Do you ever notice how a bad hair day can set the tone for a bad day, in general? Our hair isn’t just protection for our scalps, it’s also a medium for expressing our style and personality. Certain studies even suggest that hair and self-image are closely intertwined. So when we start noticing thinning or loss of our hair, it can be a particularly hard blow.
Thinning hair and balding are typically associated with men, but in reality, around 40% of people experiencing hair loss are women. It’s estimated that female pattern baldness affects close to 30 million American women. Unlike men, women rarely experience a receding hairline in front, but can still see a widening part, baldness at the crown, or a thinning all over. The average person loses around 50-100 strands of hair per day, so seeing some of your locks in your hairbrush or in the drain isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But if your hair starts coming out in large chunks, or if you’re noticing visible thinning over time, it may be time to see a doctor.
The medical reasons for hair loss are numerous, but most experts will recommend getting your thyroid checked, as a first step. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate many different body processes, and if it’s producing too much or too little, it can cause your hair growth cycle to falter. If you’re also experiencing significant weight loss or gain, dry skin or eczema, sensitivity to cold or heat, or changes in your heart rate, your thyroid could likely be the culprit.
Have you lost a lot of weight recently? Crash diets may help you shed a few pounds, but they’re hell on your hair. To keep your tresses full and glossy, be sure to eat lots of protein, and don’t overdo it on the Vitamin A. Overly tight hairdos are another example of self-induced hair loss that can easily be avoided. Cornrows, dreds, and tight ponytails irritate the scalp and cause hair to fall out. Let your hair blow loose and natural for a while, and it should soon return to normal. Conversely, adopting these hairstyles for the long term can cause scarring of your scalp, leading to permanent hair loss.
If you experience any type of hair loss, whether short or long term, patchy baldness or all-over thinning, talk to your hairstylist to see if they may have tips for working around it. Sometimes a shorter cut, certain styling products, or a different way of parting the hair can make all the difference. Or consider trying on a few wigs. Wig technology has come a long way in the last several years, and not only can you find styles that are comfortable and lightweight, but many are virtually undetectable as “fake” hair.
Envy’s line of Hand Tied wigs, for example, are designed specifically with the hair loss client in mind. These styles offer a seamless, comfortable fit, combined with some of the most believable silhouettes on the market. If you’re looking for flexibility in styling and the most natural appearance, give our Human Hair and Envyhair collections a try. Schedule an appointment with your nearest Envy Wigs retailer and let them help you regain your style and confidence.
