Surprise, surprise – it’s more common than we think. Hair loss is not just a male problem, women experience it too. Around 40% of women will see some form of hair loss before the age of 50, from thinning hair, widening parting, heavy hair fall on the pillow, shower floor and more. Hair loss in women can begin as early as your 20s even.
There are a multitude of reasons. Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is similar to the male variety, where individuals are genetically predisposed to the condition. FPHL can also occur after menopause and during or after a pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, affecting hair follicles and growth. Stress, both physical and emotional, can trigger hair loss, beginning with thinning hairs. Your diet is also a major factor, as a lack of protein, iron and other vitamins not only affect your health, but your hair too, leading to noticeable thinning and hair loss.
We often hear old wives tales of how tying your hair too tightly can lead to hair loss. Well, they weren’t wrong. A constant pilling force, like an elastic or rubber band, can place a lot of tension on your hair. This leads to loosened hair shafts from the follicles, resulting in heavy hair fall, where hair is unable.