It can be frustrating for a person with hair loss to hear "It doesn't look too bad" or "I don't know what you're talking about" or "There are worse things in life than losing your hair." Hair loss is relative to how you feel about it. Just because you're not bald doesn't mean you don't have hair loss. Just because you hide the condition well doesn't mean a problem doesn't exist. Don't feel guilty. If you're worried that your hair is thinning and your friends or family don't seem to be supportive, don't let that stop you from finding out how to address the problem.
Some people feel that talking to friends in an Internet chat room that deals with hair loss can help them feel more supported than talking to their families. The Internet also has the advantage of anonymity, so people in the chat room cannot physically see your condition (unless you send a photo). I have found this to be very helpful for some people and a great way to find out what other hair-loss sufferers are going through.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Running your hands through your hair
Many people continually run their hands through their hair to see whether it is still falling out and, if it is, by how much. This action can become obsessive, with some looking for how much hair is coming out literally hundreds of times a day.
Hair-loss amounts don't change that rapidly, so continuous pulling on the hair will not accurately indicate whether hair loss is improving or worsening. Also, I find that if a person pulls on his or her hair and does not see any hair the first time, he or she will often repeat the action four or five times until hair DOES comes out. It's almost as if some people want continuous proof that their hair is falling out.
If you find yourself doing this, try to become more aware of the action. It can be habitual and you may find that you don't realize you're doing it. Try to find something else to keep your hands active, like blogging!
Hair-loss amounts don't change that rapidly, so continuous pulling on the hair will not accurately indicate whether hair loss is improving or worsening. Also, I find that if a person pulls on his or her hair and does not see any hair the first time, he or she will often repeat the action four or five times until hair DOES comes out. It's almost as if some people want continuous proof that their hair is falling out.
If you find yourself doing this, try to become more aware of the action. It can be habitual and you may find that you don't realize you're doing it. Try to find something else to keep your hands active, like blogging!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Collecting hair in the shower!
It's fine in the short term to monitor daily fluctuations in hair fall. However, there are people who have collected their hair for many months or years and have kept them all!
They don't really need past visual reminders that their hair was falling out excessively; they can see by today's wash whether it is still falling out. If you're a counter, make sure to do it only infrequently (every two weeks or monthly), as the hair loss amounts will not change rapidly on a daily basis. Also, only count the wash hairs. Do not try to count every hair that you lose, as it's impractical to collect all the hairs from your pillow, clothing, and so on!
They don't really need past visual reminders that their hair was falling out excessively; they can see by today's wash whether it is still falling out. If you're a counter, make sure to do it only infrequently (every two weeks or monthly), as the hair loss amounts will not change rapidly on a daily basis. Also, only count the wash hairs. Do not try to count every hair that you lose, as it's impractical to collect all the hairs from your pillow, clothing, and so on!
Talking about hair loss
A lot of people cringe if anyone mentions their hair loss to them. The last thing they would want is to be told that their hair has become thin enough for someone else to see. Also, some of them have said that they notice other people in their workplace with thinning hair. They want to talk to them about it but hesitate because they aren't sure what their reaction will be.
Although I think it is often helpful for people to talk about their condition with others, I also think it's best not to approach another person with hair loss unless he or she approaches you first. Many people don't want to be reminded of their problem or are reluctant to talk about it. In these situations, if you are confident enough, perhaps the best thing to do is talk in a group about your hair loss and what you're doing to combat it within earshot of the other person, then see whether he or she approaches you at a later time.
Although I think it is often helpful for people to talk about their condition with others, I also think it's best not to approach another person with hair loss unless he or she approaches you first. Many people don't want to be reminded of their problem or are reluctant to talk about it. In these situations, if you are confident enough, perhaps the best thing to do is talk in a group about your hair loss and what you're doing to combat it within earshot of the other person, then see whether he or she approaches you at a later time.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I'm frightened that my hair isn't growing back
Often, people with hair loss feel that their hair is not growing back and that they will be bald in a matter of weeks. For most hair-loss conditions, such as genetic hair loss and telogen effluvium, this is not true. The hair does regrow, although it may go through a longer resting phase. The first things to look for with regrowth are the presence of roots (if you color your hair) or the need for a haircut. Under both these circumstances, you know that the hair that is not falling out is growing.
To see whether there is any new hair, dry your hair after a hair wash and look along the parting. You will see some shorter hairs, which indicate that new hairs are growing. This means that although you are losing lots of hair, some of it is regrowing.
To see whether there is any new hair, dry your hair after a hair wash and look along the parting. You will see some shorter hairs, which indicate that new hairs are growing. This means that although you are losing lots of hair, some of it is regrowing.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Overcoming the Psychological Effects of Hair Loss
How can you overcome your fears and get back to living a normal life?
The first thing I want to stress is that if your hair loss worries are truly changing the way you live your life, consider seeking professional help from a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist who understands the issues you are experiencing.
For many people, hair-wash days are the worst days of the week; this is when they see lots of hair falling out. People dread having to wash their hair but know it is necessary because their hair is starting to look dirty and their scalp is itchy.
Most hair that you see lost during the wash stopped growing approximately six to sixteen weeks before. The less the hair is washed, the more hair loss accumulates. So don't be afraid to wash your hair. In fact, wash it as frequently as you are able and you'll actually see less hair fall out. In addition, your hair looks best when it is freshly washed and dried. It tends to have more body and shine and will allow you to look your best as you start your day. Don't be afraid to use styling products, colors, or perms, as these will give your hair more body and boost the way you feel about it. Washing hair does not cause more hair to fall out.
The first thing I want to stress is that if your hair loss worries are truly changing the way you live your life, consider seeking professional help from a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist who understands the issues you are experiencing.
For many people, hair-wash days are the worst days of the week; this is when they see lots of hair falling out. People dread having to wash their hair but know it is necessary because their hair is starting to look dirty and their scalp is itchy.
Most hair that you see lost during the wash stopped growing approximately six to sixteen weeks before. The less the hair is washed, the more hair loss accumulates. So don't be afraid to wash your hair. In fact, wash it as frequently as you are able and you'll actually see less hair fall out. In addition, your hair looks best when it is freshly washed and dried. It tends to have more body and shine and will allow you to look your best as you start your day. Don't be afraid to use styling products, colors, or perms, as these will give your hair more body and boost the way you feel about it. Washing hair does not cause more hair to fall out.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
More Psychological Effects
Social Problems
Frequently, people with hair loss tend to socialize or date less. They feel that because they are less attractive, there is little point dating. They turn down advances of others because if they get too close, the other person will notice their hair thinning and be turned off. Even married people, or ones in long-term relationships, with hair loss are afraid that their husband, wife, or partner will notice that they are losing hair and stop loving them as a result.
In addition, some people with thinning hair take much longer to get ready to go out because they are trying to hide their scalp. Some may decide that it's not worth taking the time in the first place.
Lack of Support
People without hair loss often cannot see what all the fuss is about, so when a friend or spouse begins to lose his or her hair, they appear aloof and uncaring. As a result, the people who are losing hair feel that their friends and families are failing to be supportive. This usually happens when hair first begins to fall out and thinning is not yet noticeable.
Sometimes, they are not taken seriously when they see a physician about their hair loss, thus adding to the problem. Many physicians don't realize the psychological impact caused by hair loss and so take the concerns of a patient losing his or her hair less seriously than they should.
Loss of Control
As there is no treatment that can stop hair loss instantly, people losing their hair occasionally feel that they are unable to control their condition. Over time, this feeling worsens and begins to affect the way they feel about their lives overall.
Frequently, people with hair loss tend to socialize or date less. They feel that because they are less attractive, there is little point dating. They turn down advances of others because if they get too close, the other person will notice their hair thinning and be turned off. Even married people, or ones in long-term relationships, with hair loss are afraid that their husband, wife, or partner will notice that they are losing hair and stop loving them as a result.
In addition, some people with thinning hair take much longer to get ready to go out because they are trying to hide their scalp. Some may decide that it's not worth taking the time in the first place.
Lack of Support
People without hair loss often cannot see what all the fuss is about, so when a friend or spouse begins to lose his or her hair, they appear aloof and uncaring. As a result, the people who are losing hair feel that their friends and families are failing to be supportive. This usually happens when hair first begins to fall out and thinning is not yet noticeable.
Sometimes, they are not taken seriously when they see a physician about their hair loss, thus adding to the problem. Many physicians don't realize the psychological impact caused by hair loss and so take the concerns of a patient losing his or her hair less seriously than they should.
Loss of Control
As there is no treatment that can stop hair loss instantly, people losing their hair occasionally feel that they are unable to control their condition. Over time, this feeling worsens and begins to affect the way they feel about their lives overall.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Psychological Effects of Hair Loss
Hair, though mildly useful for protecting our heads, has an important social and decorative role. Since Samson and Delilah were dating in biblical times, hair has symbolized strength, masculinity, and virility for men and beauty and fertility for women. This is borne out by the fact that every year people spend billions of dollars on shampoos, conditioners, styling agents, and treatments that claim to regrow hair. Hair is often the first thing you notice when meeting someone and it is usually the last thing you fuss with before a social event or business meeting. By changing its shape with a setting gel, its color with highlights, or its style with a new haircut, you are able to considerably alter your features and your appearance. No wonder why losing hair can cause stress and anxiety and affect a person's body image and self-esteem.
Even for people without hair loss the prospect of losing hair can be worrisome. A recent US survey conducted by Nourkrin (Lifes2good) looked at how any potential future thinning hair or hair loss would affect a woman's self-confidence - 50 percent of women said they would be more self-aware, 36 percent said they would be embarrassed, 24 percent said they would have a lack of confidence, and 19 percent said they would be totally devastated.
So, what are some of the potential psychological effects of hair loss?
Anxiety/Depression
Many people with hair loss become very anxious and depressed. Sometimes people experience feelings of despair (exasperation that their hair will not stop falling out), sadness, worry, apprehension, anger at their condition, and fear of going bald. In addition to becoming very stressed, some hair-loss sufferers develop panic attacks.
Lack of Self-Esteem
People with hair loss often become dissatisfied with their body image and view themselves differently than how they did before. Many feel embarrassed about losing their hair and looking unattractive to others - even their spouses and friends - because their hair is thinning. They also feel that other people are always looking at their thinning hair, making them feel even more uncomfortable about their appearance.
Even for people without hair loss the prospect of losing hair can be worrisome. A recent US survey conducted by Nourkrin (Lifes2good) looked at how any potential future thinning hair or hair loss would affect a woman's self-confidence - 50 percent of women said they would be more self-aware, 36 percent said they would be embarrassed, 24 percent said they would have a lack of confidence, and 19 percent said they would be totally devastated.
So, what are some of the potential psychological effects of hair loss?
Anxiety/Depression
Many people with hair loss become very anxious and depressed. Sometimes people experience feelings of despair (exasperation that their hair will not stop falling out), sadness, worry, apprehension, anger at their condition, and fear of going bald. In addition to becoming very stressed, some hair-loss sufferers develop panic attacks.
Lack of Self-Esteem
People with hair loss often become dissatisfied with their body image and view themselves differently than how they did before. Many feel embarrassed about losing their hair and looking unattractive to others - even their spouses and friends - because their hair is thinning. They also feel that other people are always looking at their thinning hair, making them feel even more uncomfortable about their appearance.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Laughing at Hair Loss
So what is it about hair that causes such concern when it falls out and such joy when it is styled just right? What makes it so easy to use as the butt of a joke? I recall seeing a film when I was a teenager where two women were fighting over some money and one pulled the other's hair, which came off in her hand. After a split second in which it took the audience to realize it was a wig, everyone in the theater broke out in hysterical laughter. Would you have laughed? If your friend or spouse laughed, does it mean that he or she is insensitive to your hair loss?
I remember a young man in his early twenties with thinning hair being the butt of jokes from friends and family. Is this an example of playfulness or insensitivity? The giving and taking of mild teasing is something most of us do with our friends and relatives. It's part of the fabric of friendship and camaraderie.
Is your hair loss fair game for gentle teasing? Would you tease your friend's acne or the scar your sister got from a fall or the birthmark on your brother's face? Are these even fair comparisons? Some people who are losing their hair would say, categorically, yes. Others would disagree. What do you think?
I remember a young man in his early twenties with thinning hair being the butt of jokes from friends and family. Is this an example of playfulness or insensitivity? The giving and taking of mild teasing is something most of us do with our friends and relatives. It's part of the fabric of friendship and camaraderie.
Is your hair loss fair game for gentle teasing? Would you tease your friend's acne or the scar your sister got from a fall or the birthmark on your brother's face? Are these even fair comparisons? Some people who are losing their hair would say, categorically, yes. Others would disagree. What do you think?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Hair loss & the scalp
Some hair loss conditions may be accompanied with an oilier or flakier scalp. This does not mean that you will necessarily see more hair coming out or that the scalp condition is causing the loss. The change in the scalp comes about because genetic hair loss is often the result of increased sensitivity to male hormones in the follicle; this can also lead to the sebaceous or oil glands becoming larger and more active, resulting in a greasier scalp. Some flaky scalp conditions are aggravated by increased scalp oil, so it is quite common for the scalp to flake or look oilier with this hair-loss condition. However, mild flaking does not usually cause the hair to fall out nor does the hair loss make the scalp flaky. They are just the result of the same trigger mechanism.
Occasionally, the scalp can have acne-looking lesions or red patches. It may appear smooth or, if you gently pinch the skin, look like the skin of an onion. Some of these scalp conditions may be relevant in assessing the cause of your hair loss, as they could indicate a scarring type of hair loss (cicatricial alopecia) or alopecia areata.
If you have a scalp problem or are unsure if your scalp condition is causing hair loss, see a specialist.
Occasionally, the scalp can have acne-looking lesions or red patches. It may appear smooth or, if you gently pinch the skin, look like the skin of an onion. Some of these scalp conditions may be relevant in assessing the cause of your hair loss, as they could indicate a scarring type of hair loss (cicatricial alopecia) or alopecia areata.
If you have a scalp problem or are unsure if your scalp condition is causing hair loss, see a specialist.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
How Can I Tell Whether My Hair Is Thinning?
There are two ways your hair can look thinner. The obvious one is that your partings look wider due to two causes: more space between each hair fiber because the strand is becoming finer, or fewer hairs in number on your head.
The usual places for the hair to look thinner are on the crown of your scalp, the frontal hairline, and in the middle of your scalp (the area between the frontal hairline and the crown of your head). When you part your hair, more space than there used to be may indicate that your hair is thinning.
Thinning may also occur at your temples (also called recession), or it may occur in a diffuse manner, which means that it is evenly spread over the entire scalp. In addition, there can be circular areas that are devoid of hair and feel smooth or stubbly.
A slightly different version of hair thinning is one where the ponytail is thinner; that is, you can wrap a band around the hair of your ponytail more times than you could previously. Often, your partings are similar in density to what they were previously. This could mean that your hair is breaking more, or it could mean that more long hair is falling out than is being replaced by regrowing shorter hair.
Different types of hair thinning or thinning in different areas of your scalp can indicate that a different factor is causing your hair loss. Thus, it is important to have an expert examine your condition to identify which type of hair loss you have.
The usual places for the hair to look thinner are on the crown of your scalp, the frontal hairline, and in the middle of your scalp (the area between the frontal hairline and the crown of your head). When you part your hair, more space than there used to be may indicate that your hair is thinning.
Thinning may also occur at your temples (also called recession), or it may occur in a diffuse manner, which means that it is evenly spread over the entire scalp. In addition, there can be circular areas that are devoid of hair and feel smooth or stubbly.
A slightly different version of hair thinning is one where the ponytail is thinner; that is, you can wrap a band around the hair of your ponytail more times than you could previously. Often, your partings are similar in density to what they were previously. This could mean that your hair is breaking more, or it could mean that more long hair is falling out than is being replaced by regrowing shorter hair.
Different types of hair thinning or thinning in different areas of your scalp can indicate that a different factor is causing your hair loss. Thus, it is important to have an expert examine your condition to identify which type of hair loss you have.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Two causes of thinning hair
Most people's hair becomes thinner as they get older. Just as your skin changes, often leading to wrinkles, so your hair follicles become smaller, producing a slightly shorter, finer hair. If enough finer hairs are produced then more space between them develops, causing a thinner look. In this case you can have the same number of hairs as before, but because they are finer in texture, your hair will look thinner. An analogy is with a forest. In the summer, the trees are in full bloom and it is difficult to see through them. In the winter, the fallen leaves give an appearance of "thinner" trees and allow you to see through the forest more easily. The number of trees are the same, but the forest has a totally different look.
Of course, another way that your hair can look thinner is if you've lost excessive amounts of hair that do not grow back or take a long time to grow back...
Of course, another way that your hair can look thinner is if you've lost excessive amounts of hair that do not grow back or take a long time to grow back...
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