2. There is a type of hair loss that is associated with pregnancy, drastic weight loss, major surgery or extreme stress. It also can be caused by side effects from drugs such as antidepressants, beta blockers and NSAIDS. It is called telogen effluvium. During this phase, hair shifts from the growing stage to the resting stage before quickly moving to the hair shedding or “telogen” step. This hair loss is typically noticed about six weeks to three months after the stressful event.
The solution: For pregnancy and surgery, time is your friend. Wait out the healing process. For meds, the hair loss can be sudden and rapid, so speaking with your medical professional as soon as possible is crucial. He or she may suggest a different dosing schedule or amount or perhaps an alternative drug with fewer side effects
3. Hair transplants or drugs like minoxidil (Rogaine) can provide near-permanent fixes if done right. They are about the only medical treatments available at this time. Hair transplants rely on the ability of the patient to donate hair follicles from other places on the head.
Rogaine for women is a 2 percent formulation, rather than the 4 percent strength in men’s Rogaine. One must remember that the goal of using Rogaine for women is to prevent further loss of hair. The treatment is good only as long as you continue to use minoxidil twice a day. It must be used consistently and continuously, or the hair growth gains will be lost. Depending on the technique you choose, results can take from a few months to a year to see results.
4. And finally, don’t sweat hair loss. Anxiety can speed up hair loss and give you a look of stress or unhappiness.
"If you are losing sleep over your hair loss, if you are continuously ruminating over the problem, if it affects your appetite, or if you are consistently feeling sad, blue, hopeless, or especially helpless, all because of your appearance, then you are seriously affected by your hair loss and should consider talking to a mental health professional," says Shari Lusskin, M.D., director of reproductive psychiatry at New York University Medical Center in New York City. The goal of this therapy is to foster a strong sense of self-esteem and beauty.
But this “don’t give a damn” attitude is difficult to achieve for women because so much of their appearance is wrapped up in societal approval. Acceptance of one’s appearance goes a long way toward projecting a strong self-image to the world.