You've probably heard (or seen) the incident of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Pinkett Smith's hair loss, which she has publicly disclosed is a result of her alopecia diagnosis, was the subject of the joke.
Alopecia affects about one-third of women at some point in their life, with up to two-thirds of postmenopausal women experiencing hair thinning or bald areas. Women's hair loss has a higher impact than men's hair loss because it is less socially acceptable for them.
Alopecia can have a significant impact on a woman's emotional health and quality of life.
Causes of Alopecia
Hair loss in women can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical disorders, medications, and physical or emotional stress. If you observe any unexpected hair loss, consult your primary care provider or a dermatologist to establish the cause and recommended therapy.
Women's hair loss can be upsetting, but there has been an increase in services for dealing with the condition in recent years.
Female Hair Loss Patterns
The Ludwig Classification is used by clinicians to describe female pattern hair loss. Type I hair loss is mild and can be disguised with hairstyling procedures. Type II is distinguished by reduced volume and a notable expansion of the mid-line section. Type III describes diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp with a see-through appearance.
Is There a Cure for Alopecia?
Hair loss can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the type.
According to Yale Health, alopecia areata may react to treatment with steroids, which interfere with immune system cells. These treatments, however, may not be effective for everyone, and their effectiveness is dependent on the severity of the disease. There are additional topical therapies available, and some mild cases may heal on their own.
According to Harvard Health, androgenetic alopecia can be treated with the drug Minoxidil (Rogaine), which is helpful for both men and women. According to Healthline, essential rosemary oil was just as efficient as Rogaine in some tests on hair growth in those with this type of alopecia.
If you're having unusual hair loss, consult your doctor or a health care professional. Even if you decide to go with your new appearance as is, it's critical to have your hair inspected by a specialist to discover what's causing the hair loss and your best next steps.
