Hair Loss, Thinning, and Breakage:
Coping and Knowing the Difference
by Stacey Coles
Whether it’s through the passing of a loved one or the thinning of the hair on our heads, loss can be a difficult and emotional experience. Annapolis Parlour Beauty Boutique’s former owner Cornelius Payne helped a client experiencing both. Her father had recently passed and her typically full crown was now balding in the center. “Listen, I know it's a tough time right now. I know de- stressing is kind of hard for you because you have so much going on, like, planning a funeral. However, this is fixable,” reassured the cosmetologist, who founded The Style Bar in Washington, D.C. “We can work together.” In this case, Payne knew the cause of hair loss was stress and provided her with an appropriate regimen that fully restored her mane. But even when there isn’t an easy fix, he’s dedicated to helping his clients navigate their experience confidently. Hair loss, thinning, and breakage can significantly affect a woman’s psychological well-being, and especially her confidence. Many factors may contribute to these issues, including combinations of stress, heat styling, hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, and medications. Hair loss, thinning, and breakage Before exploring solutions, it’s important to identify what you are experiencing. It is natural to shed about 100 strands daily. Hair loss is when an abnormal amount
and Cosmetic Center in Annapolis. “Finding the underlying cause usually takes some detective work, which includes a social, medical, and lifestyle habit history.” Remedies No matter what you are experiencing, there are ways to adapt and/or remedy the issue. In cases of hair breakage, the solution may be a new hairstyle or product, such as rice water or a serum. Consider the amount of heat and tension regularly placed on your hair and whether or not you’re using SPF and heat protectants. Improper color usage or bleaching can also cause breakage. “Our hair is a fiber,” said Payne. “You have to kind of treat your hair like how you treat your skin.” In other circumstances, medicinal treatments or lifestyle changes may be recommended. For example, Dr. Walterhoefer notes that hair thinning for women occurs as estrogen declines, leaving dominant male hormones. Genetics or premature menopause can impact severity and speed. Her best over-the-counter recommendation is a 5% minoxidil topical solution or foam. “Hair loss and breakage is definitely treatable,” she encourages. “Please seek medical help for your hair loss concerns, as there are many great treatment solutions out there. “
of strands come out from the root, resulting in a wider part- line and more visible areas of the scalp. You may notice a bulbous tip at the start of a strand. Alternatively, hair thinning is a result of genetics and aging. Strands may be more brittle.
Women may also experience postpartum hair loss. The rapid shift in hormones and the physiological stress at the end of pregnancy causes the body to try to conserve energy by pushing hairs into a shedding phase prematurely.
“You’re still beautiful no matter what—hair or no hair.”
Eating a well-balanced diet and, if needed, taking supplements will help this process resolve naturally. Hair loss may also occur due to changes in medicine doses. Payne reminds women to “affirm your worthiness and your beauty” and that “you’re still beautiful no matter what—hair or no hair.”
Lastly, breakage appears as coarse, broken, and shortened hairs. Payne notes that this is often a result of styling and hair care habits. Payne conducts a scalp analysis to determine what a client is experiencing. From there, he may recommend the client speak with a dermatologist. “One cannot tell what is causing their loss or breakage just by looking at the hair,” said Dr. Molly Walterhoefer, dermatologist and founder of the Current Dermatology
Source(s): Cornelius Payne of Parlour Beauty Boutique interview Dr. Molly Walterhoefer of Current Dermatology and Cosmetic Center interview
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