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A Little Off the Top
Understanding Hair Loss in Women
By Kelly Burgess
Young's extreme hair loss cleared up after just a few weeks, but now, at 45, she notices more hair in her comb as well. She hasn't sought treatment, but suspects it may be due to perimenopause.
As for whether or not styling products or practices can cause hair loss, the answer is yes. This is called traumatic alopecia.
The first thing to do when you notice excessive hair loss is to see your doctor – preferably a dermatologist that specializes in hair loss. He or she will conduct a thorough exam, including a lifestyle assessment and possibly a biopsy of the hair follicles, to determine the type of hair loss and its cause. If it's found to be female pattern hair loss, there are several treatments available.
You've heard of this under the brand name Rogaine. It really works, and is the first choice for female pattern baldness. However, Dr. Callender cautions that it does take up to six months to begin working. It frustrates her that so many patients give up before that time because they don't see results.
The greater contrast between the color of your scalp and the color of your hair, the more obvious hair loss will be. If you're very fair, you may want to go blond. Regardless, finding a hair color that closely complements your skin color will make hair loss less noticeable. Be sure to consult with a professional before coloring thinning hair.
