Are you overwhelmed by all the online videos about the so-called latest and greatest hair loss products? How do we end the vicious cycle??? At the end of this article, you can breathe a sigh of relief. This article will equip everyone with accurate information based on the “TRUTH.”
Hair loss is not a male disease. Women make up a significant percentage of hair loss sufferers. “Forty percent of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40,” according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Unfortunately, society has forced women to suffer in silence. It is considered far more acceptable for men to go through the same hair loss issues. Unfortunately, the medical community pays little attention to women’s hair loss. As we well know, sadly many resort to masking their hair and/or scalp challenges with hair units (wigs) or extensions, in some cases exacerbating the issue. Since hair loss is not life-threatening, some physicians often overlook a woman’s complaint about hair loss. This oversight offers very little hope for recovery.
Comprehension of hair loss is one thing, however, the solution is entirely different. First let’s discuss the word Alopecia, which is often misunderstood and often a taboo word. According to Melloni, B. J., Eisner, G. M., & Dox, I. (2001). The HarperCollins illustrated medical dictionary, “Alopecia is the medical term for excessive or abnormal hair loss.” There are different kinds of Alopecia (hair loss). Traction Alopecia occurs when excessive tension is placed on the hair and scalp, signs of hair loss usually occur at the forehead and temples-the areas where hair is pulled the tightest in braiding and styling. With Alopecia Totalis, hair is lost from the entire head, and with Alopecia Universalis all hair is lost from the entire body. Hair loss occurs in isolated patches with Alopecia Areata. What all hair loss has in common, whether it’s in men or women, is that it is generally indicative of unbalances within your body system(s). Healthy hair and scalp start from within. Your hair will remain on your head where it belongs if hormone imbalance, disease, or some other condition is not occurring. That condition may be as simple as having a gene that makes you susceptible to male or female pattern baldness or one of the forms of alopecia, or it may be as complex as a whole host of diseases.
Fortunately, hair loss may also be a symptom of a short-term event such as Chronic or Traumatic stress, Pregnancy, and the taking of certain medications. In these situations, hair will often (though not always) grow back when the event has passed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) “there are approximately 30 conditions that cause hair loss in women, and many can be resolved with proper treatment.” To name a few; hormones, medications, poor nutrition, improper hair management and diseases can cause a change in hair growth and shedding phases. When growth and shedding are out of sync hair loss will become visible. Once the cause is dealt with, many times hairs will go back to their random pattern of growth and shedding, and the hair loss problem stops. Unfortunately, for some women, hair loss becomes a lifelong struggle.
The “TRUTH” is, a certain amount of hair loss is normal. However, excessive hair loss and hair thinning is an indication that something is wrong. “Most people normally shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day; however, you need not be alarmed unless hair loss is visible. That generally occurs when the shedding rate begins to exceed the rate of regrowth “ according to Olsen, E. A. (2003). Disorders of hair growth: Diagnosis and Treatment. At this juncture, notable signs of hair loss may be apparent. Not every person loses hair in the same way. Not everyone has the same physical symptoms. Androgenetic Alopecia, a common type of hair loss, often referred to as Male-pattern and Female-pattern baldness is usually noticed throughout the scalp, as portions on the top of the scalp become more exposed.
Dealing with Hair Loss
For women, hair loss can be disturbing. Women feel a unique sense of shame exacerbated by the strong correlation between beauty and having a full head of hair. For men, a bald shaved head is common. For women, the social stigma associated with baldness erodes confidence.
Extensive Hair loss does not ‘hurt’ physically, but has a huge impact emotionally and mentally. Hair loss can be psychologically difficult for men, women, and children. There’s a great deal of pressure in our culture to look good. Some equate looking good with having a full head of hair. Therefore it is only natural for those suffering from hair loss to feel less than their best.
As we well know, the media distorts one’s view of beauty, and self-esteem thereby creating insecurities. Having a healthy sense of beauty starts with a healthy and balanced view of one’s self. We must replace what society views as beautiful with ”TRUTH”. We have to step up our “Self-talk” and re-education of the next generation. That; “Hair does not make or define a person” and “Beauty is found within” and “Attitude and character are what really attract people to us” and “All hair is good hair.” Now that is “TRUTH”!
Take Action!
If you’ve noticed a slow, steady thinning of your hair, or more hair in your hairbrush or comb in the morning, it’s important to take a balanced, informed approach to dealing with your hair loss. The important thing is to take action when you first notice signs of hair loss, the earlier you address your hair loss concerns, the greater chance of recovery.
There are solutions for those experiencing baldness or hair loss. Some orally administered high-quality natural dietary supplements and therapeutic grade essential oils may be advised. Laser hair therapy, self-care and stress management techniques, hair and scalp therapy products and treatments, cranial prosthesis and customized hair units are non-invasive viable options. Some types of hair loss, such as with stress-induced or postpartum pattern baldness, are naturally reversed over time with no intervention beyond stress management techniques.
If you’ve been dealing with hair loss, you should know that there are many safe and effective treatments and resources that may be utilized. You are not alone if you are losing your hair. Millions of people deal with hair loss every day. The good news is that there is more help available to stop, and in some cases, reverse the symptoms of hair loss. The first step should always be an appointment with your family physician. Some cases of hair loss are caused by serious health conditions, so you will want to rule these diseases out before you start looking for the right treatment. Once that is assessed, a visit to a Hair Recovery Specialist is highly advised. To learn more about our Hair and Scalp Therapy Treatment Program and how we’ve seen many cases resolved with our Multi-Therapy Approach visit our website at www.TheHairWellnessGroup.com to schedule your Consultation today!
Rachel Adkins , Hair Recovery Specialist | Wellness Advocate
The Hair Wellness Group | 300 14 St | Columbus, GA 31901
www.TheHairWellnessGroup.com
E:[email protected]
P: 334.520.0767
Leave a Reply