Long or short, straight or curly, up or down and everything in between, hairstyles allow men and women alike to reflect their personalities and sense of style to the world. How we wear our hair becomes a part of our identity, which is why hair loss resulting from illness or ageing can prove so traumatic, especially for women.

According to an article for News-press.com, published on December 14, 2015 Dr Andrea Cambio, of Cambio Dermatology in Cape Coral, Florida, states there are various types of hair loss that affect women. These include:

• Androgenic alopecia – gradual hair thinning that occurs with age;
• Telogen effluvium – hair shedding that can be due to a stressful event; and
• Traction alopecia – hair loss that occurs from the use of tight hairstyles.

In addition, hair loss resulting from illnesses such as cancer, thyroid disease, diabetes, kidney and liver disease affects women of any age.

For many patients undergoing cancer treatment, the process of hair loss is difficult, for it is often hard for one to overcome their personal attachment to their hair. The emotional reasons for people experiencing these difficulties include, whether or not they have been thoroughly informed about when and how to expect the hair loss; and in particular if an individual values their physical appearance.

According to Dr Cambio, maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle is the best way to combat hair loss. This includes maintaining a healthy hair routine by limiting exposure to heat, having regular trims and gently brushing the hair.

For those who do not experience any profound hair loss, avenues to make charitable contributions to improving the lives of those affected by hair loss do exist, including the work of Australian not-for-profit children’s charity Variety.Variety provides specialised wigs to children who have lost their hair due to health conditions, with the aim to encourage a sense of

Variety provides specialised wigs to children who have lost their hair due to health conditions, with the aim to encourage a sense of confidence, independence and self-esteem. In addition to granting wigs, Variety also takes donations of hair to assist children whose families would otherwise be unable to afford a wig.