Understanding The Cause Of Female Hair Loss

While natural female hair loss can be as common as male hair loss, it is not as noticeable over all because women tend to lose their hair in patches or individual strands.  Female hair loss is also much easier to correct.  In most cases, the cause of female hair loss is closely related to hormonal changes, diet, medications and harsh hairstyling.  Fortunately, most causes of female hair loss are temporary and the hair usually grows back.  In the meantime, it can be frustrating and embarrassing.  To prevent this from happening, women should change anything they can in their lifestyle to eliminate any potential cause of female hair loss.

Stress Can Be The Cause Of Female Hair Loss

One cause of female hair loss is telogen effluvium, which is produced in the body when it experiences conditions like massive infection, extreme stress, childbirth, and prolonged malnutrition. According to experts, the shedding of hair can occur up to three weeks after the body goes through this kind of stress or trauma. In most cases, hair loss can be mild to moderate, but there are some women who do suffer major hair loss from these conditions. There is some good news, however.  The effect of these stressful or traumatic events is only temporary.  Following medical advice to heal the body is the first step to recovery, and if this is the cause of female hair loss, the hair will grow back in a few months.

Too Much Styling Can Be Damaging

Another common cause of female hair loss is traction alopecia, which is the result of too much styling, pulling and tight braiding of the hair.  According to experts, constantly using hair curlers, pony tail holders, barrettes, and tight braids to style your hair will weaken the follicles.  Unless you have to wear your hair up for work or for a formal occasion it is best to give it a rest for everyday situations.  If you really need to put your hair up in a more casual setting, try using a soft scrunchie instead of a harsh, heavy-duty pony tail holder.  You should also try to avoid constant styling of your hair, such as teasing and straightening. As well, too many harsh chemicals like hair color and permanents can be the cause of female hair loss.  If you want to bleach or color your hair, try to wait as long as possible between treatments to give your hair a chance to recover.