“As a qualified Tricologist, I’m a full member of the Institute of Tricology, I have a BA (hons), a MA in Education and a Teaching degree. This wealth of knowledge and education allows me to combine academia, theory, personal experience and hands-on practical knowledge.”
Ranbir Rai-Watson
Female hair loss conditions you may be suffering from
Female pattern hair loss: we know that men can suffer from a progressive type of hair loss known as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, but women will also be affected by a type of pattern hair loss that is due to a genetic sensitivity to the male hormones. It typically presents as diffuse thinning across the scalp and a widening of the central parting; it is usually a very slow, gradual hair loss but can cause a great deal of distress and loss of confidence.
Hormonal-related hair loss: there are certain points in a woman’s life when they experience a change in hormone levels that has an impact on hair shedding. Pregnancy and the menopause are the key moments, although pregnancy-related hair loss is typically temporary.
Telogen effluvium: this is a temporary type of hair loss where more hair follicles are forced into the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. This is a reaction to a certain trigger, such as extreme stress, crash dieting or illness, and typically will improve when the underlying cause is resolved.
Anagen effluvium: this is typically a more dramatic type of hair loss as most of the hair is forced into the anagen growth phase as a result of chemotherapy or other medications. Again, this is usually temporary and hair growth will resume when treatment stops.
Traumatic alopecia: also known as traction alopecia, this is typically as a result of certain hairstyling methods that cause trauma to the scalp and hair follicles. This can become permanent if you don’t seek treatment.
Scarring alopecia: also known as cicatricial alopecia, this is rarer and is caused when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue. Often this type of hair loss is permanent, and treatment is aimed at treating the underlying condition to limit the amount of hair loss.
Alopecia areata: this is an autoimmune condition that typically presents as small, circular patches of hair loss. The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood and treatment success varies. Often patients find that their hair will regrow, but they may experience hair loss elsewhere and some find they lose all their scalp hair in a condition known as alopecia totalis. If the whole body is affected it is known as alopecia universalis.
Ranbir will then recommend a treatment plan, often covering both in-clinic and at-home treatments, and will monitor you closely throughout your journey.
