This one hit hard. Even in elementary school, when bullies mocked my buck teeth and glasses, I still won “Best Hair” in a 6th grade poll. Thick, shiny, generally obedient hair has just always been a given for me, the thing that drew compliments and ratcheted up my confidence. I could always rely on a good hair day, no matter what my complexion, waistline, or mood delivered that morning.
Emotional Impact
A widening part or receding hairline might seem trivial. After all, survival is not dependent on hair. But the emotional impact of losing it can be profound. “Hair loss can be a devastating experience. It can affect a woman’s self-esteem and sense of beauty, femininity, and desirability,” says Greta Angert, a Beverly Hills-based psychotherapist and body-image expert. In fact, studies show a correlation between hair loss and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, particularly in women. “It can be overwhelming and debilitating, leading some women to socially isolate,” Angert adds. Hair is so closely tied to our identity that women will go to great lengths to avoid losing it. Some 8% of cancer patients considered refusing chemotherapy specifically to preserve their hair, according to one study.
A Brief History
Throughout history, a healthy head of hair has been associated with female beauty. Before social media and the Breck girl told us we needed thick, glossy strands, we had Botticelli’s Venus and Rapunzel setting the beauty standard. The societal pressure dates back to biblical times. The phrase “crowning glory” comes from a verse in Corinthians: “If a woman has long hair, it is a glory unto her.”
Causes of Hair Loss
As much as I wanted to rise above these millennia of beauty standards, I was gutted to see my once-glorious hair go poof before my eyes. So I decided it was time to untangle the mystery of my thinning hair and find where the prevailing research is leading us. After interviewing doctors and meeting with specialists, I got a lot of answers to my many, many questions.
Main Causes of Hair Loss
Mom and Dad. The most common cause of hair loss has long been the same: genetics. But most of the doctors I spoke with agreed that both men and women are noticing signs of thinning earlier and earlier. They attribute this shift to factors like stress, diet, and excessive use of hair dyes and chemical processing. “There are more environmental factors playing a role now. We consume all these artificial foods, and they affect our bodies in meaningful ways, whether it’s increased aging or hair loss or the quality of the hairs themselves,” says Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in hair loss.
Conclusion
Hair loss can be a significant emotional blow, affecting self-esteem and sense of identity. While genetics play a major role, environmental factors like stress, diet, and chemical processing also contribute to thinning hair. By understanding the causes and taking steps to address them, women can better manage hair loss and maintain a sense of confidence and beauty.
FAQs
Q: What are the most common causes of hair loss?
A: Genetics and environmental factors like stress, diet, and chemical processing are the most common causes of hair loss.
Q: Can hair loss affect mental health?
A: Yes, hair loss can affect a woman’s self-esteem and sense of beauty, femininity, and desirability, leading to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Q: Can hair loss be treated?
A: Yes, hair loss can be treated through various methods, including medications, hair transplantation, and low-level laser therapy. Consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional for personalized advice.