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While male pattern baldness may be the first thing that springs to mind when discussing hair loss, it’s worth remembering that there are many different factors that can contribute to hair loss – and several of them apply to females too.                                    

We experience hair loss constantly – and while that tangle of strands in your plug hole may seem frightening, it’s worth remembering that you can expect to lose from 50-100 strands in the course of a normal day. It sounds like a lot, but is actually only a small fraction of your hair. The normal cycle of hair replacement is around two to six years, but there a number of instances where you may see additional loss.

After major surgery, a traumatic experience or a stressful period some people experience ‘shedding’: a disturbance of the hair cycle often taking place three to four months after the incident, where hair is lost in a concentrated period. You’ll be happy to know that in these cases hair loss is temporary.

Pregnancy also has an impact on the female hair-growth cycle; you reap the rewards during pregnancy, but post-birth your hormone levels drop and it may feel as though you are losing a lot of hair. Don’t worry though; it is merely the same amount of hair you would have lost normally.

There are some hair loss causes that are firmly within our control – things like hair extensions or restrictive hair curlers can cause traction alopecia, where the hair is disengaged from the root. So avoid putting unnecessary stress on your hair! It’s also crucial that you do a strand test every time you colour your hair to avoid hair breakage and loss. Some medicines can also cause temporary female hair loss, so have a chat with your doctor if you think you have been affected by your medicine.

The best way to look after your hair is to look after yourself. Vitamin C and B-2 are particularly good treatments for hair loss – but a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will do wonders for weak hair.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help