Although there are many genuine sources of help out there for women with hair loss, there are unfortunately just as many individuals, companies and websites looking to exploit desperate people by offering ‘miracle cures’.

The truth is that a huge amount of these products and techniques simply don’t work, promising lightning-speed regrowth of hair which just doesn’t happen. The people who sell these products aren’t usually trained or experienced hair loss specialists; they are solely interested in making money by taking advantage of your desperation and desire to regrow your lost hair.

If you want proper treatment for your hair loss condition, you need to go to a medical professional rather than wasting your money on these so-called ‘miracle cures’. See your GP for a formal diagnosis, then visit a dermatologist or trichologist (hair loss and growth specialist) for a further consultation and treatment options.

You can also look for hair management and replacement options, from organisations with actual experience of treating female hair loss. Use a reputable company known for its expertise, knowledge and sensitivity, and spend your money wisely on hair loss solutions that actually work.

There are so many myths and misconceptions surrounding female hair loss, it can be difficult for people looking for information about it to sort fact from fiction.

One of the main myths about hair loss – particularly sudden, seemingly unexplained hair loss – is that it is contagious in some way. This is not true, as most conditions which cause female hair loss cannot be passed on from person to person. You can’t ‘catch it’ from breathing the same air as the affected person, nor by touching them, using their hairbrush (although you shouldn’t really do this anyway, for hygiene reasons) or any other form of contact.

Tinea capitis (ringworm)

This condition is one of the only exceptions to the rule that hair loss is not contagious. Tinea capitis, or ringworm, is a fungal infection mostly found in children. In some cases, it causes patchy hair loss. There is a possibility that you can catch ringworm from an infected person, but it is incredibly easy to treat.

Androgenic alopecia

Although it doesn’t count as being ‘infectious’, some hair loss conditions are caused by hereditary/genetic factors. This means that your mother, father, grandparents or other family members could technically ‘pass on’ the condition to you.

Once you have been diagnosed with female hair loss, the next step is to find a treatment that works for you. There are many options available nowadays, from medication and surgical procedures to more natural hair replacement techniques.

In terms of medication for hair loss, you may be prescribed:

• Minoxidil (also known by the brand name Regaine)
This is one of the most commonly used non-prescription medications for female hair loss, particularly the condition known as alopecia areata. It comes in the form of a foam or liquid that you frequently rub into the scalp. Around 30-40 per cent of people using minoxidil experience some form of regrowth, although any improvement can take up to 12 months to become noticeable.

• Corticosteroids
This medication, often used to treat alopecia areata, comes in the form of injections or oral pills. Results can take up to a month or more to be noticeable, depending of course on the patient and the condition.

• Hormonal modulators
These come in the form of oral contraceptives or something called spironolactone and is often used to treat androgenic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) associated with hyperandrogenemia.

Nutrition and diet has an effect on all parts of the body, including the hair. If the body is lacking certain vitamins and minerals, or simply isn’t getting enough food, it can cause the hair to fall out.

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia can be devastating to a number of the body’s systems and can even be fatal if left untreated. The excessive weight loss associated with these illnesses can cause stress to the body, resulting in the shedding of hair.

Eating disorders cause hair loss in the following three stages:

• Due to a lack of proper nutrition, gastric abnormalities and organ function insufficiency, the hairs in the anagen (growing phase, occurring at the roots in the hair follicles) become starved

• Hair then skips the catagen (transitional) phase

• Hair goes straight into the the telogen (resting) phase and then the exogen (loss) phase of the hair growth cycle. This can cause mass shedding and premature loss of hair in a condition known as telogen effluvium

For the sake of your hair and more importantly, your health, it is crucial that you eat properly and take care of yourself. If you think you have an eating disorder, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis, treatment and support.

Hair loss can completely change the way you feel about yourself, affecting your confidence in your appearance and your self-esteem overall. This can have an impact on all aspects of your life, from your career to your relationships and home life.

Negative thoughts and self-criticism can impact on:

• Your performance in job interviews
• Romantic relationships and friendships
• How you approach new challenges and opportunities
• Meeting new people and trying new things
• Job performance and career progression

Of course, hair loss can only affect these aspects of your life if you let it. You need to find methods and tricks to banish negative thinking, to help you believe in yourself and achieve more. Try listing things you like about your appearance (e.g. your figure, your sense of humour, your eyes etc.) and your personality. Also, try to focus on your strengths as a person in different environments, such as at work or as part of a family.

You can’t let female hair loss hold you back and impede your success, so get rid of those negative thoughts and start being nice to yourself. If you believe you can do something, others will too.

Human hair wigs can be a great solution to help with hair loss management, allowing you to disguise any thinning hair or bald patches and get on with your life feeling confident.

Some people believe that wigs can never look the same as the real thing, but this isn’t really true anymore. Human hair wigs have come a long way in the last few years, and some types are now so natural-looking it can be hard to tell the difference!

The only way to get a natural-looking human hair wig is to ensure that it suits you, which you can do by choosing carefully. Bear in mind the following factors when choosing your new wig:

• The wig needs to be durable, easy to use and maintain every day
• The style should suit the shape of your face and the colour should complement your skin tone – ask your hair loss specialist for guidance with this
• It should be comfortable to wear, not making your head hot or itchy
• Choose between custom-made or machine-made wigs
• You may want a versatile wig that can be customised and re-styled
• Choose an anchoring cap method – i.e. lace, thin skin, capless etc.

Finally, you should always weigh up the cost of the wig to ensure it is value for money (i.e. will last a long time) and that you can afford it.