What is Female Pattern Baldness?
Unlike alopecia, female pattern baldness is usually hereditary and not the sign of an underlying medical condition or disease. And unlike alopecia, in which some forms can be improved over time or with medication, female pattern baldness is permanent. Factors such as age, changes in hormones and a family history of female pattern baldness all play into hair loss.
Signs of Female Pattern Baldness
Female hair thinning and pattern baldness is different from male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness, hair thins mostly on the top of the head and crown of the scalp. Many women notice this when they part their hair as the part starts to widen. Recession of the hairline is not usually part of female pattern baldness, other than a small amount of recession that everyone experiences as they age. Female pattern baldness does not usually result in total baldness, as it can in men.
While pattern baldness (male and female) is common, sudden or high amounts of hair loss can also be signs of medical conditions. When you start to see signs of hair loss, contact your doctor to rule out other possible conditions. For example, a change in hormones can be responsible for some hair loss on the head (and some hair growth on other areas like a woman’s face). Women going through menopause often note a loss of thinning of hair. If any scalp itching or sores are present, this is more a sign of a medical condition than female pattern baldness.
Solutions for Female Pattern Baldness
Unlike with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness tends to be mild and not as extreme. However hair loss and thinning can produce anxiety and feelings of self-consciousness in many women. Monoxidil is the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of female pattern baldness. It is applied to the scalp and has about a 20% chance of helping hair grow back, although it does help existing hair to continue to grow. The medication is required for continued results – if it is stopped the hair loss will start immediately. Hair transplant surgery is also an option for more permanent results.
Hair extensions, hair pieces and wigs are often the least expensive and safest way to deal with female pattern baldness. Not only are the prices reasonable, but hair pieces and wigs can be customized to match existing hair. The human or synthetic hair pieces are easy to care for and style, making them ideal for busy or active women. Wigs are often so well made these days that they are hard to spot.
Wig-A-Do – Perfect for Female Pattern Baldness
If your hair is starting to thin and you have a family history of female pattern baldness, you have options to combat the problem. A hair piece or wig is a cost-effective, custom and fashionable way to restore confidence and pride in your appearance. The stylists at Wig-A-Do help clients every step of the way, from finding the right style and color of wig for face shape and skin tone, to training clients how to care for their wigs and make them last. Call (856) 235-3534 today for a private appointment – no one will know unless you want them to!
