Hair loss in women occurs when a woman experiences unexpected and heavy loss of hair. Although hair shedding is part of a natural balance (we lose between 50-100 hairs per day), hair loss happens when hair falls out but less hair grows in.
When it comes to female hair loss, it is estimated that more than 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss in their lives. The most significant cause is female-pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Hair loss in women is most common in women over 40, women who have just had a baby, and women who had chemotherapy treatments. Surprisingly, female hair loss can even occur if you use harsh chemicals on your hair or wear hairstyles that pull on the hair!
Female hair loss can be caused by a vitamin deficiency, rapid weight loss, a restrictive diet, or an over-processed scalp.
No matter the cause, dealing with female hair loss can negatively impact one’s self-esteem. Here are three ways in which female hair loss can ruin someone’s confidence:
1. Depression and Anxiety
For women who lose their hair, it can be a difficult situation to deal with. Research and anecdotal data have shown that women who experience hair loss feel as if they are losing control over their lives.
This despair leads to high levels of anxiety and depression. Also, for people already suffering from disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder, hair loss can further aggravate the symptoms.
2. Negative Body Image
Adjusting to female hair loss can be difficult and a study conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1993) found that women suffered more emotionally and mentally than men.
Overall, they were more likely to develop a negative body image due to hair loss.
This can have a huge impact on things like dating and relationships since many women may feel that the loss of hair makes them look less youthful and desirable. In marriages and relationships, women may feel that they have become less attractive to their partners.
Also, according to certain surveys, over half of women with hair loss claim to have career-related difficulties.
3. Isolation
Because female hair loss can be emotionally devastating, it can trigger social and emotional issues that make day-to-day living difficult and negatively impact the overall quality of life.
Some women may retreat from social situations and isolate away from the outside world. This can lead to diminished work performance and the onset of unhealthy habits such as overeating, avoiding exercise, and not addressing other medical issues.
Female Hair Loss: How to Improve Your Self-Esteem
If you are experiencing female hair loss, it’s important that you address your mental health as well as your physical health.
When you build your self-esteem, you increase your self-confidence. If you have confidence, you will begin to love and respect yourself again.
This starts by allowing yourself to feel the angry emotions caused by your hair loss but learning how to let them go. Being angry will not bring your hair back so you need to accept your hair loss.
From there, you can find ways to address your hair loss. You may choose to wear scarves or wigs or seek treatments that may encourage your hair to grow back.
Whatever path you choose, it’s important to remember that your hair loss does not change who you are on the inside! Stay strong with who you are and always allow your personality and values to define your place in this world.
