Hair Loss in Women

While hair loss is a condition usually associated with men, 40% of women also suffer from thinning hair and baldness, according to the American Hair Loss Association. While men can choose to wear their baldness proudly, women often suffer socially and psychologically when they begin losing their hair. Hair loss expert Robert Angelino, founder of HairLab, a medical and natural hair restoration center located in Beverly Hills, California, explains more about hair loss in the fairer sex.

What percentage of your clientele are women?

Right now our percentage of female clients is about 20%. The cases, however, are growing. Some research shows that up to even two-thirds of all women experience some sort of hair loss at some point in their lives, so we now have a lot more women are coming in for help.

Why do women lose their hair?

The most likely cause of hair loss in women is a thyroid imbalance. The thyroid controls the production and balance of many hormones and in women the hormones that control hair growth are tied to this essential gland. If the thyroid is allowing the production of too much testosterone, than that will produce DHT, the enzyme mostly found in men that causes loss of hair. Other causes can be stress or alopecia or perhaps some other medical condition.

It is no longer rare for women to come to HAIRLAB seeking advice on what to do next. We usually advise that they have their thyroid checked out by a doctor and if hormonal imbalance is indeed the cause, the doctor can prescribe hormones or drugs to correct the problem. If the cause is stress or another issue, then perhaps the client is a candidate for transplant and sometimes they are not. We don’t take just anyone in for surgery immediately. We will first offer multiple alternatives prior to surgery and see if those work first.

What alternatives do you initially suggest?

We first recommend that they try Rogaine or laser treatment or both.

Rogaine, also known as minoxidil, improves blood flow to the scalp, which might be all the patient needs. Laser hair therapy uses a red, cold, low-level light laser to bathe the scalp with laser light beams for 20 minutes. This can be done sitting under a “laser hair dryer” with multiple beams or using a hand-held device which you run through the hair like a comb. The laser light rejuvenates the cells and follicles, improving blood flow to the scalp and promotes hair to grow back thicker. Most clients see vast improvements after 4 to 8 months of laser therapy. A small number of people have said that the laser will only stop hair loss, not actually grow it, but for others it does cause the hair to come back. You can actually buy in-home laser devices that you can sit under in the comfort of your own living room. These are highly effective and cheaper than regularly using a laser studio in the long run.

Are the treatments for hair loss different for women than for men?

The main difference is that due to the fact that lots of hair loss in women is caused by hormonal imbalance in their thyroid, the first measure we take is to send them to a doctor to do blood work. If it is not a hormonal imbalance and cannot be corrected as such, then we move on to other means. We usually start with lasers, then topical stimulants. If those don’t work and it is from DHT, we recommend products like Revivogen, which is a natural formula that can be used by women or men that stops DHT production on the scalp. Its main ingredients include saw palmetto and linolenic acid and it has a 90-day guarantee. We also recommend Nuhair, which is a combination of pills and a serum used at night that promotes hair regrowth and blocks DHT. These are both over-the-counter products, and we have seen dramatic results with stimulants and topical alternatives. They really work great, especially when used in conjunction with lasers and shampoos.

The main component to successful regrowth is continuity and consistency. So many patients don’t want to put on serums or lasers every night. They want hair now. However, even if patients do get transplants, hair loss can still be ongoing so one must take a proactive approach. You have to keep up with lasers and topical serums and oral supplements that contain the natural proteins which are also good for your skin and nails. While these pills are not officially approved by FDA to “regrow hair,” as they are herbal supplements, they do successfully help hair loss and also improve one’s general appearance. With a combination of these alternatives, many women and men experience wonderful regrowth without having to undergo hair transplant surgery.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.