Almost without exception, women aspire to have a head of hair of which they can be proud. This is especially true among Black women. In the United States and in 2018, the Black hair care industry was estimated at USD 2.5 billion (Source: Essence), whilst in the United Kingdom, the hair care market was estimated at GBP 1.72 billion (USD 2.24 billion), “with Black British women spending six times more than their white counterparts” (Source:  Glamour).

However, and although women seem to be prepared invest considerable sums of money on their hair, it does not mean that their very own ‘crowning glory’ is in always tip-top condition. Moreover, thanks to the wigs, hair weaves, hair extensions and hair pieces that have become the norm, it has become easier to conceal hair challenges that are being experienced.

To be clear, women tend to be sensitive about their hair, which frequently is echoed in their culture and communities. A bad haircut can be incredibly upsetting – even though it is known that it will eventually grow out. And so it should be no surprise that a chronic hair challenge could be quite traumatic, affecting a woman’s self-esteem, self-worth and perception of herself.

There are several diseases and conditions that affect the hair – both directly, or as a consequence of another condition. In today’s article we will highlight some of the causes of hair loss, which can be among the most traumatic of the experiences women have with their hair.

 

1.  Aging

First, and to get is out of the way, as women get older they can lose volume in their hair, which tends to start in their 40s. In most instances, the hair loss is due to changing hormones, in the lead-up to menopause, and tends to be permanent. It is also at this time that female pattern hair loss may become more evident. A known cause of female pattern hair loss is genetics, and may cause thinning of the hair at the top and/or the sides of the head.

 

2.  Hormones

The decrease in oestrogen during menopause can be a cause of hair loss in women, but that is not the only cause. Other instances of hormonal changes causing hair loss is after a pregnancy. During pregnancy, women’s hair tend to get fuller and more lush, due to the increased blood flow and changes in hormones. However, after childbirth, these hormones need to restabilise, and so many women experience noticeable shedding and thinning of their hair.

Another situation that would be the cause of hair loss is oral contraception pills. Depending on the pills prescribed, if they have progestin, hair loss can occur. Though it is usually temporary, as your body gets used to the pill, the hair loss should stop once you have been off the pill for a while.

 

3.  Extreme Physical Stress Or Shock To Your Body

We rarely make the connection between extreme physical stress and other shocks to the body and hair loss. For example, rapid weight loss on its own, which can be in the form of dieting and after having a baby, for example, can cause hair loss. However, it must also be highlighted that when one is engaged in restrictive diets, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, may also be experienced, which also can exacerbate hair loss.

Other shocks to the body that can cause hair loss include having major surgery and anaemia (iron deficiency). However, in instances when extreme physical stress or shocks to the body are the cause, the hair loss tends to be temporary, and can be rectified when appropriate adjustments are made.

 

4.  Illness and Other Medical Conditions

There are a wide range of conditions that can cause hair loss. A few examples include autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and alopecia (of which there are several types). Thyroid disorders, anaemia and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also common among women, and may be the cause of hair loss, along with skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, and sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis.

Depending on the illness, if the underlying condition can be successfully treated, the hair loss may reverse itself. However, for chronic conditions, the hair loss may be permanent.

 

5.  Medication, Medical Treatments, Supplements

We may all be aware of the connection between chemotherapy and radiation therapy and hair loss, but there are other medications and treatments that can cause hair loss, including blood pressure medicines, steroids, thyroid medications, gout medicines and even hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, it should be noted that Vitamin A, although essential for hair growth, can cause hair loss in high doses.

When medication or medical treatments are the cause of hair loss, the loss many be temporary once the medication or treatment is stopped. However, it can be permanent, if the hair follicles are damaged, which sometimes occurs in cancer patients, due to the toxicity of the medications used.

 

6.  Hair Styles and Treatments

The impact of hair styles, such as tight ponytails, tight braids and tight weaves, cannot be underestimated in the hair loss sphere. In such situations, the hair loss frequently occurs at the hairline, and can also happen anywhere on the scalp when there is sufficient and sustained tension to either break the hair or to pull it out from the roots.

It must also be highlighted that use harsh chemicals on their hair, or over processing the hair, such as through the use of cream relaxers can cause breakage, and even hair loss, depending on how these products are applied. Although in the most cases, the hair loss in this category can be temporary, once again, if the follicles are damaged, the hair loss can be permanent.

 

7.  Extreme Emotional Stress

Finally, we ought to acknowledge the impact extreme emotional stress can have on the health of our hair. Emotional trauma, the death of a loved one, bad relationship break-ups, mental illness, are instances that can cause hair loss. Usually, when extreme emotional stress is at the source, the hair loss is not immediate. It may occur several weeks or months after the stressor, and so you may not readily make the connection between your current state of mind and the hair loss that is being experienced. Typically, this type of hair loss causes overall thinning of the hair, but tends to be temporary.

In summary, and although we tried to organise the causes of hair loss in women into discrete categories, frequently, they do overlap. Nevertheless, if there is a key takeaway from the above discourse is that your hair can be a key indicator of your physical, mental and emotional health. So although it can be easy to camouflage hair loss by the use of wigs, weaves and hair extensions, should hair loss be experienced, consider it a warning sign, that merits further investigation, in order to determine what might be the cause, and how best the situation can be remedied.

 

 

Image:  trevoykellyphotography (Pixabay)