Styling Options For Women
When you talk about thinning hair, most people immediately think of the men. It’s not just an issue men have to deal with, though. It’s a common issue many women face and there are several styling options available.
In fact, the condition affects more than 30 million women, according to the American Dermatology Association.
Signs of excessive hair loss include losing more than 200 hairs during a day, a narrowing of the thickness of a ponytail, a widening part, or bald or thin spots on the head.
The good news is that there are treatment and styling options.
Types of Hair Loss
According to Dr. Andrea Cambio, of Cambio Dermatology in Cape Coral, There are several types of hair loss that affect women.
- Androgenic alopecia is a type of gradual hair thinning that occurs with age. It is a hereditary type of hair loss precipitated by male hormones or “androgens.” Treatment options include topical minoxidil, Cambio said.
- Telogen effluvium is a sudden type of hair shedding that occurs when hairs are forced into the telogen or shedding cycle. This can be brought on by a sudden stressful event 3-6 months prior to the start of the hair loss. It can affect women of any age, she said.
- Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs from the use of tight hairstyles including braids, ponytails and extensions that cause pulling or press on the hair shaft, which can disrupt the hair follicle. With this type of condition, corticosteroids preparations and corticosteroid injections can help decrease inflammation and stimulate regrowth, Cambio said.
- Medical causes such as thyroid disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and rheumatological disorders can also cause hair loss.
Exercising, getting plenty of sleep and minimizing stress are also tools to minimize hair loss, Cambio said.
“The use of natural hair care products are key to creating the best environment for healthy hair,” Master colorist Sue Endres of Fort Myers said.
She uses the MONAT hair line to reduce hair loss and increases hair regrowth. MONAT’s Rejuvenique Oil is derived from Abyssinian oil, which mimics the body’s natural oils to replenish and repair the hair and skin.
The line also contains Capixil with red clover extract which helps reduce scalp inflammation and strengthens the hair while stimulating natural growth.
Procataline with pea extract is also a key ingredient that preserves the hair follicle and maintains healthy levels of antioxidants to combat hair loss. Crodasorb absorbs UV light to protect hair from sun damage and preserve natural color.
“To help hair look thicker, a good cut with layers on the side and top is ideal. This helps to give lift to hair lift and give a fuller look,” Endres said. “It is also essential that the stylist makes sure the style fits the clients face.” Another way to add fullness to fine, thin hair is color and highlights.
To maintain the hairstyle, Endres recommends a cut and color every 6-8 weeks.