Hair loss and thinning is a natural part of aging. Although hair loss in men has been addressed frequently, the issue of hair loss in women seems mainly neglected. Hair loss in women does occur and can be damaging to self esteem. August is Hair Loss Awareness Month. Find out what you can do about women’s hair loss and improving self-esteem.
Hair Loss in Women
The American Hair Loss Association states that women make up 40% of hair loss sufferers in the United States1. With such a significant percent of women suffering hair loss, it’s surprising that hair loss in women hasn’t been studied as effectively as it has for men. A woman’s self-esteem can be greatly reduced by not addressing hair loss concerns.
Self Esteem and Women’s Hair Loss
While many men will express hair loss concerns with their doctor, more women are reluctant to admit the problem. Why is this?
This goes back to the “ideal woman” issue. Women are bombarded with advertisements aimed at increasing the public’s perception of beauty. Looking at celebrities, models and advertisements, other’s perception of beauty are touted with thin, beautiful women with gorgeous hair. These women portray oodles of self-esteem.
Most of the women seen in print appear to have a thick, full, healthy head of hair, whether it is short, medium-length or long.
If a woman does not meet these “standards”, she may not want to point out perceived “shortcomings” to anyone, not even her doctor. A woman may feel it would hurt her self-esteem by pointing out her hair loss to someone. This will delay help in preventing further hair loss and possible regrowth of hair, which in turn will further damage a woman’s self-esteem.
Hair loss can be temporary or permanent. Hair loss can occur for so many different reasons it may be hard for your physician to determine the exact cause. As hair loss was formerly considered to be mostly a man’s concern, it may be harder to get a physician to take hair loss in women more seriously. This in itself can affect a woman’s self-esteem as she may feel her doctor doesn’t care about her concerns.
Types of Hair Loss in Women
The American Hair Loss Association has a list of different types of hair loss2. Hair loss in women can be caused by disease, medical treatments, stressful events, tight hairstyles or female pattern baldness. In rare instances, the cause of hair loss may never be identified. Regardless of the cause of hair loss in women, self-esteem is sure to suffer.
Treatment and Prevention of Hair Loss in Women
The American Hair Loss Association offers a list of treatment options for hair loss in women3. Many new treatments are being discovered to address women’s hair loss issues and increasing self-esteem. Talk with your doctor to find a treatment that’s right for you. Anything a woman can do to help herself in reducing hair loss will help to improve self-esteem.
Prevent or Reduce Hair Loss in Women and Improve Self-Esteem
Take care of your health and your hair. If you are experiencing significant hair thinning or hair loss, see your physician. Identifying the cause of hair loss is your first step to try to reduce hair loss in women. No matter what the cause, there are treatment options available that must be decided between you and your doctor.
Don’t let hair women’s hair loss affect your self-esteem. August is Hair Loss Awareness Month. Remember, your hair is not the only aspect that makes you beautiful, but finding ways to reduce hair loss can help you feel better about yourself.
1) American Hair Loss Association; Women’s Hair Loss: Introduction; www.americanhairloss.org
2) American Hair Loss Association; Women’s Hair Loss: Causes of Hair Loss; www.americanhairloss.org
3) American Hair Loss Association; Women’s Hair Loss: Treatment; www.americanhairloss.org
