The root of the problem

Wayne Rooney’s recent hair transplant shows that hair loss is still something many men struggle to accept. So spare a thought for women for whom hair loss can be even more devastating.

The Great Looking Hair Clinic advise many chemotherapy patients, but say increasing numbers of women are seeking help after experiencing hair loss.

“The most common form of hair loss that I see in my trichology clinic is diffuse hair loss also known as Telogen Effluvium; studies show that as many as one in four women suffer from this kind of hair loss,” says consultant trichologist Jane Mayhead. “It is characterised by a general shedding from all over the scalp and is mainly noticed by an increase in the number of hairs being shed in the washing and grooming process.

One of the most common causes is dieting and nutritional deficiencies as the body often reacts to weight loss by relieving itself of hair that drains nutrients it may see as running low.”

Jane points out that there are many other causes of hair loss in women including medication, contraception such as the pill, thyroid imbalances and childbirth.

“The differences in male and female hair loss come down to hormones. Women have oestrogen and progesterone and these hormones have a positive effect on hair growth. As women age a reduction in these hormones often has a detrimental effect on their hair.”

Stress can also have an impact on the body’s wellbeing and hair loss can result. Generally this will last around six months and then the shedding will subside.

Helen A’ Court from the A’Court Hair Salon says it is important not to confuse hair loss with the hair’s natural cycle.

“Hair goes through three stages including one where new hair pushes out the old hair; this is when people can get concerned, but actually it’s perfectly healthy.”

If there is a genuine problem she says the right cut and products can go a long way to help. “Styling products can help in terms of adding volume while club cuts, all one length and asymmetric hairstyles can make hair look thicker.”

As a child I was always being told what thick hair I had, but fast forward three decades and it’s a different story with large amounts of hair coming out when I wash or brush my hair. Agreeing to road test hair extensions for a local salon my hair was tested for its suitability and I was told bluntly that it wasn’t. My hair was coming out at the root and certainly wasn’t strong enough for extensions.

A couple of weeks later I am sitting in a consultation with Gina Lourens (pictured above), a registered member of the Institute of Trichology and the Trichology Society who works from the Tonic Salon.

Gina starts by taking a full and detailed history of my health and general lifestyle. Then she examines my hair and scalp. It is a relief to be told she can see no obvious areas of thinning and new hair is definitely growing, however she is still  concerned enough to write to my doctor to request blood tests.

“The tests will check for iron, vitamin B12 and other things including mineral deficiency and whether there is any underlying inflammation,” she explains.

Once the results are back Gina explains she will be able to advise me on the correct follow-up, whether that be a consultation with a nutritionist, supplements or other appropriate action.

She advises me on general hair care and suggests changes to the products I use which doesn’t involve investing in pricey treatments – in fact she explains that a few drops of almond oil applied to hair are much better for it than serums.

While we naturally lose around 100 hairs a day, if you start noticing large amounts of hair regularly clogging the plughole and more than usual coming out when brushing, or areas of thinning, then Gina recommends:
“Eat enough protein particularly if you are vegetarian or vegan, and include lots of fruit, vegetables and raw salads in your diet; any depletion in nutrition hits the hair and skin first.

“Try to reduce stress in your life and deal with it in a positive way – exercise is a good option.

ADDRESS BOOK

Gina Lourens, 07779420205, treats clients at Tonic and Total Tonic, Bournemouth, 01202 316000,  www.totaltonic.co.uk

A’Courts Hair Salon, Bournemouth, 01202 468668, www.acourts.co.uk

The Great Looking Hair Clinic, London, 020 3538 4730, www.greatlookinghairlondon.com

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