As men and women suffer almost equally from pattern hair loss there is a need for sensitivity to the problem of female hair loss. One source estimates there are over 20 million women affected by various forms of hair loss in the U.S.A. alone.

Psychologically the impact on women can be very distressing. In the view of many, women are not expected to go bald. There may be a lack of understanding and sympathy from family and friends and even from health care professionals.

Female hair loss usually starts at the front of the hair, on the temples. It then moves across the head and down the sides.

Female hair loss can begin after the menopause. Due to hormonal changes hair can begin to thin. There are a variety of treatments available involving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There may be side effects in some cases and experimentation may be necessary under the guidance of a physician.

Contraceptive pills can also contribute to female hair loss in some cases. Changing to a different brand may help but if the condition persists it may be necessary to use a different method of contraception.

Sebum buildup in the follicles attacks the hair bulb, the rounded area at the end of a hair strand which is rooted in the follicle. Sebum causes the hair bulb to shrink so the hair is not as well rooted. After the hair falls out the new hair strand growing in that follicle is weaker and thinner and the process is repeated until the hair follicle is so damaged it dies.

Many products on the market therefore try and address this problem by effectively cleaning out the Sebum and dirt from the hair follicles.

Women often notice their own hair loss much sooner than it becomes visible to others. By the general feel, texture, and body of their hair, they realize it is getting thin. Often, just behind the hairline, they notice a roundish shaped area that gets very thin. This rings alarm bells and those women then search out the best treatment.

In addition, female hair loss is also connected to pregnancy. Three to six months after delivering a child, many women notice a degree of hair loss as the hair goes into a resting phase because of the physiological impact of the pregnancy on the body.

A woman's body can also be greatly affected by intensive diets and losing a lot of weight in a short period of time. Also severe illnesses and infections can put great stress on the body thus triggering the hair into a resting phase which result hair shedding.

Often the body recovers naturally within 3 to 9 months and the hair begins to regrow until it almost resembles its original condition.

Female hair loss can be aggravated further by improper use of chemical hair treatments such as dyes, tints, bleaches, straightners, and permanent waves. Generally, healthy hair can undergo these treatments without showing signs of stress, if they are not done too often. However, if hair is breaking or if it becomes brittle it is best to stop these procedures until the hair has grown out.

The constant pulling of hair with styles such as ponytails and braids can sometimes cause female hair loss. Avoid pulling the hair tight with these styles.

Rough combing and brushing of the hair and vigorous rubbing with a towel after shampooing can cause it to break, adding further to the problem of female hair loss. Wide toothed combs and brushes with smooth tips are recommended to minimize hair breakage.