Female hair concerns with age
Authors: J. Gray
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2011)

As the fifth and supposedly ‘naked ape’, modern humans do not possess an all-encompassing, thick and pigmented pelage, other than in utero. Selection for shorter and finer (vellus) hair has resulted in scalp hair being the only hair remaining visible in any significant quantity. These specialized, so-called terminal hairs are capable of growing to a greater length than on any other mammal. In an age seemingly obsessed with celebrity and fashion, abundant hair on the female scalp has become an almost mandatory signal of youth, health and femininity. For that reason, a massive global industry has developed, which is exclusively devoted to its care and management. However, with the remorseless march of time, this glorious display may diminish in density and volume, resulting both in practical grooming and also psychological issues. The loss of density is now recognized as a genuine and quantifiable problem, but understanding where normal age-related loss ends, and disease begins, remains a conundrum for the physician. When current diagnostic criteria do not match their self-assessment, patients often feel frustrated and neglected and can resort to unsupported therapies. Terminal hairs are not completely confined to the scalp. While the onset of menarche leads to the development of terminal hairs in the expected secondary sexual areas (most notably axillae and genital areas), it can also lead to the development of terminal hairs in other areas such as the face and body. In many cultures, any extraneous terminal hair growth, and even growth in the secondary sexual areas, is regarded not only as undesirable but as personally and socially intolerable. For that reason, millions of women seek pharmacy, beautician or medical advice on this matter; however, they face a plethora of different options and many unsubstantiated regimens. Many more women are denied by economic circumstances from the more advanced therapies available in industrialized nations. Unlike conventional Hair Symposia, this Procter & Gamble sponsored meeting provided a forum for a world class faculty of dermatologists and scientists, who presented their diverse perspectives in all aspects of female scalp, facial and body hair issues. These proceedings summarize the oral presentations given at this symposium, and bring a number of new insights into the lifetime of the female hair cycle and the role that sex hormones (androgens and oestrogens) play in common female hair loss disorders. Comprehensive reviews of the criteria for intervention in female pattern hair loss will be of inestimable help to practising dermatologists in deciding on the best available treatment options. The practical aspects of managing extraneous facial and body hair, including an evidence-based assessment of office and home laser devices is presented, bringing a new level of clarity to this evolving field. An update of the latest research from Procter & Gamble scientists offers insights into the technologies behind the next generation of cosmetic hair care and hair management products and their place in the dermatologist’s armamentarium. To the casual observer, research in this field of hair may appear to have stagnated in recent years. However, as Mark Twain remarked, ‘reports of my death may be exaggerated’. This publication illustrates that in the 4 years since the last World Congress of Dermatology the field is very much alive, with the collaboration of some of the world’s leading dermatologists and industry scientists bringing benefits to millions of women around the world. Financial support for publication of this supplement was provided by Procter & Gamble. J. G. is a medical consultant for Procter & Gamble.