Most people don’t realize that women can have hair loss based on genetics, just like male pattern baldness. This condition, also known as female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia, is passed down through genes. So if one (or both) of your parents has hair loss, you’re more likely to have it too. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
So why does this happen? Women with androgenetic alopecia have hair follicles that are more sensitive to a hormone called DHT. This hormone miniturizes the hair follicles, eventually leading to hair loss. Sometimes this hair loss occurs all over the head. In this case, you might notice a wider part or a smaller ponytail than usual. Other women with androgenetic alopecia lose their hair at the temples and crown.
Women with androgenetic alopecia often blame themselves for the condition, and seek to thicken their hair through volumizing hair products (which only mask the problem) and hair extensions (which can actually worsen hair loss). But it’s not your fault! We can’t control our genes. We can, however, seek treatment for hair loss (more on that later) to restore our hair and our confidence.
Androgenetic alopecia isn’t the only form of hair loss that can affect women. Women may also experience hair loss due to inflammatory conditions, illness, nutrition, and other abnormalities.
