With these highly effective new treatments, most cases will significantly improve…

If you were a woman suffering from hair loss 25 years ago, your only option was to cover your head with a wig.

Now: Female hair loss is highly treatable—most cases improve within a matter of months—using a variety of breakthrough therapies.

WHEN HAIR LOSS STRIKES

More than half of all women will experience significant hair loss (more than 100 hairs per day) in their lifetimes. Any woman who has this amount of hair loss should see a dermatologist right away to determine the cause.

Some forms of hair loss can be temporary (see below), while others are typically permanent unless treated within a year of the start of symptoms. If the follicles remain dormant for too long or if there is scarring, stimulating hair regrowth may be impossible. Treatment works best when started at the first sign of hair loss.

Men who have hair loss tend to get a “receding hairline,” while women get an expanding center part. This condition, known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL), is the most common type of hair loss in women.

Self-test: Part your hair in the center. With FPHL, the center part is no longer a thin, crisp line. It is wider—and in later stages, it takes on a Christmas tree appearance with balding “branches” extending out from the center.

FPHL is a chronic, progressive hereditary condition often caused by changes in levels of male hormones as women age. It gets worse over time, and the hair won’t regrow on its own. That’s why you need treatment.

THE BEST MEDICATION

The only FDA-approved medication for women’s hair loss is minoxidil. It has been available as 2% liquid for many years.

Newer treatment option: In 2014, the FDA approved extra-strength 5% minoxidil foam for women.

The 5% foam version has a higher concentration of medication and also causes fewer side effects than the liquid version, which contains propylene glycol—a trigger for allergic reactions in some women. Both versions, however, can cause hypertrichosis, a form of excess hair growth, particularly along the sides of the face.

Caveats: When using either form of minoxidil, it takes at least six months to see hair growth. Also, you must use the product indefinitely—discontinuing it will cause your new hair growth to fall out again. It costs about $40 a bottle and is not typically covered by insurance.

Even though minoxidil is available over the counter, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist before using it. The cause of your particular hair loss may require a different treatment. For example, topical steroids or steroid injections are given for hair loss caused by the autoimmune condition alopecia areata. Finasteride, which is FDA approved for hair loss in men, is sometimes prescribed off-label for women who have elevated levels of male hormones.

WHEN YOU NEED MORE HELP

While 80% of women in clinical studies can regrow hair with minoxidil, for the unlucky few who can’t, there are some new treatments that may be worth considering…*

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This procedure is thought to jump-start dormant hair follicles. With PRP, some of your own blood is spun down in a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma. Nutrients are added to the plasma, and the mixture is injected into the scalp with small needles.

PRP is available in some clinics, but it has not been approved by the FDA. While early findings are moderately positive, most practitioners believe the best results are for PRP combined with minoxidil treatment or hair follicle transplants. PRP is not covered by insurance and costs more than $1,000 for a single treatment, which may need to be repeated every three to six months.

Laser phototherapy. With laser treatments, the idea is that light can stimulate hair growth at the level of the follicle. A few small studies have shown good results with no reported side effects, but there are no long-term studies. Two laser therapies that have been cleared by the FDA…

Theradome, which looks like a bike helmet with 80 tiny lasers inside. It is available online for $895 and should be used for 20 minutes at least twice a week for 12 to 24 weeks.

HairMax LaserComb, which looks like a cordless phone with light-emitting bristles. You turn it on and hold it over one spot on your head until a beep signals you to move it to another location. It is used three times a week. The base model costs $295 and is available online.

Hair loss camouflage. Scalp micropigmentation is a permanent tattoo applied by a trained physician in a stippling pattern on the scalp to fill in areas of hair loss. It effectively disguises areas of hair loss and scars. Cost generally runs from $1,000 to $5,000.

Temporary Hair Loss

For about 20% of women who suffer from hair loss, the condition is temporary. Here’s why: Hair can function as the proverbial canary in the coal mine—follicles react to unhealthy body changes before we know anything might be wrong. Fix the problem, and hair grows back.

Consult a dermatologist to see if one of these conditions could be causing your hair loss…

Extreme stress. A death in the family, hospitalization, moving to a new house or other life-altering change can cause hair follicles to go dormant, and hair falls out several months later. Typically, hair will regrow within a few months, once stress levels are reduced.

Weight loss/poor nutrition. For healthy hair, you need to eat a well-balanced diet. Rapid weight loss, eating disorders and crash diets low in protein can cause hair to fall out. Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin or other supplement if you have any deficiencies and will likely check your iron levels. Healthful eating is all you need to regrow hair, usually within several months.

Medical conditions. Thyroid conditions, scalp infections and anemia can also cause hair loss. Treating these diseases can stop the hair from falling out.

Hairstyling practices. Bleaching, straightening, relaxing or perming can temporarily (or sometimes permanently) damage the scalp and hair follicles.

*To find a hair-loss specialist, go to the website of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, ISHRS.org.

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