Women's Hair Loss FAQ
Women's Hair Loss
Causes. Thinning Hair.
 The
most common type of hair loss seen in women is
androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia
or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly
over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately
one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly
seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as
puberty. Normal hair shedding is approximately 100-125 hairs per
day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss
occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily
hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come
from either parent's side of the family.
There are two
different types of hair loss, medically known as
Anagen Effluvium and Telogen Effluvium.
Anagen Effluvium is generally due to internally administered
medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the
growing hair follicle. Telogen Effluvium, is due to an
increased number of hair follicles entering the resting
stage.
The most common causes of
telogen effluvium are:
• Physical
stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight
change.
• Emotional stress: mental illness, death
of a family member.
• Thyroid abnormalities.
• Medications: High doses of Vitamin A,
Blood pressure and Gout medications.
• Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control
pills, menopause.
When the above causes of
Telogen Effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the
return of normal hair growth.
CHEMOTHERAPY RELATED
HAIR LOSS
Chemotherapy consists of
the administration of drugs that destroy rapidly reproducing
cancer cells. Cancer cells are some of the most rapidly
reproducing cells in the body, but other cells, such as
those which contribute to the formation of hair shafts and
nails, are also rapidly reproducing. Unfortunately, while
chemotherapy drugs preferentially destroy cancer cells, the
drugs also can destroy those cells responsible for normal
growth of hair and nails. Cancer patients sometimes shed hair and nails during treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are
poisonous to the cells of the hair root responsible for hair
shaft formation. Usually, the hair is lost rapidly in large
quantities during treatment.
No hair growth
stimulants, shampoos, conditioners or other cosmetic
treatments can prevent or retard Chemotherapy related hair
loss. The good news, however, is that once
chemotherapy is completed, the hair usually grows back.
DIET
CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet
programs which are designed or administered under the
direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary
supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular.
Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary
part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with
dieting. From a dermatologists's standpoint, however, the
vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid,
significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these
supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair
loss.
PHYSICAL AND
EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause
hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair
during periods of stress since it is not necessary for
survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing
vital body structures. In many cases there is a three month
delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss.
Furthermore, there may be another three month delay prior to
the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that
the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or
possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional
stress. There are some health conditions which may go
undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include
anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of
these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive
blood test.
HORMONAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss.
Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after
pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control
pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be
delayed by three months following the hormonal change and
another three months will be required for new growth to be
fully achieved.
MYTHS RELATED TO
HAIR LOSS
• Frequent shampooing
contributes to hair loss.
• Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
• 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier
hair.
• Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other
cosmetic treatments.
• Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if
they are healthy.
• Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back
thicker.
• Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation
and thereby stimulate hair growth!
• Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
• There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to
grow thicker and faster.
• Stress causes permanent hair loss.
• Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early
twenties.
• Hair loss affects only intellectuals.
• There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.
CONSULT YOUR
DERMATOLOGIST
These are only a few of
the common myths heard by physicians and other hair loss
specialists on a daily basis. At Santangelo Hair
Replacement, we strongly recommend that you first have
your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who
sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know
the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of
exactly which treatment option may be best for you.
Non-Surgical Hair Restoration
FAQ
Q: My hair is thinning and I don't want surgery. What
can I do?
A: There are many
non-surgical options available to you at Santangelo Hair
Replacement in Buffalo, such as our exclusive SensiGraft
and Reallusions procedures, among others.
Q: I'm a very active person. Can I still participate in
sports?
A: Yes, the purpose
of Santangelo Hair Replacement's procedures is to allow
you to do the things that you stopped doing because of
your hair loss, such as swimming, boating, water skiing
and even riding your Harley.
Q: My father had one of those hairpieces that he took
off every night. Is this the same thing?
A: Absolutely not.
With Santangelo Hair Replacement in Buffalo, New York,
your new hair cannot come off and it will actually
become a part of you.
Q: Are there any
limitations on the hair style I choose, or how I can
comb my hair?
A: You can comb your
hair anyway you want, even straight back.
Q: What if I decide to move out of state?
A: We would be happy
to refer you to another Transitions affiliated hair
replacement studio or hair restoration center in your
new location, without interrupting the type and quality
of service to which you have become accustomed.
Surgical Hair Restoration FAQ
Q: Who is a good candidate for surgical hair
transplantation?
A: While many men and
women suffering from thinning hair, hair loss and
baldness are viable candidates for hair transplantation,
individual patient's expectations and objectives must be
realistic. The single most
important factor to consider is how bald the patient
will become at a later age.
Q: Will I need more than one session?
A: The number of hair
transplant sessions depends on your individual goals and
expectations. Furthermore, hair transplantation does not
prevent continued loss of native hair. Therefore, over
many years, additional transplant sessions may be
required. Other non-surgical solutions can also be
applied.
Q. I often hear the words "a good candidate" associated
with hair transplantation. What exactly constitutes a
good candidate?
A. Some of the
important factors that make an individual a good
candidate for hair transplant surgery include:
a. The overall
quality and abundance of existing hair, as well as
its texture, color, and curl.
b. The age of the
prospective patient - The older you are, the more
recognizable your hair loss pattern will be.
c. Patient
expectation - Do you realize that you will not gain
one additional hair? Hair transplantation involves
relocating hairs you already have.
 At
Santangelo Hair Replacement in Buffalo, New York, we offer
FREE private, confidential consultations to help you
determine which treatment is best for your individual
situation.
Live life the way you want, without
embarrassment, without being self-conscious, with a full
head of hair again. Take the first step to a new you.
Schedule your free, private and confidential hair loss
evaluation today.
With hair restoration,
there are lots of options to consider but only one phone
call you need to make.
JUST CLICK
HERE or call
(716) 681-7120.
After all, seeing
is believing!
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