Thick, lustrous, healthy hair is a desirable look for most women. So, when hair begins to thin or even fall out, it can be a traumatic event.
Thirty million American women are affected by alopecia, or hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Those who suffer from this condition report a diminished quality of life including significant loss of self-esteem, being introverted, feeling less attractive and tense feelings in public places.
"When women lose their hair, it can be pretty traumatic," said Jamie Estes, master cosmetologist at Riversong Salon and Spa in Jefferson City. "It has a direct effect on their self-esteem. They don't want to wear a wig; they just want their hair back to what they are used to."
"If hair loss is genetic, the odds of us bringing the hair back is very poor," said Marilyn Sharpe, owner of Merrell University of Beauty Arts and Science. "If we can catch it when the hair loss is just starting, then we can maintain the hair longer so that the loss is slowed down, but we can't stop it completely."