The woman who played big-haired Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, Sue Holderman, has told of how she lost a substantial amount of hair after pregnancy and later on, possibly as a result of anxiety.

“During my pregnancy, my hair was gorgeous. Then I had Harriet and it all fell out after three months. It did frighten me, but I thought I was just tired and run down as new mothers are.

“After I had Freddie in 1987, my hair fell out again, but not as badly. It was two years later that my hair fell out in earnest and I wondered if I might have to face the future bald.”

Holderman suffered panic attacks and stage fright for several years and thinks this had an impact on her hair loss. She was prescribed beta blockers which she believes helped to a degree. With any instance of hair loss, it is vital that you see your doctor to get properly diagnosed as there are many possible causes and treatment varies accordingly.

BBC make-up artists were aware of Holderman’s condition and worked to disguise it. However, they could do nothing about the distress she felt.

Holderman is currently suffering no hair loss, thanks to different treatments and a change in diet.

“For one of the very first times in my life, my hair is not an issue – and I cannot tell you what a relief that is.”

Many people believe the myths and old wives’ tales surrounding cures for female hair loss, which mainly include home remedies and ways to increase the circulation to your scalp. Unfortunately, improved circulation will not help with hair regrowth if you are suffering from alopecia or pattern baldness.

Female hair loss can be a debilitating condition, causing no end of emotional stress and issues with low self-esteem, so it is no wonder that many women go to incredible lengths to try and get their hair to grow back. They try creams and ointments, standing on their head or washing with ice cold water, and many unusual diets.

This is not the right way to cope with female hair loss. What you need to do is to see your GP and then a hair loss treatment specialist. You need a formal diagnosis so that you can perhaps uncover the cause of your hair loss, and subsequently find the right treatment for it.

There may not always be a cure for your condition, however, which is why there are many hair loss management solutions out there. You can try human hair wigs or even more sophisticated techniques such as the Intralace system, all whilst getting the expert advice and support you need.

According to experts, such as Dr Bessam Farjo from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the hair loss condition traction alopecia may be on the rise, mainly due to the hair extensions sported by a number of celebrities.

Experts believe that many young women are attempting to copy the hairstyles of stars like Naomi Campbell (recently pictured with a bald patch suspected to be a case of traction alopecia), Cheryl Cole and Katie Price.

However, the hair extensions and weaves that celebrities sport can create constant tension and pulling on the scalp, which in turn can cause thinning hair or bald patches. Dr Farjo comments on the recent pictures of supermodel Naomi Campbell, saying:

“We often see this type of hair loss in Afro-Caribbean women as they very commonly wear hair extensions or corn rows. The areas around the hairline are the most prone to permanent damage because the hair in this area is more fragile. The other reason for hair damage in these women is the use of chemicals and heat to straighten the hair. Finally, the use of full hair pieces or wigs can cause friction on the scalp that breaks the hair.”

Telogen effluvium is an interruption to the normal hair growth cycle. Hair follicles enter the resting stage of the cycle simultaneously and there is consequently sudden hair loss. Causes are generally physical or psychological stress.

The stress may result from childbirth, major surgery, illness or any other reason. In addition, too much vitamin A can also trigger the condition, although this is only really likely via the intake of supplements.

Fortunately, the condition is not permanent. The hair follicles will reactivate, but it can take as long as eight months for hair loss to decrease and it will then obviously take a while for the hair to grow back. Hair loss is particularly noticeable when washing hair, but shampoo does not make the condition any worse.

As ever, the important thing to do is to get properly diagnosed by your GP or a qualified dermatologist. Knowing exactly what the problem is, you will be able to get the most appropriate treatment.

In cases where the person has suffered chronic telogen effluvium, management is possible through the use of scalp make-up, Medi Connections (ultra fine hair extensions) or hair replacement.

The Intralace system can be used in two distinct ways. Firstly, it can be used in conjunction with existing hair or secondly, it can be used as a human hair wig. It does not treat hair loss but offers a high quality way of concealing bald patches or complete hair loss.

The system involves the use of a breathable mesh bearing human hair. It even features what is known as an Intralace Parting, which is added at the crown to give a natural looking parting.

With the Intralace system you can live your life completely normally. Activities and sports aren’t out of bounds and you can even swim with the Intralace system in place. The hair can also be washed, brushed and styled completely as normal.

The Intralace system does require maintenance roughly once every six weeks, so you will need regular follow-up appointments. However, one of the great benefits is that hair will continue growing while you are using the Intralace system, so this is great to use in the meantime for those recovering from hair loss. When the hair has grown back, the Intralace system can simply be removed.

Around one per cent of people are affected by alopecia areata, but it is most common in younger women and children for whom the effects can be devastating.

The condition is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Hair follicles work in a cycle and the attack causes them to revert to the resting stage, which is when hairs fall out.

We lose hair every day anyway, but when a person is suffering from alopecia areata, the follicles are resting when they shouldn’t be. However, the important part is that the follicle remains in the scalp and it is possible that hair can regrow even years after the onset of alopecia areata. Changes are unpredictable and growth may stop and start.

If you suspect you may be suffering from alopecia areata, the important thing to do is to go and see your GP. They will either diagnose you or refer you to a dermatologist. Dermatologists also deal with hair as hair follicles reside in the skin. A small biopsy may be taken for the purposes of diagnosis. Only once your condition has been identified can you commence treatment as there are multiple causes for hair loss and alopecia areata is but one of them.