Hair loss is something that might run in your family and it might be something that you are concerned about because you know of somebody that is currently suffering from it and you worry that it might be something that you suffer with.

Although hair loss particularly in men has been shown to be hereditary, it cannot be proven that hair loss in women is hereditary and sometimes it is a result of stress, hormones and for other medical reasons. Regardless of why you might be experiencing hair loss or if you know somebody who is, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to too.

If you are seriously concerned that you might suffer from hair loss then you need to speak to a doctor to see if you have any tell tale signs such as stresses in your life that could result in hair loss in the future. A doctor will be able to give you advice about reducing the stress in your life and ensure that you are keeping in good health so that it will reduce the chance that you lose your hair. However it really isn’t something you should be worrying yourself about and if it does happen to you there are many treatments available in order to combat it.

It would be difficult to imagine what it is like to lose your hair unless you are going through it yourself. Many women know of others who have suffered from hair loss during their lifetime and how uncomfortably it can make many women feel. If you have experienced hair loss or you are currently experiencing hair loss, then you don’t need to feel alone.

Most women suffer from hair loss because they are going through a particularly stressful time in their life and their bodies are struggling to cope with the effects of the stress that the event is generating. As a result the hair follicles become dormant and therefore do not produce any hair. In some instances, some women experience small patches of hair loss whereas others experience complete loss of their hair.

Regardless of how much hair you have lost, you still need to speak with your doctor in order to get a formal diagnosis for your hair loss. Your doctor will be able to advise you on any treatments that are available for you and what would be the best course of action in order to ensure that your hair returns to normal again, however this doesn’t happen for some.

It is more common nowadays for women to be more outspoken about their hair loss and
celebrities are no different. Regardless of whether they have lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy or because they have alopecia, more and more people are becoming educated about female hair loss and it is hoped that this will encourage women to notice to signs that could potentially lead to them losing their hair.

For some women such as Bernie Nolan and Jade Goody, they lost their hair as a result of their battle with cancer. Most women who suffer hair loss during and after chemotherapy and radiotherapy do find that their hair returns, however this can take some time but you need to be patient. The hair will only return once the hair follicles have recovered from the treatment and provided that you are not putting yourself under an undue amount of stress.

However, for others such as Gail Porter and Erin, the former wife of Tiger Woods they are suffering with hair loss as a result of alopecia. Although there are many forms of alopecia, most are caused by stress and events, which are going on in their lives. Going through a divorce, not having a good work life balance or a trauma in your life can all cause hair loss.

Alopecia is a medical condition, currently believed to be an auto-immune disorder, characterised by loss of hair.

Sufferers find that the hair on their scalps or other parts of the body starts to fall out in patches. This is called alopecia areata. However, this condition is just one in a series of alopecia conditions which only differ in terms of how much hair is lost. Alopecia totalis is where the hair falls out on the entire scalp, whilst alopecia universalis, the most advanced of all similar conditions, affects the entire body.

For many women who fear hair loss, alopecia universalis is considered to be a worst-case scenario. There is no cure and no certainty over whether the hair will grow back or not. More importantly, having no hair at all on your body can strip you of your self-confidence, self-esteem and even your identity.

Currently, the most well-known sufferer of alopecia universalis is Scottish TV presenter Gail Porter. She has experienced a lengthy battle with hair loss, as has been well-documented in the press due to Gail’s attempts to raise awareness of the issue.

The good news for alopecia universalis sufferers is that Gail’s hair has started to grow back. Her struggle and ultimate triumph over female hair loss shows that the condition isn’t always permanent, nor does it have to ruin your life.

There are many myths which surround female hair loss, with most of them being an old wives tale or a complete misconception of a hair loss condition. You should not feel like you are any less of a woman just because you are experience hair loss and you should feel reassured that hair loss occurs for many women regardless of their age and ethnicity.

One of the most common hair loss myths is that it is caused by washing your hair too much. Although washing your hair every day isn’t recommended by hair dressers, washing your hair does not make you lose your hair. A similar myth is that brush or stylish your hair also makes your hair fall out. Although over styling your hair can be damaging, it is only damaging to the ends of your hair and will lead to you having dry hair that is difficult to control rather leaving bald patches on your scalp. In addition, dyes, perms and other such treatments that you receive from your hairdresser should not make your hair fall out and is therefore another myth.

If you are worried about the condition of your hair and you have noticed that it has started to thin or you have bald patches, then you will need to visit your doctor for a formal diagnosis.