Hair Pieces for Aging and Female Pattern Baldness

Hair loss in women, while not discussed as often as hair loss in men, is more common than you may think. Hair loss generally affects women starting in their 30s and reaches a peak in their 50s. More than 50% of men experience male pattern baldness compared to 30% of women. The risk of hairloss increases with age, and is higher for women with a history of hair loss on either side of the family. As many as two-thirds of postmenopausal women experience hair thinning or bald spots.

Women experience stages of balding in a distinctly different manner than men. Men typically lose hair from the front and it gradually recedes over the top of the scalp, reaching the back of the head. They end up with a band of hair above the ears and around the back of the head. Women lose hair from the top of the scalp (hair part area) and experience reduced density, but usually retain their original hairlines in front.

Hair Loss

Regardless of age, it is normal to lose about 100 hairs per day. Thinning hair is a natural sign of aging and does not indicate an underlying problem unless the hair loss is severe. Hormonal changes can affect hair growth patterns, therefore, it is fairly common for menopausal women to experience both hair thinning and hair loss. Hair on the head and body may thin out, but the decrease in estrogen can cause more noticeable hair on upper lips or chins. Hair follicles also decrease in size with age so they produce finer hair, leading to an appearance of varying degrees of baldness, especially in men.
 

Your hair cycles through three phases continuously throughout your life – Growth stage, transition phase, and resting phase. Hair grows over a period of several years during the growth phase. It prepares to fall out during the shorter transition phase. During the resting phase, it falls out. As you age, each hair spends more time in the resting phase, meaning that you are shedding hair faster than it grows in.  
 

While some women experience sporadic or minor hair loss, millions have female pattern hair loss (FPHL). FPHL is the most-common cause of female hair loss and typically starts when a woman is in her 40s, 50s, or 60s. It is progressive, so without any treatment, hair loss continues. Sometimes it affects only the temples, but the hair loss may spread to other parts of the scalp.

Gray Hair

Most women remember when they spotted their first gray hair – it may have been in their 30s or 40s, but if it’s any consolation, by age 50, about 50% of people have some gray hair. Hair turns gray when cells stop producing pigment, a natural occurrence of age. While scientists have known for many years that the timeline for “going gray” is linked to genetics, they recently discovered a gray gene called IRF4. Along with potential solutions for delaying hair turning gray, the gene might improve researchers’ understanding of aging.

Changes in Hair Texture and Strength

As you age, cells that comprise the hair's protective outer cuticle become increasingly fragile. A decrease in keratin protein levels and fatty acids leaves hair weaker, duller, and less elastic. This causes hair to break when pulled or stressed. Gray hair may seems coarser because oil glands produce less sebum as you age, resulting in drier and rougher textured hair. Aging hair simply cannot withstand the same kind of styling as it did when you were younger. Keeping your body hydrated is a good way to combat scalp and hair dryness. 

Stages of Female Pattern Baldness

To determine the correct hair piece to conceal hair loss, it's useful to consider the current stage of hair loss. The Ludwig Scale is the only method of classification used for female pattern hair loss. Unlike the Hamilton-Norwood Scale used in men, female baldness is measured in just three stages (also called grades) and noted as mild, moderate, and extensive. 

Women's Hair Loss Stages

Caring for Grey or Thinning Hair

As hair thins, it's important to care for it properly to minimize further hair loss or damage. Here are some general hair care tips:

• Use gentle shampoos and conditioners without harsh or stripping products. Regular deep-conditioning treatments are essential to add shine and help smooth hair cuticles. Argan oil is especially hydrating and is found in a number of hair products.
• Eat a well balanced diet and check with your doctor to see if vitamins such as Biotin, Folic Acid, B Vitamins, and Omega-3/Omega-6 fatty acids could help create thicker, more healthy hair.    
• Use a wide-tooth comb while hair is wet instead of using a hair brush. Hair brushes tend to pull out more hair than a comb would. Be sure to start at the hair tips to comb out any tangles near the bottom and work your way up. Air drying your hair also helps add natural volume without applying heat to locks.    
• Avoid certain hair treatments such as hot oil treatments, hot rollers, or curling irons. These items can further damage hair, causing more hair loss.
• When styling hair do not pull it back super tight as this places a strain on the follicle, possibly leading to traction alopecia (a form of alopecia caused by tight, taut hairstyles, which can leave scarring on the scalp and lead to permanent hair loss).    
• Use heated styling tools sparingly. Grey hair tends to be more brittle and dry than hair with all its natural pigment Damage from heat styling can make it wiry and coarse. When you use heated tools, set them at the lowest setting and reduce contact times to avoid damaging fibers. 
• Air dry. Skip low drying whenever possible, allowing hair to dry naturally.
• If you are having a bad hair day, you can always wear your favorite hat, head scarf, hair topper or perhaps a flattering women's wig.

Concealing Female Pattern Baldness

Phase 1 Hair Loss

Mild hair loss can often be concealed by modifying your haircut and styling techniques. Here are a few tips:

• Keep hair at the collarbone or shorter. Shorter hair creates the illusion of more volume while longer hair can look skimpy.
• Avoid bangs as they reduce hair volume where you need it the most. Opt for long bangs instead.
• Texturize instead of layer. Normal layers thin the hair and can give a skimpy appearance.
• Blunt cuts give the illusion of fullness. Lightly shape or texturize to soften the look.
• Use volumizing shampoos, conditioners and styling products. Avoid "silkening," "smoothing," and "moisturizing" products with silicones and oils that can weigh it down.
• Wash hair often. Oils build up more quickly in fine hair; Frequent washing will keep the hair lighter.
• Experiment with the part. For example, a zig zag part can conceal the scalp while a deep side part can add lift.
• Deeper colored roots make hair appear more dense. Coloring techniques and scalp microblading are two ways to achieve the look of darker roots at the scalp.
• Use blow drying techniques that lift the hair.
• Be gentle with the hair and avoid heated styling tools to reduce breakage.

Phase 2 Hair Loss

Phase 3 Hair Loss

Should I Buy a Wig or a Topper?  

Many women experiencing thinning hair may contemplate purchasing a wig at some point. While some hair loss may be advanced enough to warrant a wig, a hair topper might the a better choice. If you are torn on whether a topper or wig would be best for you, we recommend visiting our guide on hair toppers vs. wigs.  

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