For women, beginning to lose your hair can be particularly stressful. Crown Clinic understands this and has provided some expert guidance and potential solutions, to help make the situation less stressful. Speak with a member of our team today if you would like more advice and support, we’ll be more than happy and assist. No matter what age or time in your life hair loss happens, it can severely affect your confidence. Unfortunately, there is an extra stigma attached to going bald for women. It affects the way you look and can be damaging to your self-perception. For many women, it drastically affects relationships. It can also cause them to become less sociable and change how they approach everyday life. Everything from your work-life to taking exercise can become an ordeal. This is an entirely normal and understandable reaction. However, there are ways of coping.
Throughout this potentially stressful time, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.
Visit a support group: A great way to find support when suffering from hair loss is a support group. Here you’ll be able to meet and socialise with other people that are suffering from alopecia.
Talk to friends and family: Be open about your issues with family and loved ones at the earliest stage possible. Talk about the stress and concern that you are undergoing. This will help to lighten the burden somewhat, and the support your friends and family can offer will help you to feel better about yourself.
Purchase a headscarf: research the potential for disguising or covering your hair loss with a headscarf. Many stores stock a range of scarves, and there are some very stylish designs available.
Try a wig: If your hair loss is hard to cover up (around 50% hair loss or more), or your hair loss is a result of cancer treatment, you may be eligible for a wig on the NHS.
Treatment for Hair Loss
A treatment that has been used to some success is minoxidil. Many users have seen gradual improvements resulting in reduced loss and thicker-looking hair. However, there are some drastic side effects to be aware of. These include severe scalp irritation, unwanted growth of facial hair, chest pain, fast heartbeats, swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain, feeling lightheaded and faint, headaches, dizziness, confusion and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling). If the side effects persist, please contact your doctor immediately.If you’re interested in undertaking this treatment, it’s essential to speak to your local GP or a dermatologist. They can advise you on the right approach.
Avoid Miracle Cures
When suffering from hair loss, it’s important to be aware of how best to deal with the issues you are facing. Part of this means being educated on the countless ‘snake oil’ and scam products out there. Please note, there are no miracle cures for female hair loss.
Different Types of Hair Loss
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Around 7 in 10 women that are 70+ experience it at some point. However, there are many types of hair loss. It may be that the hair is gradually thinning or that there is a complete loss. It may happen quickly or could take place over several years. It can be genetics taking their course or can be a result of extreme stress, a medical condition or treatment.It is widely understood that hair loss is a side effect of chemotherapy. A lesser-known fact is that women can lose hair for up to 3 months after childbirth.
Hair Transplants for Women
The latest approach to hair transplants will restore your hair, re-imagining your hairline using your natural, growing hair. Once the procedure is complete, and the hair has grown back, it needs a minimal amount of maintenance. Patients can happily go about washing and cutting their hair as they did before. Regaining the confidence and carefree attitude they had before they began losing their hair. Such is the quality. Even your hair hairdresser is unlikely to be able to see any sign of you having any work done.
A typical procedure includes the following steps:
The incision to remove a donor area (crop of hair-rich skin) from the rear or side panel of the scalp.
This is then used to create microscopic follicular unit grafts, each containing as few as 2 or 3 hairs.
The surgeon then takes the microscopic grafts and places them into the bald or thinning area of the scalp. This is an incredibly delicate procedure so as not to displace any existing follicles.
Immediately after the procedure, patients are advised to rest and allow the hair transplant to form. A few hours later, you will be able to leave, though it is recommended not to drive yourself.
After around 24 hours, small crusts will begin to show on the grafts. The hair will then start to shed over the next 2-4 weeks.
The grafted hairs will start to grow 16-20 weeks after the procedure and will continue to grow for most, if not all, of your life.
An essential part of hair loss treatment for women is looking ahead. If you’re keen to learn more about hair transplants, it’s advisable to arrange a consultation and speak to an expert about potential timelines. Dr Shahmalak is an experienced surgeon. He will guide you through the procedure and happily answer any of your questions.
To arrange a consultation contact us today on 0345 2 100 300