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Although male baldness is more infamous, women suffer through it too. Just because they are well-hidden does not mean that women have not been silently trying to find solutions for it. Traya has done an internal study where 2.8 Lakh+ women came to us with their hair worries. We understood that it is our duty to explain and comfort them through such tough times.
First of all, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are many more women going through the same kind of issues. You do not have to fight through this battle all by yourself. There is no need to be afraid. Secondly, in this blog we will help break down the reasons, causes and risk factors that lead to hair loss or hair thinning. We will also talk about the different ways of fighting against this.
Before we begin, we also do need to understand that Male pattern Baldness is inherently different from Female pattern Baldness. Men lose their hair follicles and large bald patches and/or their hair line starts receding. Women on the other hand have their hair start thinning. A lot of women slowly shun themselves from going out based on this and it is not a good thing. Let's begin with the Hair Cycle.
Hair Growth Cycle:
To combat Hair Loss, it is essential to understand the Hair Growth Cycle because many hair related concerns can be attributed to it. These phases include:
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Anagen Phase:
The Anagen phase is also called the Growing Phase. During this phase lasting about 2 to 7 years, there is an active growth of new and young hair.
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Catagen Phase:
The Catagen Phase is also called the Transition Phase. During this phase lasting about 10 days, hair stops the blood flow and detaches itself from the hair follicle.
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Telogen Phase:
The Telogen Phase is also called the Resting Phase. During this phase lasting about 3 months, the hair strands remain in their follicles and do not fall out.There is also new hair being formed in the hair follicles. It is estimated that around 10-15% of your hair is in this phase at all times.
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Exogen Phase:
The Exogen Phase is also called the Shedding Phase. During this stage, hair strands are set free from their follicles, which eventually leads to their shedding.
Then the cycle starts anew. Read more about: The Hair cycle.
What causes Hair loss in women? And how common is it?
Hair loss as a whole is tied to the body and its health. A healthy person tends to have all their systems in balance and any kind of imbalance has different symptoms. We believe that hair loss is not just a problem but a symptom of a much greater issue at hand. Women have a multitude of health problems that only affect them. Some of these include anaemia, PCOS, thyroid, etc. Not only that but pregnancy also has huge effects on a woman's body. Such health related details can manifest itself into the form of hair loss.
According to our study consisting of 2.8 Lakh+ women stress, dandruff and post pregnancy were the main factors that contributed to hair fall.
Read more about PCOS related hair.
What are the different causes of Female Hair Loss?
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalance can lead to a number of issues, as the level of Androgens (male hormones) in the body increase as compared to the Oestrogens (female hormones), it affects the hair growth cycle. An endocrine disorder such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome could lead to hair loss, as it results in an excess of the Androgen levels in the body. Conditions like menopause, pregnancy, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to hormonal imbalances, resulting in hair loss.
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Genetics: Female-pattern hair loss is hereditary and can be inherited from either parent. Read more about this.
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Stress and Anxiety: Stress is one of the primary reasons for hair loss, as it disturbs the balance of hormones in the body of any person. It could also result in dandruff, a malfunctioning digestive system or affect your eating habits. This could weaken the hair roots or result in hair loss, which would require hair fall solution for women. Emotional and physiological stress can trigger hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium.
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Nutritional Deficiencies: The lack of proper nutrition or a balanced diet could also aggravate hair problems. For example, if food rich in iron and zinc do not form part of your regular meals, then it could affect your hair growth. While in most cases, including nutritional vegetables or fruits in your diet should suffice, a more serious condition could demand medical intervention in the form of supplements, as part of a detailed hair fall solution process for women. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and protein are linked to hair thinning and loss. Vitamin B12 deficiency affects the red blood cells and can cause hair loss. It is most common in vegans, as animal proteins are the primary source of B12. Gut health is a very important factor when hair fall is involved. Take a quick Gut Health Test to check your healthiness.
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Medical Conditions: Any thyroid imbalance can affect the hair follicles, but hypothyroidism without proper medication may cause anaemia, which can damage the hair. This would necessitate a more complex hair fall solution for women. Thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases like lupus can contribute to hair loss.
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Hair Styling Habits: Frequent use of tight hairstyles, heat styling tools, and chemical treatments can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
TYPES OF HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN
The types of hair loss majorly seen in women are:
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Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern alopecia/female pattern hair loss (FPHL)/baldness: This is the most common type. Hair thins over the top of your head and on the sides.
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Anagen effluvium: Medications cause this type because they compromise a growing hair follicle. An example is chemotherapy.
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Telogen effluvium: An increased number of hair follicles reaching the telogen phase causes this type. This is the stage where hair falls out.
According to The Cleveland Clinic, over 50% of women experience noticeable hair loss in their lifetime. The most significant reason being Pemale Pattern Hair Loss or Androgenetic Alopecia. Let's discuss that in detail.
What is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia (AA) also called female pattern hair loss, is the most common form of hair loss and is driven by genetics and androgens. In men, it causes a characteristic receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, androgenic alopecia usually leads to diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp (a widening hair part) with the front hairline generally preserved. MedlinePlus describes AA as hair loss “in a pattern” that affects the top and front of the scalp. It affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S., and by age 50 roughly half of men and about a quarter of women are affected.
How does it happen? Hair follicles become sensitive to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a derivative of testosterone. DHT binds to receptors in certain scalp follicles and triggers them to shrink (miniaturise). Over time, these follicles produce thinner and shorter hairs until they stop producing visible hair at all. The condition is inherited – you inherit DHT sensitivity from your parents. In men with AA, DHT shortens the hair growth (anagen) phase, leading to follicle miniaturization. Women also can have AA (often called female pattern hair loss); it tends to be less severe (complete baldness is rare).
Read more about Androgenetic Alopecia.
Patterns of Female Hair Loss
Female pattern baldness is quite a vexing problem as the growing phase of the hair stops, and new hair takes time to grow. The hair follicles shrink, and the new hair becomes more fragile and brittle. It can largely be differentiated into 3 types:
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Type I starts with a little thinning in a section of the scalp.
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Type II grows into a little widening of that section and the thinning increases
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In Type III is thinning is seen all over, with a patch on the vertex of the scalp
The female baldness could also be the result of an endocrine condition, or a tumour which secretes hormones. There could be other symptoms like a severe acne, which might necessitate a visit to the hair expert, who would be able to recommend the appropriate hair fall solution for women.
Women rarely develop this condition before their 40s, following which there is a possibility of rapid hair loss. It is commonly believed that androgens are responsible for this problem. Smoking could, of course, aggravate the problem.
Diet for Healthy Hair
A healthy diet is essential for the body to supplement its nutrient needs. Certain types of foods are of paramount importance to help combat hair loss. These include:
• Spinach contains vitamin A which is necessary for the production of sebum. The correct balance of sebum helps maintain the right amount of oil in the scalp. Spinach also contains iron and its deficiency is connected with baldness.
• Unsweetened yoghurt has probiotics or good bacteria. The probiotics assist in absorbing nutrients, it has vitamin B5, which helps with hair thinning issues.
• Walnuts have protein, biotin, copper, vitamin E and omega fatty acids, and are beneficial in hair fall solution for women. The omega 3s, omega 6s, omega 9s strengthen the hair follicles. Walnuts are also a rich source of selenium, which protects your hair from the sun.
• Sweet Potatoes are rich in iron, copper, potassium, magnesium and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps in cell growth, stops hair from thinning and brings back the shine and bounce in your hair.
• The sweating caused by spicy food is harmful for your scalp and skin. It pollutes your scalp and causes excessive sweating. This creates a lot of grime, which blocks the pores in your scalp, and leads to hair fall.
Your diet really controls the quality & quantity of hair, your gut health is of paramount importance. If you suffer from any issue like acidity, constipation, diarrhea, gas and/or bloating then check out this quick Gut health Test.
Conclusion
Like we discussed throughout the blog, hair fall in women is an increasing query. We believe that it should be treaded lightly. Here at Traya, we follow the rule that if the body is healthy, the hair is wealthy. From ayurvedic supplements to nutritious diets, dermatological prescriptions and continuous support from our Hair Coaches, you too can have a head full of hair soon! Take the 2 MIN FREE HAIR TEST now and get an online diagnosis and route to tackle your problem!
FAQs
How does Traya identify the root cause of hair thinning in females?
Traya uses a detailed hair diagnosis quiz and medical consultation to pinpoint root causes like hormonal imbalance, stress, nutrition deficiencies, or scalp conditions.
What makes Traya’s approach to female hair thinning unique?
Traya combines Ayurveda, Dermatology, and Nutrition into a customized treatment plan that addresses female-specific hair thinning issues.
What can women expect from Traya’s hair thinning diagnosis?
Traya’s hair test evaluates lifestyle, hormonal, and nutritional factors specific to women, offering a personalized diagnosis.
Does Traya’s hair quiz accurately diagnose hair thinning in females?
Yes, the quiz is clinically developed and has helped over 2 lakh Indian women identify accurate causes of hair thinning.
How does Traya treat hormonal hair thinning in females?
Traya provides personalized treatment including Ayurvedic and nutritional support specifically targeting hormonal imbalances like PCOS, menopause, and thyroid conditions.
Can Traya help if hair thinning is caused by PCOS?
Yes, Traya’s treatments effectively address PCOS-related hair thinning through targeted nutritional supplements, Ayurvedic treatments, and dermatologist-approved solutions.
Does stress-related hair thinning in females improve with Traya’s treatments?
Traya’s Ayurvedic adaptogens, stress-reducing supplements, and nutritional guidance are proven effective against stress-induced hair thinning.
How effective is Traya’s treatment for female hair thinning?
Clinical trials showed Traya is 3x more effective than standalone minoxidil; 93% of women see visible improvements in 5 months.
Does Traya prescribe Minoxidil for female hair thinning?
Traya dermatologists prescribe Minoxidil as part of a comprehensive personalized plan, combined with Ayurveda and nutrition.
Are Traya’s supplements safe and effective for hair thinning in women?
Yes, all Traya supplements are clinically tested, natural, and specifically designed to support female hair thinning concerns.
How does Traya help prevent further hair thinning in females?
Traya provides personalized nutritional counseling, Ayurvedic hair care routines, and dermatologist-approved topical solutions to protect and strengthen hair.
Can Traya’s diet plans improve female hair thinning?
Yes, Traya’s nutritionists design personalized diet recommendations rich in vitamins and minerals essential for reducing female hair thinning.
Do women experiencing hair thinning need a doctor's consultation at Traya?
Yes, Traya provides personalized doctor consultations to ensure the safest, most effective treatment based on your medical history and hair thinning severity.
Who oversees Traya’s treatment plans for hair thinning in females?
Traya’s team includes certified dermatologists, Ayurvedic practitioners, and nutrition experts who collaboratively design and oversee each personalized treatment.
How does Traya address the emotional impacts of female hair thinning?
Traya provides holistic support including hair coaches, regular consultations, and personalized encouragement to help women emotionally navigate hair thinning.
Can women get continuous support from Traya during their hair thinning treatment?
Yes, Traya offers ongoing monthly consultations and support calls to track progress, ensure adherence, and provide emotional and practical support throughout the treatment journey.
