Growing vs. Resting(01 of12)
Open Image ModalTelogen Effluvium(02 of12)
Open Image ModalTelogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of hair loss in women, Resnik says. "Telogen is the sleeping phase of hair, and Effluvium loosely means to 'fly away.' This generally occurs in response to a stressor to the system: birth, extreme weight loss or gain, death in the family, etc.,” Resnik says. In these cases, the ratio of growing to resting hairs can change from 80:20 to 50:50, he says, and significant hair shedding can be the result. "Stress itself does not cause hair loss,” he says. “If it did, we would all be bald!" (credit:PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou via Getty Images)
Harsh Hair Treatments(03 of12)
Open Image ModalAlopecia Areata(04 of12)
Open Image ModalAnother possibility for hair loss is alopecia areata, which is round patches of hair loss that come on suddenly. “They are caused by an autoimmune reaction, in which the body suddenly stops recognizing the hair follicle cells as ‘self,' and attacks them like a foreign body or infection,” Shainhouse says. "This inflammation causes loosening of the hair within the follicle and the hairs fall out.” Treatment involves reducing inflammation around the hair follicles with corticosteroids. Some women only experience alopecia aerate once, she says, but in others it can recur. (credit:zneb076 via Getty Images)
Scalp Problems(05 of12)
Open Image Modal"The scalp is the first thing that we look at when a client talks of losing hair or we notice more in the shampooing than before,” says Johnson. Build-up of product, oils, dirt, or flakes on the scalp can lead to hair loss and reduced growth by affecting the follicles. "If the follicles are perpetually clogged then the hair can’t grow." (credit:Stock Shop Photography LLC via Getty Images)
Androgenic Alopecia(06 of12)
Open Image ModalThis is otherwise known as female pattern baldness. "It is fairly common in women, and tends to start in the mid-30s to 50s who are genetically predisposed,” Shainhouse says. Pattern baldness in men generally begins with a receding hairline and crown, but women tend to maintain their hairline but have widening at the centre part and thinning at the crown. Pattern baldness in women can be related to testosterone-level changes in perimenopause, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. (credit:VladimirFLoyd via Getty Images)
Other Causes(07 of12)
Open Image ModalThere are other reasons that you could be experiencing hair loss, including iron-deficiency anemia, thyroid issues, or low-normal ferratin levels. Because unexplained hair loss could indicate a serious medical issue, see your doctor if you’re experiencing it. Hair loss is a side effect for some medications. And for some people, women included, hair loss is related to genetics and family history. (credit:BakiBG via Getty Images)
How Long Does It Last?(08 of12)
Open Image Modal: The answer to that question depends on the cause of your hair loss. If it’s a case of telogen effluvium, it could lasts weeks or, less often, months. "The hair-loss usually begins about three months after the incident and can continue for six months to a year or more,” Resnik says. It can also, in rare cases, flow into a chronic form that may persist for years.” If thyroid or iron issues are the problem, righting your body’s hormone or nutrient levels should eventually stop the hair loss and restore growth, he says. (credit:Attila Barabas via Getty Images)
Possible Treatments(09 of12)
Open Image ModalTreatment options vary depending on what’s causing your hair loss. With telogen effluvium, the treatment is generally just time, Shainhouse says. "Anecdotal studies suggest that topical agents, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) can increase circulation in the scalp, and that supplements like biotin (part of the B-complex), silica and horsetail can help thicken the new hairs,” she says. Potential treatments for pattern baldness include topical treatments, testosterone-lowering pills, red-light therapy, or hair transplants. (credit:Candido Bernal delgado via Getty Images)
Get The Right Cut(10 of12)
Open Image ModalA good haircut can go a long way towards making your hair seem thicker — and a bad or just ill-planned one can emphasize thinning. "A ‘blunt' or one-length haircut can help with this, too, as horizontal cutting builds weight whereas layering or vertical cutting techniques can remove more weight from the hair,” Johnson says. "Fine, thin, straight hair is best with less layering to build that weight." (credit:Martin Rogers via Getty Images)
See A Colourist(11 of12)
Open Image ModalAnd a skilled colourist can use hair dye strategically to create the illusion of lusher locks. "Thin, fine hair can be cut or coloured to create an idea or illusion of more hair, too,” Johnson says. "I've used slightly deeper, rooted colour techniques to create a look of depth. Those super-fine blondes really show a thinner hair texture more than someone with some depth in their ‘do." (credit:Design Pics via Getty Images)
Employ Camouflage(12 of12)
Open Image Modal"I tell my patients that sometimes, this is the best option,” Shainhouse says. Options to camouflage thinning hair include hair extensions, wigs, partial hairpieces, keratin filaments, and hair powders. (credit:Terry Vine via Getty Images)