I'm frightened that my hair isn't growing back

Often, people with hair loss feel that their hair is not growing back and that they will be bald in a matter of weeks. For most hair-loss conditions, such as genetic hair loss and telogen effluvium, this is not true. The hair does regrow, although it may go through a longer resting phase. The first things to look for with regrowth are the presence of roots (if you color your hair) or the need for a haircut. Under both these circumstances, you know that the hair that is not falling out is growing.

To see whether there is any new hair, dry your hair after a hair wash and look along the parting. You will see some shorter hairs, which indicate that new hairs are growing. This means that although you are losing lots of hair, some of it is regrowing.

Overcoming the Psychological Effects of Hair Loss

How can you overcome your fears and get back to living a normal life?

The first thing I want to stress is that if your hair loss worries are truly changing the way you live your life, consider seeking professional help from a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist who understands the issues you are experiencing.

For many people, hair-wash days are the worst days of the week; this is when they see lots of hair falling out. People dread having to wash their hair but know it is necessary because their hair is starting to look dirty and their scalp is itchy.

Most hair that you see lost during the wash stopped growing approximately six to sixteen weeks before. The less the hair is washed, the more hair loss accumulates. So don't be afraid to wash your hair. In fact, wash it as frequently as you are able and you'll actually see less hair fall out. In addition, your hair looks best when it is freshly washed and dried. It tends to have more body and shine and will allow you to look your best as you start your day. Don't be afraid to use styling products, colors, or perms, as these will give your hair more body and boost the way you feel about it. Washing hair does not cause more hair to fall out.

More Psychological Effects

Social Problems

Frequently, people with hair loss tend to socialize or date less. They feel that because they are less attractive, there is little point dating. They turn down advances of others because if they get too close, the other person will notice their hair thinning and be turned off. Even married people, or ones in long-term relationships, with hair loss are afraid that their husband, wife, or partner will notice that they are losing hair and stop loving them as a result.

In addition, some people with thinning hair take much longer to get ready to go out because they are trying to hide their scalp. Some may decide that it's not worth taking the time in the first place.


Lack of Support

People without hair loss often cannot see what all the fuss is about, so when a friend or spouse begins to lose his or her hair, they appear aloof and uncaring. As a result, the people who are losing hair feel that their friends and families are failing to be supportive. This usually happens when hair first begins to fall out and thinning is not yet noticeable.

Sometimes, they are not taken seriously when they see a physician about their hair loss, thus adding to the problem. Many physicians don't realize the psychological impact caused by hair loss and so take the concerns of a patient losing his or her hair less seriously than they should.


Loss of Control

As there is no treatment that can stop hair loss instantly, people losing their hair occasionally feel that they are unable to control their condition. Over time, this feeling worsens and begins to affect the way they feel about their lives overall.