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Women's Hair Loss FAQS

LEARN ABOUT HAIR LOSS AND REGAINE® FOR WOMEN FOAM

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Is hair loss common among women?

Female pattern hair loss is a common condition caused by a combination of genetics, hormone levels, and aging.

What causes hair loss in women?

Female pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in women. However, there are other types of hair loss that can result from extreme stress, pregnancy, and certain medications. Additionally, there are some conditions and diseases that can result in hair loss.

When do women begin to experience hair loss?

While hair loss is more common for women in their 30s or 40s, it can start as early as your 20s.

What are the signs of hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss has several telltale signs, including: a wider parting, more hair with the root attached on your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain, and a harder time styling your hair.

If you are unsure whether you have these signs, talk to your pharmacists or GP to confirm that what you’re experiencing is female pattern hair loss and to find out if REGAINE® for Women Foam can help you.

Isn't it true that only older women experience hair loss?

It may surprise you, but hair loss can start as early as age 20. That said, it’s more common for women in their 30s or 40s to notice the beginning of hair loss, with it often peaking around menopause.

Will I be able to tell if I'm losing enough hair to qualify as suffering from hair loss?

Hair loss begins subtly and may only become noticeable after years of gradual loss, but if you pay attention there are definite telltale signs that you are losing your hair. Women with female pattern hair loss experience a general hair loss, with the most extensive female hair loss occurring on the top of the head and along the parting.

What does female pattern hair loss look like?

One of the clearest indicators of genetic hair loss is a widening part. Below is a helpful chart of typical hair loss patterns.

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Is my hair just damaged?

Damaged hair is dry, has split ends and breakage. Damaged hair may feel more delicate, and it may not respond to your usual care and styling routine. As a hair weakens it can break near your scalp or at the end, which leads to split ends. Unlike hereditary hair loss, where the shed hair falls from the scalp along with its tiny, bulb root attached, hair damage is usually a short-term issue and, with a little extra attention, your damaged hair can be tended to and grown out.

Is my hair misbehaving due to lifestyle changes?

If you can make a connection between a specific event and your hair acting differently, your hair may just be going through a difficult phase. Temporary female hair loss can be caused by dietary changes, pregnancy, extreme stress, certain medications, and some medical conditions.

Is all hair loss the same?

Although female pattern hair loss is the most common cause, there are several other possible causes:

  • temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, is associated with stress, diet, a hormonal imbalance or a traumatic event that causes the hair follicles to remain in the resting state. This results in increased hair shedding and a temporary thinning of hair across the whole scalp.

  • alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, is recognized by well-defined patches of hair loss. If you have no history of hair loss in your family and are experiencing this kind of hair loss, consult your doctor.

Does exposure to the sun make hair loss worse?

No, the sun will not make hair loss worse, but it is a good idea to protect your scalp from the sun with a hat or sunscreen.