Raising a Topic Women Want to Ignore

Dr Eleni Yiasemides, consultant dermatologist, shares tips for pharmacists in supporting customers who are experiencing signs of thinning hair

“Female pattern hair loss is a highly emotional condition for women,” said Dr Yiasemides. “Pharmacy is often their first point of call and pharmacists are in a position to provide quality advice on treatment options”.

1 in 3 women notice hair thinning or loss after the age of 30. This can also start any time from puberty onwards with a second peak in the peri-menopausal period.

“Because female pattern hair loss and thinning hair can cause emotional distress and can greatly affect a woman’s self-esteem, staff should be supportive and knowledgeable when speaking with these customers.
Here are five tips in identifying and assisting with a patient who may have hair thinning or hair loss:
#1 Raising a sensitive topic:
Customers who are browsing hair thickening products, boosting serums, scalp revitalisers in the hair care aisle may be looking for a quick fix that only temporarily thickens hair. In some cases, women may send their husbands or partners to collect the products for them. To gently raise the topic of hair thinning or hair loss with the customer, ask how their current treatment is working and whether they are feeling satisfied with the current condition of their hair?
#2 Identifying symptoms:
Most people lose between 50-100 hairs a day, which is considered normal hair loss. People who consistently experience loss or shedding of more hairs a day may be experiencing significant loss. Early signs of loss can include build-up of hair in the hairbrush or shower drain, on the bed pillow or clothing and visible changes when styling such as hair clips feeling loser or wrapping elastic ties more times around hair.
#3 The underlying cause:
Female pattern hair loss is a genetic condition that can be inherited from either the mother or father’s side. Customers with this condition can have normal hormone levels and are otherwise well.
#4 Treatments:
Early treatment leads to the best long-term results. Hair shampoos, styling, colouring hair and the like also makes no difference. Most dermatologists recommend topical Minoxidil 5%, such as Women’s REGAINE® Foam concentration applied once daily. Customers are reminded that this non-greasy formula does not interfere with styling and can be used in conjunction with other styling products to easily fit into a hair care routine.
#5 When to refer to a specialist:
It is important to determine whether self-treatment is appropriate and whether the cause of the hair loss has been identified. If the patient has experienced increased sudden hair loss then they should be encouraged to see their GP or dermatologist for further evaluation.

Women’s REGAINE® Foam

Women’s REGAINE® Foam, the first and only clinically proven foam to regrow hair for women, has officially launched in Australia. Women’s REGAINE® Foam reactivates hair follicles and stimulates hair regrowth with clinically proven results in as little as 12 weeks*.

Clinical studies show that with once daily use of Women’s REGAINE® 81% of women experiencing thinning hair associated with hereditary hair loss regrew hair, and new hair were up to 48% thicker**.

This innovation is a welcomed treatment for women who are looking to address the cause of thinning hair, rather than apply a cosmetic, quick fix. Unlike products that temporarily thicken hair, Women’s REGAINE® targets the root of the problem, reenergizes and revitalizes hair follicles. Women’s REGAINE® Foam doesn’t interfere with styling and comes in an elegant foam formula that can easily fit into any hair care routine. The product is available in pharmacies nationwide without prescription.

For more information, visit www.regaine.com.au/women