Hair loss is one of the most common reasons women choose to wear wigs or extensions.  Most people don’t even notice that you are wearing a wig or have a few extensions added to your hair unless you tell them. Deciding to wear extensions or a wig are excellent solutions for people dealing with hair loss.

Living with hair loss can cause emotional and mental anguish, so it is important to discuss the types of hair loss people suffer from to gain a better understanding.

There are three phases in the hair growth cycle.

Phase 1: The Anagen phase, is the stage where 85-90 percent of the hair on your head is growing.  This phase can last anywhere from two to eight years.

Phase 2: The Catagen phase serves as a transition period where the hair follicles shrink.  This phase takes two to three weeks.

Phase: The last phase before the cycle is repeated is the telogen phase.  During this phase, the hair follicles rest for two to four months and at the end, the hair falls out.

It is important to identify if your hair is going through its natural growth cycle or experiencing hair loss caused by a condition.

“As a hairstylist, I’ve seen many women go through different stages in their life where they are experiencing hair loss,” says Houston hairstylist Dana Poullard.  ” I help them through the process of first being able to correctly identify the problem and offer a solution that best fits their lifestyle.”

Four Common Hair Loss Conditions

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that results in a person having significant loss in patches across the scalp. While there is no cure for Alopecia, there are treatments that can help the hair grow back.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a mental disorder where a person pulls their hair causing hair loss.  The irresistible urge to pull hair from your scalp leaves baldy spots in the hair.  Many who suffer from trichotillomania hide this condition from their families.  This condition can be treated by a qualified therapist.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium occurs when stress causes the hair roots to push into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely. While some cases are far more severe than others, shock can occur causing more than 70 percent of the hair to fall out in two months.

Anagen Effluvium

Anagen Effluvium is described as a rapid loss of hair during the growing phase caused by medication, infections or radiation.  Many cancer patients experience Anagen Effluvium, as they are treated with chemotherapy.

If you are experiencing hair loss, see a doctor and hairstylist to determine what options would best fit your lifestyle.  Stitch Virgin Hair Boutique offers, wigs, extensions and bundles along with private consultations and installation services.