A Little Off the Top

Understanding Hair Loss in Women

By Kelly Burgess

One day, when I complained about hair in the sink, my husband was insensitive enough to point out that it was rather long to be his. After that I started to notice what I'd been blissfully ignoring before: more hair in my comb, in my brush and, yes, in the sink and tub.

According to Dr. Valerie Callender, a dermatologist in private practice in Mitchellville, Md., what's happening to me is not unusual. As I approach middle age and menopause, the hormonal changes in my body are leading to a common type of hair loss known as female pattern hair loss. Rather than the classic receding hairline and bald spot that most men experience, female pattern hair loss is characterized primarily by an all-over thinning of the hair.

A bald man can be sexy. Balding men, while perhaps not thrilled with their look, are certainly not outside the norm. Bald or balding women, however, are quite another matter.

Recent research suggests the psychosocial effects of hair loss are greater in women than in men. Women with hair loss report a higher incidence of feeling introverted, anxious and less attractive, which can interfere with their daily lives.

Mike Smith, vice-president of marketing and public relations for the Hair Club for Men and Women , says that they realized some time ago that no one was addressing the issue of women and hair loss, so they made a corporate decision to focus not only on women, but also on children. While their services to children are free, their outreach to women mirrors their longstanding and successful men's marketing efforts.

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