How to deal with female hairloss with Dr Roshan Vara

Hair loss is a common issue that affects women from all walks of life, and I know that there have been times in my life when this has been me. 

While many of the conversations around hair loss traditionally focus on men, approximately 40% of women show signs of hair loss by 50, with less than 45% of women reaching 80 with a full head of hair, I didn’t know that.

Female hair loss has also become a growing issue in the UK since the recent stresses associated with factors like the pandemic, cost-of-living crisis and social media, with almost 90% of requests for hair loss treatment now coming from women. 

I am delighted to welcome Dr Roshan Vara, expert hair surgeon at The Treatment Rooms London, to YOMU and hope his fascinating insight into this somewhat taboo subject will help those of you who are watching hair fall out in the shower but don’t know what to do.

Over to Dr Roshan…..
Believe it or not, daily hair loss is actually completely normal. Most individuals lose approximately 50-100 strands of hair daily. As there are typically 100,000 follicles on the scalp, losing up to 100 hairs per day won’t impact your appearance, especially as new hair simultaneously grows in its place. However, more permanent hair loss and thinning can occur when there is no longer new hair growing to replace the hair that falls out. 

Women's hair loss can be attributed to a number of different causes from hereditary conditions, hormonal imbalances, menopause, aging, stress or longer-term damage caused by over-colouring or perming etc.

While thinning hair is common with age, if you feel like you’re losing significantly more hair each day than usual, then there could be an underlying condition causing hair loss. If you’re concerned, be sure to visit a hair loss specialist for evaluation.  

The emotional impact of hair loss 
For many women, hair plays a vital role in their identity and sense of femininity. As a result, when women experience hair loss, they may feel as though they are losing a fundamental aspect of themselves, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy, unattractiveness, and shame.  

The emotional toll of hair loss can extend to impact various aspects of daily life. Many women report feeling less confident at work or in their personal relationships due to their hair loss. They may avoid activities such as swimming or going to the gym out of fear of exposing their thinning hair to others. Some women may even experience depression or anxiety as a result of their hair loss, especially if it significantly affects their self-image and quality of life. 

Fortunately, there are ample treatments available to help women address hair loss and regain their confidence. And part of my role as a hair transplant surgeon is to work with women on their self-esteem and understanding of their hair loss in order to overcome the negative impact it’s having on their lives.   

Surgery 
One option to treat your hair loss is hair transplant surgery, which involves moving hair follicles from areas of dense hair growth to areas experiencing thinning or baldness. Hair transplants can provide natural-looking results and have a high success rate in women with certain types of hair loss, such as female pattern baldness or traction alopecia.  

Though it might sound intimidating, hair transplants are actually very common among men and women alike who are struggling with hair loss. When considering a hair transplant, it’s important to do your research and go to a reputable clinic with a proven track record of success. It might be tempting to look for the cheapest options, but remember regulations in the UK are tight to ensure safety and quality. When it comes to these kinds of surgeries ensure you know who your Surgeon is, they are GMC registered and that they are the person operating on you.  

Non-surgical treatments 
Before considering surgery, there are also non-surgical treatments that may help women combat hair loss. Medications such as minoxidil has been shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth in some women. This medication works by stimulating hair follicles and slowing down the progression of hair loss.  

It’s also important to get your blood tests checked for an underactive Thyroid gland, low Iron and low Vitamin D as these can commonly cause hair thinning and hair loss. 

There are also various topical treatments, oils, and supplements marketed as solutions for hair loss in women. It’s worth giving these some of these a go, but do note that while some of these products may provide temporary improvement in hair density or quality, their effectiveness can vary widely, and scientific evidence supporting some of these claims can be limited. I would personally recommend the likes of Coconut or Argan Oil, and generally ensuring good nutrition and a healthy balanced diet. It's essential for women considering these treatments to do thorough research and consult with a professional before investing time and money.  

Beyond medical interventions, there are also strategies women can employ to cope with the psychological effects of hair loss. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help women navigate their feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Additionally, finding ways to enhance self-confidence and focus on aspects of identity beyond physical appearance can be really empowering.  

Overall, while hair loss can be something that women really struggle with, it’s incredibly common and important to remember that you’re not alone. There are various treatments available to help women address hair loss and regain their confidence.

Whether through surgical interventions, medications, or supportive therapies, women have options for managing hair loss and reclaiming their sense of self-worth. 

For more information check out The Treatment Rooms London.

Natalie