Dr. Clara Yu Busts 5 Myths About Female Hair Loss

Our hair is an extension of our identity, and as women, having thick, voluminous hair is also often linked with our femininity. When we’re having a good hair day, we feel confident and exude that type of positive energy. Conversely, when hair issues arise, it can bring us down and lessen our self-confidence. 

I’m Dr. Clara Yu, a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine committed to ensuring my patients’ inner beauty is reflected by their outer beauty to help them look and feel confident. This holistic philosophy was the inspiration when I created Beauty Cult, a place for patients to receive top-quality aesthetic services in a community-oriented, social and supportive environment.

Unfortunately, some of the information shared about hair issues is false, and it’s important to know the truth. To help, I’ve separated the facts from the fiction and busted five myths regarding female hair loss. Plus, learn more about what you can do to combat thinning hair.

Myth 1: Mostly Men Experience Hair Loss

Hair loss, especially complete balding, is most often associated with men. And, while complete male pattern baldness is more common in men, female hair loss issues are more abundant than you might think. According to the American Hair Loss Association, females account for 40% of the population experiencing hair loss.

Balding in males and females is related to androgen hormones, such as dihydrotestosterone, which both women and men produce and are essential for a range of functions within the human body. As the hormone responsible for male sexual maturation, DHT is what makes men physically different from women. Because these hormones play a more critical role in male development, men have more of them, which correlates to the complete balding known as male pattern baldness. In females, however, hair thinning tends to occur all over the scalp rather than complete balding.

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Myth 2: Hair Loss Is Irreversible

If you’re convinced that thinning hair means you’re resigned to a life of wearing extensions, wigs and hats to cover up sparse strands, it’s time to reconsider. As the science behind hair loss continues to expand, so do the non-medicated alternatives to support hair and scalp health.

Taking a holistic and multifaceted approach to bolstering both the health of your scalp and hair is the best bet in achieving sustainable results. Elevate your hair wellness routine by treating your scalp and hair to the GRO More Kit Kit, which includes everything you need for stronger, thicker and visibly fuller-looking hair. Use the hair serum daily along with a yummy biotin gummy, and see results as soon as 90 days of consistent use.

Certain types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium, which is stress-related hair thinning, are also temporary. In this case, once the external stressor that is taxing your scalp and strands disappears, the hair thinning will also likely resolve itself over time. 

Myth 3: You Can’t Stop Hereditary Hair Loss

You can’t fight genetics — or can you? While it’s a fair assessment that family history may make you more predisposed to thinning hair, there may be ways to alter the pattern or at least slow down the production of DHT.

As hair loss is often related to hormonal fluctuations, which act as a catalyst for increased DHT, you may want to incorporate natural ingredients in your hair care routine to help halt the process. Plant active ingredients, such as saw palmetto and red clover, may help lower the conversion of testosterone into DHT. 

Myth 4: Young Women Don’t Have to Worry

Hair loss can be a harrowing experience, and it's typically thought to be something that happens as we grow older. While it is true that women over 40 have a higher rate of hair thinning, it doesn’t mean that younger women don’t have to worry.

Other factors, such as stress or overstyling, can lead to increased hair shedding, thinning and other hair complications. As mentioned above, hormones play a huge role in hair issues, including factors such as pre- and post-partum, pregnancy, early onset menopause and menopause. 

Female hair thinning can occur at any point during the reproductive years, and some types of hair loss, such as androgenic alopecia, have occurred as early as the adolescent years. Women can also experience increased DHT if the body produces more testosterone. This can be related to specific endocrine (hormonal) health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Myth 5: Wearing Your Hair in a Ponytail Causes Hair Loss

You may have heard of traction alopecia, a type of hair loss that occurs as a result ofthe persistent pulling of the hair follicles, such as tight hairstyles or hair extensions, which can lead to inflammation within the hair follicles.

While consistently wearing a super-high, tight ponytail that’s painful could result in traction alopecia, simply wearing your hair in a ponytail that’s not tight enough to pull on your hair follicles won’t. 

Although traction alopecia does occur, most research suggests that hair loss triggers are primarily connected with what’s going on internally within our body, such as hormones, stress and other factors, such as diet and overall health. 

Boost your daily intake of essential nutrients and vitamins by adding biotin supplements. Biotin is essential for eye, skin and hair health. GRO Biotin Gummies for Hair include not only biotin, folic acid and zinc but also vitamins A, C, B-5, B-12 and E, which all work together to nourish the scalp and support healthy-looking hair. 

Take A Holistic Approach to Thinning Hair

Remember, your best practice on the path to minimize hair loss and improve hair health is to take a holistic approach that focuses on your overall wellness. Treat your mind and body to consistent and targeted self-care, and your skin, scalp and hair will thank you!

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