Hair loss affects over 40% of women at some point in their lives. It can be caused by many factors, from hormonal changes to overuse of harsh hair products. With so many products and treatments available on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why the Pinklablonde Club team has put together this simple and effective guide, designed to help you understand the causes of hair loss and identify suitable solutions. However, it is important to remember that this guide is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice. For a personalized diagnosis, always consult a dermatologist or hair care specialist.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Hair Loss
The first step towards solving hair loss is to determine what type of hair loss you are experiencing. This allows you to choose the most appropriate treatments and avoid spending time and money on unsuitable solutions. There are two main types of hair loss: hair loss at the length and hair loss at the root.-
Hair loss in the lengths : This loss manifests itself as a decrease in hair density along the length of the hair. You may notice that your braids are less thick than before, or that your hair appears flatter and thinner. A common sign of this type of hair loss is the way light passes through your hair: if it appears more transparent, this is an indicator that the density is reduced.
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Root hair loss : This is often more noticeable, especially as a thinning of the scalp. If you notice that your hairline seems to widen or that certain areas of your scalp become more visible, this is likely a sign of root hair loss. This type of hair loss can also be localized to specific areas, such as around the temples.
Practical advice : To better assess your hair loss, take photos at different times of the day, under different lights. This will allow you to observe the evolution and better understand the nature of your problem.
It is also important to know that some people may suffer from both types of hair loss simultaneously. In this case, it is crucial to follow recommendations for each type in order to optimize the chances of regaining healthy hair.
Step 2: Identify the Cause of Hair Loss
Once you have identified the type of hair loss, it is essential to understand the underlying causes. Treating hair loss without knowing the cause is like putting a band-aid on a wound without treating it. Here are the main causes of hair loss, based on the type.
Causes of Hair Loss in the Lenghts
Hair is often mistreated by our daily actions, which can lead to a loss of density in the lengths. Here are the most common causes, listed in ascending order of impact:
- Aggressive brushing : Especially for people with textured hair, brushing too hard, especially on wet hair, can lead to breakage along the length. Wet hair is more fragile because it swells under the effect of water, making the hair fiber more vulnerable to breakage. Using a soft brush or wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends, can limit damage.
- Excessive use of heat tools : Hair straighteners, curling irons, and drying round brushes can cause brittle hair, especially when used frequently without heat protection. Excessive heat damages keratin, a protein essential to hair strength, making it more susceptible to breakage. It is therefore recommended to limit the use of heat tools to once or twice a week and to apply a heat protectant before each use.
- Frequent bleaching and chemical treatments : Bleached hair, especially when treated more than six times a year, is more prone to breakage. Bleaching can dry out hair by stripping it of its natural moisture, weakening the hair fiber and making it more brittle. If you notice a loss of density after several bleaching sessions, it's time to cut back on these treatments and focus on restorative hair care.
Causes of Hair Loss at the Root
Hair loss at the roots is often more complex to diagnose, as it can result from internal factors such as health problems or hormonal imbalances. Here are the main causes:
- Age : As we age, cell renewal slows down, including in the hair follicles. In many women, age-related hair loss manifests itself as thinning on the top of the scalp. From the age of 50, this phenomenon often becomes more visible. It is important to regularly stimulate the hair follicles with suitable care to slow down this process.
- Hormones and stress : Hormonal changes, especially those related to menopause, or medical conditions like hypothyroidism, can cause hair loss. Stress also plays a big role: high stress levels can cause sudden hair loss, sometimes in large amounts, a phenomenon called “telogen effluvium.” It’s important to manage stress through relaxation techniques and maintain a healthy hormonal balance to avoid these harmful effects.
- Pregnancy : Postpartum hair loss is a common occurrence, often visible around the temples and forehead. This is due to the significant hormonal changes the body undergoes after giving birth. Fortunately, this loss is usually temporary, and hair grows back in the months following birth. However, specific care can help speed up this process.
- Tight hairstyles : Tight hairstyles, such as buns or tight ponytails, can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by repeated tension on the follicles. It is essential to vary your hairstyles and opt for less aggressive styles to avoid damaging your hair.
- Unhealthy Scalp : An unkempt scalp can lead to hair loss as the follicles are unable to produce strong hair in an unhealthy environment. If you are in the habit of using dry shampoo excessively or not washing your hair regularly, your scalp could be out of balance, leading to hair loss.
Step 3: Choose the Right Treatment
Now that you have identified the type and cause of your hair loss, it is time to choose the right treatments. Solutions vary depending on the nature of the problem, and it is often necessary to take a combined approach to achieve the best results.
Treatments for Hair Loss in the Lenghts
- Adapt your brushing technique : Use a brush that is suited to your hair type and always make sure to start by detangling the ends before working your way up to the roots. A gentle, precise brush helps reduce breakage over time.
- Reduce the use of heated tools :
- Limit the use of hair straighteners, curling irons and hot brushes to once or twice a week.
- Always apply a heat protectant before each use to minimize heat damage.
- Incorporate restorative hair care products into your routine, such as the Genesis mask and the Thérapiste serum , which strengthen and nourish the lengths.
- Space out bleaching : If your hair is often bleached, give it a break. Introduce restorative products into your hair routine, like the Silk Bloom Mask and the Thérapiste Serum , and consider using the K18 Mask, an advanced restorative treatment, to help your hair regain its strength and elasticity.
Treatments for Hair Loss at the Root
- Stimulate hair follicles : Whether hair loss is age-related, hormonal, or stress-related, it’s crucial to maintain regular scalp stimulation. Use products like the Genesis Serum and combine them with regular massages using a scalp massager, such as the Cloud Nine. These actions promote blood circulation and encourage hair regrowth. However, it’s important to note that if you stop using these products and the massager without addressing the underlying causes, such as stress or hormonal imbalances, hair loss is likely to return. Therefore, it’s essential to work on the internal factors that influence hair health in parallel, in order to consolidate the results obtained in the long term.
- Postpartum : During pregnancy, start using strengthening products like the Genesis Shampoo and the Genesis Serum. After the pregnancy, combine these treatments with regular massage with the Cloud Nine Scalp Massager to accelerate regrowth and promote new hair growth.
- Treat an unhealthy scalp : Wash your hair more frequently to remove product buildup and impurities. Double shampoo every time you wash your hair, and introduce an exfoliating treatment or the K18 Detox Shampoo to purify your scalp and promote better hair growth.
Treatments for Tight Hairstyles
Limit tight hairstyles to special occasions and wear your hair down or opt for looser styles for everyday wear. You can also incorporate the Genesis Anti-Breakage Ampoules into your routine to encourage regrowth and use a scalp massager to stimulate affected follicles.
