioner as well as a weekly mask to maintain moisture. Investing in a good quality hairbrush that won’t rip your hair is also worthwhile.
DON’T use hot tools and straightening irons too often, as these can cause hair to become dry, brittle and lose its diameter.
DON’T tie your hair too tightly as this puts stress on your hair follicles.
What’s Normal?
We shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, which usually doesn’t cause noticeable thinning because new hair is growing at the same time. Hair loss occurs when this growth cycle is disrupted or when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue. “If you’re losing more than 100 strands of hair a day within one to two weeks, it’s time to see your dermatologist,” says Dr Eileen Tan.
PUMP UP THE VOLUME
Pump up the volume of your blowouts by applying the lightweight Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Foam, $49.80 (200 ml), to your hair after showering.
Apply the Phyto Phytologist 15, $299.90 (set of 15 vials with applicator), onto thinning areas, then gently massage it into your scalp.
Feed your hair with the Swisse Ultiboost Hair, Skin, Nails, from $49 (60 tablets), that contains nutrients like zinc and biotin to support the growth of healthy hair.
SCALP REJUVENATORS
PHS Hairscience DSR Detox Hair Loss Therapy Customised to suit your scalp type, this treatment uses botanical ingredients to detox your scalp and stimulate hair follicles. At $288 (salon) and $329 (spa). Call 6692 0662 for an appointment.
Beijing 101 Hair Gro Treatment This treatment doesn't just treat the symptoms but effectively targets the root of your hair loss and scalp issues with the help of premium-grade natural herbs. At $366. Call 6558 8101 for an appointment.
The Sloane Clinic Hair Maximiser Program Rejuvenate your scalp with this holistic programme that includes two effective treatments – Revage 670 laser and Revitascalp (12 sessions each). At $3,478. Call 6509 8108 (ION Branch) for an appointment.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LIEW / PHOTO: 123RF.COM
