Hair loss in women may be of two types, namely temporary hair loss and permanent hair loss. Temporary hair loss follows illness, pregnancy and childbirth. Usually this can be treated easily and quickly and the hair returns to its original condition. Healthy diet and massaging the scalp to improve blood circulation are helpful. Excessive hair loss should be diagnosed and treated by a trained and experienced physician.

Causes for Female hair loss

• The most likely cause of permanent hair thinning in women is Androgenetic Alopecia like in men. But women do not develop baldness as men.
• The hair follicles are affected by a byproduct of Testosterone named DHT, Dihydro Testosterone. But the protective effects of female hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone in women prevent baldness in women.
• Hair loss occurs mostly in women of menopausal age as the production of female hormones drops losing their guard against hair loss. Proper medical treatment can restore the hormonal imbalance.
• Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder which causes hair loss in patches.
• Triangular alopecia is a condition where hair loss occurs in the temporal areas. The hair is lost fully or a few thin hairs may still remain. This can be treated by medical and surgical methods.
• Scarring Alopecia is caused by scarring of the scalp on the top portion of the scalp and found mostly in women. This occurs in African American women and may be attributed to the tight braiding or corn rowing of hair. The follicles suffer inflammation and subsequently scarring the scalp.
• Telogen Effluvium is a type of hair loss found with women having fair hair. The hair comes off with combing. The reason may be nutritional, hormonal or drug associated or stress related..