HYDERABAD: Drains covered with hair, highly visible scalp and thinner braids are all things you would notice but not do anything about. But beware. Balding isn’t a distant reality even for women. Women too sometimes have to face the brunt of losing a beautiful mane, which ultimately affects your self-esteem.You may have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a condition that affects millions of women.
Without proper care and treatment, female pattern hair loss can escalate from a widening part to overall thinning. Not every women who has this type of hair loss will develop overall thinning. For most women, FPHL begins in midlife, around 40s to 60s. It can begin earlier for some women.
FPHL is a progressive condition. This means women tend to continue losing hair. Women, however, do not lose all of their hair, as some men do. Instead, your part often gets wider.
Hair near your temples may recede. Treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss.
Here are some common questions about FPHL answered.
How can I tell if I have female pattern hair loss?
It’s best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. Consult a dermatologist to find out if your condition is FPHL or otherwise. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it’s important to rule out these causes.
What causes female pattern hair loss?
It’s hereditary. You inherit the genes from your mother, father, or both. Because FPHL is more common after menopause, hormones may also play a role.
How do dermatologists treat female pattern hair loss?
To give women optimal results, dermatologists may use more than one hair-loss treatment. For FPHL, treatment options includes Minoxidil, a medication often used to treat male pattern hair loss. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this non-prescription treatment for women. Products containing either 2% or 5% minoxidil have been approved to treat FPHL.
What should I know about using minoxidil?
For the first 2 to 8 weeks, you may notice a temporary increase in hair loss. This stops when your hair begins to regrow. If you aren’t adversely impacted by the side effects daily usage of the medication gets you desirable results in about a year.
How is minoxidil used?
You apply it to your dry scalp. Some products you should apply once a day. Others you apply twice a day.
What are the side effects of minoxidil?
A common side effect of minoxidil is an irritated scalp, that is dryness, scaling, itching, and/or redness. If this happens, it’s best to stop using minoxidil and see your dermatologist.
Another possible side effect is to see hair growing in places other than your scalp, such as on your cheeks and forehead. If this happens, you can limit it by:
Apply minoxidil only to your scalp and avoiding other areas.
Washing your face after you apply minoxidil to your scalp.
Causes
External keratin shampoos doesn't go well with many.
Conditioners on regular usage thins hair.
Hair oil is only a conditioner. It doesn't help in hair regrowth.
Neutral P H shampoos are always safe.
Blow drying hair not just makes it dry and frizzy but also increases hairfall.
Zinc and iron are 2 major compounds of the known magical compound helpful in hairloss.
It’s also best for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding to avoid this medication.
Continuous use of this medication will ensure reduction of hair fall and failing that the hair that grew because of it may also fall off.
The article is compiled by Dr Kannaiah Thallapally, consultant hair-transplant surgeon, cosmetodermotologist at Livyoung Anti-aging Clinic