Female Hair Loss: Symptoms, Causes & Treating Womens Hair Loss

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• Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
• When do dermatologists recommend treatment for hair loss?
• At what age does hair loss typically start?
• Factors affecting female hair loss:
• Steps to Treat Hair Loss Based on Cause
• How to combat hair loss as you age

This type of hair loss has a strong genetic component and can be inherited from either your mother or father. The female hair cycle is affected by hormones, meaning that oral contraceptive pills have the potential to cause hair loss4. Yes, menopause can cause hair loss or hair thinning in women2. The drop in the female hormone estrogen can make female pattern hair loss worse5 or can even trigger a temporary hair loss known as telogen effluvium6. Hair thinning can be very gradual, so it's no wonder that age is a factor affecting female pattern baldness.

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This means that, if left untreated, female pattern hair loss and other types of alopecia can cause the hair to become increasingly sparse or bald. Androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss, is the most common cause of thinning hair in women worldwide, per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The type and severity of hair loss you experience may determine the outcome (prognosis).

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Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA).

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When do dermatologists recommend treatment for hair loss?

Therefore, when hormones shift again postpartum and the hair enters its resting phase, the excess hair is shed, which can seem alarming. However, it is usually temporary and a natural part of the childbirth process. Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely.

At what age does hair loss typically start?

If you have a deficiency, your doctor may suggest multivitamins or supplements like iron and biotin. Don't take any supplement before checking with your doctor. They may interact with other medications or supplements you take. Your doctor gently scrapes skin samples from your scalp and sends them to a lab for testing.

How Menopause Affects Your Hair and Scalp - The New York Times

How Menopause Affects Your Hair and Scalp.

Posted: Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The effect of genetics and hormones on your hair follicles will increase over time, meaning that hair loss is often more noticeable in older women. While acute hair loss can be triggered by illness or stress, the more common female pattern baldness is usually gradual. Female pattern hair loss can start just about any point in a women’s life, and thinning can peak around the time of menopause.

Factors affecting female hair loss:

Though hair loss can’t always be reversed, knowing what’s at the root of hair loss is critical in managing it. This article discusses factors that lead to thinning hair or bald spots, who’s at risk, and how to treat it. And while the signs might not be as obvious as in men, about 55% of women experience some hair loss by the time they're 70. Treatments to prevent or stop it can help many women who are losing their hair.

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This works well for people with inherited baldness since they typically lose hair on the top of the head. Because some hair loss can be progressive, you may need multiple procedures over time. In addition to losing hair on the scalp, some people with alopecia areata lose hair from their eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. In the type of patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata, hair loss occurs suddenly and usually starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap. Androgenic alopecia causes the normal hair growth cycle to shorten.

Several serious diseases also attack the hair follicle, says Robert Brodell, a dermatologist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Not getting enough iron, protein or vitamin B12 in your diet can also cause your hair to thin. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about supplements.

In women, the first noticeable sign of hereditary hair loss is usually overall thinning or a widening part. Sometimes we ask women to do a hair count over 24 hours to see if they’re losing more than that. Tinea capitis, also called ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that can affect the scalp and hair shaft. Over time, if not treated early, the size of the patch or patches will increase and fill with pus. If your hair loss results from medication, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease or diet, your provider will address the cause.

In many cases, effective treatments exist that can slow hair loss and help spur new hair growth. And many people find ways to thrive and feel great, no matter how much — or how little — hair they have. Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year.

Some types of hair loss are permanent, especially if you have damage to your hair follicles. For example, anagen and telogen shedding may stop with time. Managing any underlying health conditions improves hair loss. And early treatment of alopecia may reduce the speed of thinning and promote regrowth. A healthcare provider can tell you more about what to expect in your situation.

You might be able to prevent some hair loss by eating nutritious foods that provide necessary nutrients (like vitamins, minerals and protein) or adding vitamins to your daily routine. A healthcare provider will do a thorough examination and take a detailed history to understand changes in your hair growth. Your provider will also ask about what medications or supplements you currently take.

Mayo Clinic Minute: Expert advice for women with thinning hair

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• Treatments for hair loss caused by autoimmune diseases
• What lifestyle changes can help me avoid prostate cancer?
• Mayo Clinic Press
• Hair loss risk factors

The most common cause of male and female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary pattern balding. Androgenetic alopecia is genetic and is caused by a reaction to androgen and occurs after puberty. It causes gradual hair loss; in women, this is more likely to cause diffuse thinning on the top of the head. Studies indicate that this medication is effective in about 40% for women who have female pattern hair loss.

Treatments for hair loss caused by autoimmune diseases

Known as telogen effluvium, this non-hereditary type of alopecia is usually only temporary. But with other types, such as telogen and anagen effluvium, hair loss is reversible. So long as the underlying cause is treated or stopped, you can expect regrowth. However, it can take up to six months before you notice results.

What lifestyle changes can help me avoid prostate cancer?

In many cases, a person’s hair will return to its usual state once a doctor has treated the underlying condition. A 2018 review suggests that a vitamin D deficiency may link to hair loss. The authors also suggest that to help prevent hair loss, people low in iron would benefit from iron supplementation and making sure they get enough vitamin C. If a person thinks that hair loss may be due to a medication, they can consult a doctor for an assessment. The doctor might reduce the dosage or switch the person to a different medication.

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How Much Hair Loss Is Normal: Normal Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss.

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Many people who have plaque psoriasis develop psoriasis on their scalp at some point. If you often wear your hair tightly pulled back, the continual pulling can lead to permanent hair loss. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. Victoria Barbosa, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.

As a result, hair doesn’t grow as long or thick as it normally would. This article will focus primarily on hair loss in cis women. The information in this article will also apply to you if you were assigned female at birth and have never had hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Trans women and trans men who have used HRT may have additional risk factors for hair loss that are not covered here. Pregnancy, and especially giving birth, can lead to hair loss. You're most likely to see hair loss about 3 months after giving birth.

There are several types of hair loss, and it can affect adults of any gender and even children. You may lose hair just on your head or from your body as well. Another cause of hair loss is called telogen effluvium (TE), which is typically temporary.

Shrinking Follicles

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Many females who experience androgenetic alopecia develop it after menopause. Males with this condition tend to lose hair from the temples and crown of the head. In females with androgenetic alopecia, the hair usually becomes thinner all over the head. With an accurate diagnosis, many people who have hair loss can see hair regrowth.

Birth control pills

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause but may include a topical solution of minoxidil (Rogaine). You should only take biotin, iron, or zinc when your blood test shows that you have a deficiency. If your levels are normal, taking a supplement can be harmful. For example, if you take too much iron, you can develop iron poisoning. More studies are needed to find out who is most likely to benefit from this treatment and whether these devices cause long-term side effects.

If you receive chemotherapy or have radiation treatment to your head or neck, you may lose all (or most of) your hair within a few weeks of starting treatment. No matter which term you use, it means that you’ve inherited genes that cause your hair follicles (what each hair grows out of) to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. Shrinking can begin as early as your teens, but it usually starts later in life.

Because most hair loss is related to the condition of our scalp and follicles, clogging them can lead to hair loss. The key to preventing this loss is to find a hair-care regimen that works for you and one that also promotes a healthy scalp. Shampooing, rinsing and scalp treatments can help prevent this loss and lead to a healthier you.

Because studies show that the following can help, your dermatologist may include one (or more) in your at-home treatment plan. A treatment plan for hair loss may include one or more of the following. People can develop hair loss where boots, socks, or tight clothing frequently rubs against their skin.

11 Best Gray Hair Dyes of 2024 Temporary and Permanent Gray Hair Dye

Table Of Content

• These hairstyles that can help hide patches of gray as you transition.
• How to Shop for Grey and Silver Hair Dye
• Choose Your Preferred Product
• How to Transition to Gray Hair Gracefully
• dpHUE Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment in Sheer

You'll want to choose a semi-permanent color that will fade after a few weeks of regular washes. Clairol Natural Instincts for Men and Just for Men work well. This will prevent you from having to touch up the roots on a regular basis. This grey hair dye bottle may say “platinum,” but it has a light lavender hint that adds a cool, minimally modern touch to your freshly colored strands.

These hairstyles that can help hide patches of gray as you transition.

It perfectly blends light butter blonde and silver-gray highlights for a brand-new bob with serious style. It's a great way to start easing into embracing your gray without totally giving up your blonde days. Aside from the time investment of a salon session, there's how long it takes to fully transition to gray hair, which is anywhere from six months to a year, Ferrara says. "Some people won't have the patience, so they choose to color their hair again," she notes.

How to Shop for Grey and Silver Hair Dye

Kelly Ripa considers ditching signature blond: 'My hair wants to be gray' - Page Six

Kelly Ripa considers ditching signature blond: 'My hair wants to be gray'.

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Ashley is the beauty and style editor at BestProducts.com, and her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan and Town and Country. She has an obsession with designer handbags, Liberty prints, 1960s fashion, and owns more shoes than she’s willing to admit. She's been using her learnings from owning a boutique and her shopping addiction for good since 2015. Away from the computer, you’ll likely find the Texas native binging on a British period drama or theorizing over Game of Thrones. "They give you the ability to create the perfect light tones every time," he adds. This affordable kit includes everything you need to safely color-treat your hair at home, including hair dye, an application bottle and lotion, gloves, and a protective hair treatment.

Choose Your Preferred Product

It’s perfect if you don’t, you know, want to dye your entire head a bold color. Spray on a flexible hairspray to smooth down any flyaways. The only thing chicer than this razor-sharp bob haircut is the finer-than-fine silver babylights that blend a deep base with pre-existing gray strands. If you have enviously dark hair, this method will ensure a flawlessly uniform, totally cool transition to gray. Whether you want to let nature take its course, add highlights to match your roots, or make an instant transition to gray hair, here are tons of great ideas for rocking a stunning silvery style. There are 41 color options to choose from, and the ammonia-free hair color formula is infused with keratin and silk amino acid to leave your hair looking stronger and healthier.

According to Leake, there is no need to dye your entire head of hair. Maintain as much natural color as you can and only cover the noticeably gray areas, he says. Touch up your roots and any problem areas, then finish with an all-over gloss to seal. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding gray hair color. If you are looking for a simple way to color your hair, you can go for highlights.

Go from dyed to gorgeous silver strands without the awkward stage. This multi-faceted smokey hue is anything but dull — it looks cool, shimmery, and dimensional. "This product is unlike any other I've used," says one reviewer. "The color is unique and my shiny hair feels thick and luxurious." The Color Boosting Gloss is a semi-permanent product that easily lasts for up to 10 shampoos. If you just want to try on a few streaks for a spell, this spray-on hair “makeup” is the perfect solution.

It washes out and doesn't leave gray roots, so if you decide you've made a mistake, it is easy to back out of the deal. Specifically formulated to cover stubborn gray hair, L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme permanent hair color tops our list. Perfect for all hair types, this creme color formula offers 100 percent gray coverage and nourishing ingredients that will make your hair look shiny and healthy. There are many special shampoos and conditioners to care for grays, but Garrett has found a magical solution for overprocessed hair of any shade. She suggests using K18, a one-of-a-kind leave-in hair mask that repairs and reverses damage in under four minutes (yes, under four minutes!). It's scientific sorcery that'll keep your locks healthy and strong.

Cover them quickly with the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray. This temporary fix sprays directly onto your gray strands for coverage that’ll last all day. There are a few things you should know about dyeing your hair any color before you go at it. With gray in particular, in order to see maximum at-home results with vibrant color, your starting hair needs to be light blonde or professionally bleached. This color-depositing mask will tone the hair while nourishing it because of its gentle design.

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I Grew Out My Grey Hair At 42 - Chatelaine.

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“Timing is everything, so it’s important to find a plan that works for you and that you can happily commit to,” Reed concludes. Many colorists get asked how to transition to gray if you've been coloring your hair for years. Korab suggests touching it up about every four weeks and consistently using a shampoo formulated for silver or gray hair, like Oribe Silverati Shampoo or Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo. This gray hair color from Schwarzkopf was specifically formulated for covering up those silver strands for the long haul.

"This brand is a trustworthy go-to and is great for multi-texture and virgin hair. Their kits come with everything you need to cover your grays." Start applying your color where you have the most resistant gray hair first. "Resistant gray hair needs the full processing time required to take the color well," says Zeitoun. Once you have finished applying the dye, cross-check to see that you have covered all the gray strands but do not reapply the color. "If you keep overlapping the color, it will make your hair darker and can cause a dark ring around your hair that a professional will need to correct. Color correction can be expensive, so try and avoid this." That's why we turned to Janet Zeitoun, celebrity hairstylist and founder of SOTAH hair care products, to share her favorite color kits for combating grays and some of her best at-home hair dyeing tips.

The super-conditioning formula comes with a pre-color serum that protects brittle or thinning hair from damage and helps you achieve even coloring. The color itself and conditioning formula is also infused with Schwarzkopf’s K-Bond Plex, a keratin formula that helps seal the hair shaft for hair that looks glossy, shiny, and healthy. We rounded up the best options for coloring your hair gray, including hair dyes, color-depositing shampoos and conditioners, and temporary hair makeup. No matter which way you go, maintenance will be key (get ready to load up on gray hair shampoo!). The gray and brown combination is fast becoming the trendiest hair color of 2024, and it’s a great choice for brunette women who are transitioning to gray hair.

"It can actually make you look older because it doesn't match the tone of your skin anymore," Ikeda explains. "Keep in mind that when your hair is losing pigment, your skin is, too. Be mindful of that and think natural, but in stronger colors." If you've been wanting to go gray but aren't sure where to start, there are no limits. No matter what your current shade is, your stylist can absolutely transition you to your natural silver, says celebrity colorist Beth Minardi of Warren Tricomi Salon in NYC.

20 Best Gray Hair Color Ideas and Silver Hairstyles of 2022

Table Of Content

• Color Product Choices
• Keracolor Clenditioner Color Depositing Conditioner
• Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Haircolor Creme
• Best Gray Hair Dyes for Gorgeous Silver Hair
• Madison Reed Permanent Hair Color

It deposits bright silver color without using harsh ingredients like ammonia, and instead relying on nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil. "This product did what an expensive salon couldn’t achieve," raves one reviewer. "I love my grey hair!" Other reviewers say that it's helped them transition their graying dark hair to fully gray without any awkward in-between stages. With no peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, PPD or other harmful chemicals, Arctic Fox's hair color is as natural as hair dyes come. But in addition to its great ingredient (and no-no list), it's super easy to apply and the color lasts. "It smells amazing, is easy to apply (no drips) and is still vibrant after three weeks."

Color Product Choices

The aloe vera based formula also hydrates your locks and repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. Enriched with five fruit oils, this zero-drip haircolor is endorsed by Drew Barrymore, who swears by it to cover grays. Created to adapt to any hair color, this temporary gel is paraben- and sulfate-free, and will not irritate your scalp.

Keracolor Clenditioner Color Depositing Conditioner

The cruelty-free formula also immediately freshens silver tones and reduces brassiness. If your goal is an ethereal silver hue with smoky undertones, oVertone pastel silver is your go-to, says Hopper. “It doesn’t dry out your hair, it’s super moisturizing, and the color doesn’t bleed everywhere,” she adds. This a gentle, permanent haircolor with botanical pigments derived from five plants to keep your hair luminous and soft. A powerful blend of jojoba and monoi oils helps protect hair fibers from root to tip, while jujube bark has natural anti-itch properties to reduce discomfort.

Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Haircolor Creme

Some silver-enhancing balayage makes this mane absolutely gleam in the light. The cool tones keep things icy and stylish, making brassiness a thing to avoid. Use purple shampoo and hydrating hair masks to keep it looking fresh and bright. Getting a short haircut helps make the transition look less stark, while investing in one last coloring appointment for babylights helps marry gray roots with darker brown ends for a flawless ombré finish. Sarah Moyle's gorgeous light gray hair color is on full display thanks to this swept-back look. Starting to go gray doesn’t have to mean the end of dyeing your hair to match the color you’ve always had, or even dyeing it a new color altogether.

L'Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Smokey Silver

“Quality hair care is crucial for gray hair,” Leake agreed. “If left to its own devices, gray hair can become extremely weak, often leading to that ‘wiry’ look. Simple treatments will make the biggest difference on the texture of your hair, which is just as important as the color, if not more so.” What are some treatments to consider? “A complete game-changer for gray hair is deep conditioning or repair treatments,” he said. MOROCCANOIL'S hair mask not only dyes your strands, but also conditions and softens.

Take a cue from author Margaret Atwood and embrace your grays and your curls. A look like this will really make you feel like a natural woman. Dip your toe in the trend with a few face-framing strands, as seen here on Kelly Hu.

This gorgeous shade is a combination of white and gray with silvery hints making it look the most stylish shade of silver you can ever lay your eyes on. Janella is a registered pharmacist with over a decade of experience as a professional writer, specializing in hairstyles. She researches hairstyle & hair color trends, tests the latest haircare tools and products to help people take the right decision. Starting with the dark horse of the family, charcoal (or gunmetal) gray is the darkest version of this silver trend. Spotted on the likes of Winnie Harlow and Zosia Mamet, Kim notes that it’s ideal for natural brunettes that want to maintain their depth and wear smoky, cool hues.

The Best Way To Color Gray Hair - Vogue

The Best Way To Color Gray Hair.

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Instead, add more highlights, but make sure they are as cool as possible to mimic white hair, says celebrity colorist Matt Rez. "Gray is an illusion, so a good colorist can create that with high and low lights." If you haven't experienced it, you've probably seen someone with it.

Madison Reed Permanent Hair Color

Add a gorgeous headband which is the piece de resistance that will add a playful touch to your look. There are many ways you can approach this color while still looking young and fabulous. It’s a special shade that can make some women look amazing while others might hate it. However, if you still want a few silver stands, no one can stop you.

Get this if your want to add a glamorous touch to your graying hair. Streaks of strategic color help meld your existing shade with the growing in gray. "To match the salt-and-pepper look of my roots, the colorist added baby highlights [thin, subtle highlights] all over my head," Aral says. Depending on the color you're transitioning away from (lighter brown, red, blonde, black) your experience may be different. If you’re looking for a gray hair dye without harsh chemicals that can harm your strands, reach for Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel.

With nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and argan oil, this moisturizing, ammonia-free hair color makes treated and natural hair looking shiny, healthy, and beautiful. The ammonia-free hair color formula helps protect your hair from damage while the included conditioner, made with shea, avocado and olive nourishes your strands from root to tip. “To achieve silver or gray, your hair needs to be platinum blonde or already a natural silvery gray,” Potocki says. If you have dark hair, it’s best to consult with a professional colorist because at-home bleaching can be dangerous.