Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents side of the family. There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as

anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage. The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

• Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.

• Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.

• Thyroid abnormalities.

• Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.

• Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

According to the American Hair Loss Council, when the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.
 

Dietary Considerations

Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologists's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.
 

Physical and Emotional Stress

Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.
 

Hormonal Considerations

Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.

Myths Related to Hair Loss

• Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.

• Hats and wigs cause hair loss.

• 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.

• Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments.

• Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy.

• Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker.

• Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth!

• Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.

• There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.

• Stress causes permanent hair loss.

• Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties.

• Hair loss affects only intellectuals.

• There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.
 

These are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. We suggest that you first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.

Female Hair Loss Solutions FAQ

Graff Technology offers professional help in the Inland Empire area for women suffering the devastating effects of hair loss and thinning hair. We offer the widest possible range of non-surgical hair replacement services with one thought in mind: to help you look and feel your very best.
 

What is a Hair Replacement System?

A hair replacement or integration system is a state-of-the-art hair enhancement solution that adds any amount of fullness, length and body to your existing hair. It can be daily wear or permanently attached. Hair replacement systems are available in a variety of types including full head systems (sometimes referred to as a full cap cranial prosthesis), a three-quarter system which covers halfway down the back of your head, integration systems which allow your own hair to be pulled through to integrate with the added hair of the hair replacement system, or a small, top-of-the-head system designed perhaps to deal with the effects of a receding hairline or bald spot in the crown area. Today's modern hair replacement systems are both secure and versatile. Best of all, they stand up to a busy, active lifestyle and are virtually undetectable both in terms of appearance as well as to the touch. 

Does a Hair Replacement Solution such as Virtuesse™ really look natural?

Today's modern female hair replacement solutions look amazing and totally natural.  In the case of Virtuesse, it utilizes our exclusive custom DermaLens procedure to ensure the most natural look and feel imaginable. Think of it as another layer of skin on top of your existing scalp, similar to a permeable contact lens, with human hair injected into it. It is then secured directly to the scalp, incorporating your existing hair as the point of progression.

Even close up, it appears that your new hair is growing directly from your own scalp. Run your fingers through your hair. It feels totally natural. Made from 100% natural human hair, Virtuesse gives you the freedom of movement and bounce that you had when you had hair.

A hair replacement solution such as Virtuesse or Graduated Enhancement can also add length and fullness wherever you want or need it, naturally and without damaging your existing hair. The styling options of a quality custom made hair replacement system are virtually limitless.  

How often do I need to come in for Maintenance Visits?

Just like visiting your hair dresser, maintenance visits vary for each individual. Your hair may grow quickly or slowly. You may want to refresh your color. Most of our clients come in for service at four to eight week intervals.  

With a custom hair replacement system, can I shampoo my hair, swim with it or sleep on it?

Yes, you can shampoo your hair, blow dry it, and style it in any way you like. You can also swim with it and sleep on it. With a Virtuesse or Great Lengths hair replacement, your new hair virtually becomes a part of you. Daily maintenance is very similar to how you take care of your existing hair. 

What about Wigs?

Wigs have received a bad reputation over the years and in many cases that reputation is well deserved. Unfortunately, this is a business where you only are able to notice the bad specimens.  Our best work goes entirely unnoticed, as it should.

Wigs can be made from either human or synthetic hair, machine or hand made, and vary widely in quality and durability.

We are especially proud of our 100% natural human hair wigs.  Our 100% virgin European hair is simply amazing. Unlike processed hair, which is used in most wigs, hair from Europe has not been stripped or treated or dyed in any way. As a result, it is softer and lighter, provides for incomparable color matching, and has stunning depth of tone. In a word, it is simply beautiful.

Our 100% natural European human hair wigs offer an ideal solution for those suffering from severe hair loss -- hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation treatments, or medically related hair loss such as alopecia areata or alopecia totalis.

Unlike department store wigs, our wigs are designed specifically for individuals with little or no hair and are constructed in such a way as to not itch or otherwise irritate a sensitive scalp.

Real Solutions for Women's Hair Loss

Today the options available in non-surgical hair replacement are as varied as the needs and desires of our clients. At Graff Technology, we offer the entire range of added hair solutions: from 100% natural European hair wigs, Topettes and hair extensions, to falls, pony tails, and integrations.

If you or someone you know is suffering from alopecia, hair loss, balding or undergoing a medical procedure causing hair loss, then Graff Technology in Riverside, California has the state of the art, personally customized solution for you!

For a completely natural, totally undetectable look, come in and see for yourself. Any style, any color, any look. After all, seeing truly is believing!
 

Your Hair is Our Passion

At Graff Technology in Riverside, California, we understand the emotional stress of losing your hair and the impact it can have on your mental, physical, and social life. That's why we offer the finest women's hair replacement solutions in a professional atmosphere of caring, confidential privacy.