Everyone tells you to expect hair loss after the baby is born. At the latest when weaning. But when the clumps of hair suddenly start collecting everywhere, the shower drain gets clogged and your hair starts to look really thin, you still feel unprepared.
And this is the point that hardly anyone speaks honestly about: Hair loss in women is often incredibly embarrassing. Because in our world, hair is somehow still read as “you have yourself under control.” Full hair equals healthy, young, attractive, well-groomed. Thinning hair equals stress, illness, something is wrong. Even if it’s just hormonal or a phase.
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Hair loss in women is not the same as hair loss
It makes a huge difference whether you
- lose more hair in the short term (e.g. seasonally, after birth or after an infection),
- diffuse hair loss have (distributed all over your head),
- especially on the crown and top of the head you notice that it is getting lighter,
- or whether you get clearly defined bald spots.
And it also makes a difference whether it’s just the amount that annoys you or whether your head turns it into a daily burden. Depending on this, you can also see which solutions work for you.
When you should have it clarified
There are a few situations in which waiting is not the best strategy and you should seek medical advice:
- The hair loss suddenly becomes significantly more severe and stays that way for weeks
- you see that the parting becomes visibly wider or that the scalp shines through
- you have bald spots or inflammation, itching, flaky or sore scalp
- Symptoms occur such as extreme tiredness, racing heart, freezing, cycle chaos, significant changes in weight
- you notice that it is pulling you down psychologically and you are withdrawing
These are common causes of hair loss in women
Hormones and changes
Hormones are sometimes like a secret intern who switches things up at night and acts like nothing happened during the day. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weaning, changing contraception, thyroid, perimenopause: it can all come into play.
Stress and constant tension
Stress is not a magic word that explains everything. But it can increase hair loss because regeneration slows down and the body redistributes priorities.
Deficiencies and physical stress
Depending on the phase of life, things like iron, zinc, vitamin D or protein are an issue. Get a clean check before you randomly take supplements. These can only help you if you really have a deficiency.
Medications, illnesses, therapies
Some medications and therapies are known triggers. And some illnesses too.
Why hair loss can have such a devastating psychological impact on women
For many of us, hair is not just hair. They are part of your self-image. A feeling of security. And yes, also a social protective shield. This is exhausting. And it becomes even more stressful when you also act like it doesn’t matter. Often it isn’t.
If you mentally say goodbye to the wind or you suddenly don’t feel like taking photos anymore, then that’s not a drama, that’s a signal: you need a solution that makes everyday life easier for you.
Trichotillomania: When hair pulling becomes a problem
Trichotillomania means that sufferers repeatedly pull or pull out their own hair, causing visible hair loss. I first heard about it in a video from a YouTuber who was affected herself. Many report that it is related to emotional states, such as tension, fear, inner emptiness or nervousness.
And yes, that is extremely shameful. Because you feel bad at the same time and still experience this urge. That’s exactly why it’s so important not to dismiss it as a “tick” but as a problem that can be treated.
If you recognize yourself in it: That’s no reason to hide. That’s a reason to get help. The sooner the better.
Which immediately helps if you want more volume
Not every solution has to be medical. Sometimes you just want to get out of the bathroom in the morning and feel okay again.
1) Vertex strategy instead of vertex stubbornness
If you’ve been wearing the same parting for years, it can accentuate the exact area that stresses you out. A slightly offset parting or a change can make a big difference visually.
2) Blow dry with a root plan
Lift the base, change direction and let it cool briefly. That sounds basic, but it often makes more of a difference on fine hair than any expensive product.
3) Think about caring more easily
Anything that weighs down the base will flatten. Conditioners and masks should be rubbed into the lengths and ends rather than into the scalp if your goal is volume.
4) Optical helpers are permitted
Root powder, volume powder, scattered hair, root spray. This can make big differences.
5) When styling is no longer enough
Then there are solutions that are clearly designed to conceal thin areas or give more fullness to the top of the head, for example Hairpieces.
And if the hair loss has medical causes, hair replacement comes into play through health insurance. You can then request one from your health insurance company Apply for a wig with a prescription. In certain cases, this is also possible with mental illnesses such as trichotillomania.
Conclusion: You just want to feel like yourself again
Hair loss in women is often a mix of body, hormones, stress and sometimes psychological. And honestly: even if it’s “just” a phase, it can annoy you every day. That’s enough reason to take it seriously.
You can allow yourself solutions that work. From styling, cutting and optical aids to Hair replacementif it is medically justified. And you should also consider seeking help, because mental illnesses such as trichotillomania can also be easily treated with therapy.
Are you affected by the topic yourself or have you ever had a phase like this? What helped you?
