A lot of us face niggling health or beauty issues without really knowing what to do about them and being pretty unwilling to really do anything because it can be embarrassing. I’ve decided to do some research for you, in case this is something you have or ever will face. (Particularly considering hair loss is something that about 50% of the adult population experiences in their lives, according to this expert!).
This week, I interview hair restoration therapist and owner of Transitions Hair Sydney, Andrew Wilson, about hair loss in women. Note that this post is sponsored by BioTHIK Australia, which offers a hair thickening treatment to make your hair appear up to 150% fuller. I’ve not used it, but it’s good to know what’s out there and what can help to fix hair loss in case you ever need it.
Andrew has over 19 years’ experience working in this field, specialising in cosmetic solutions for hair loss – with a specific focus on females.
Who is mainly affected by hair loss?
Hair loss affects men and women equally in percentage of people by age 50, but it doesn’t affect them in the same by degree. Men will tend to experience significant hair loss or complete balding, whilst women will experience thinning hair of varying degrees. Usually women will not lose their front hair line, unlike their male counterparts.
Approximately how many people does hair loss affect in Australia?
Hair loss affect about 50% of the adult population at some time in their lives. It is estimated that about 2.2 million women experience moderate hair loss, while 700,000 will experience extreme hair loss.
How early in life does hair loss usually affect men and women?
Hair loss can start at any stage. There are many children that experience juvenile Alopecia Areata and Totalis (part / all hair loss). We know of children with hair loss from 4 years old. For the rest of the population who experience regular hair loss caused by Androgenetic Alopecia (male and female pattern thinning/baldness) their hair loss can happen at any stage post puberty. Usually men will start to thin in their early 20s and women in their mid to late 20s. The rate of hair loss can vary significantly from person to person.
Is hair loss genetic or can it be environmentally related?
It is both. One is not necessarily related to the other, but one can impact the other and exacerbate the hair loss.
Does stress impact hair loss, or other external conditions?
Yes. Stress affects people in many ways, and hair loss is one of them. Stress can cause diffuse hair loss where there can be rapid shedding a couple of months or weeks after the stressful incident. It can also trigger off a genetic predisposition towards hair loss. Any external shocks to your body can cause hair loss – an accident, surgical procedure, change in medication, stopping medication, sickness, etc.
Are there supplements that you can take, or can you change your diet, to prevent or reduce hair loss?
There are many supplements that can help with your hair quality and a healthy diet certainly goes a long way to assisting hair growth. A poor diet can often be seen by lifeless and dull-looking hair. If a person is experiencing genetic hair loss the best supplement is Saw Palmetto. This has anti-DHT (dihydro testosterone) effects upon the body (it inhibits the formation of DHT). DHT is what causes the thinning hair by shrinking the hair follicles. Using this supplement may slow down the rate of hair thinning – in some cases it may even stop it, at least for a time.
(I did a little extra research about which specific supplements will help to prevent hair loss, and there doesn’t seem to really be any conclusive findings. However, Vitamins B, C and D as well as Omega 3 Fatty Acids are on many lists. The best thing to do is to see your doctor and have a chat with them about how you can naturally get your body to resist hair loss. A good diet works wonders too!).
How does BioTHIK work? How does this compare with other similar treatments?
BioTHIK is a cosmetic hair thickener and hair loss concealing product, which gives the appearance of a thick, full head of hair. It consists of microscopic keratin particles called hair fibres. Keratin is the same kind of protein that your own hair is made from. The fibres have a strong natural static magnetism that tightly binds to even the finest strand of hair. The result is instantly thicker hair.
Compared to other products we find that BioTHIK has a superior static magnetism so it binds to your own hair better than others. Independent consumer reviews in Sweden have found it superior in rainy or hot conditions, and during exercise. They also found it easier to use and apply. BioTHIK comes in a range of 11 colours – there should be a hair fiber color to suit everyone.
BioTHIK uses the highest grade Keratin fibres, while other products often use rayon, cotton or synthetic products. Some find these products irritate the scalp, feel ‘hotter’ on the head and statically bind to your own hair as well making them less reliable in wet, windy and humid conditions, or while playing sport where there could be heavy perspiration.
Have any more questions? Let me know and I’ll put you in touch with Andrew.
