If we thought we were finally enlightened enough to move beyond judging people’s worth based on their physical attributes, the recent Oscars episode between Chris Rock and Will Smith proved otherwise.
It was hard to miss it, but if you were lucky enough to escape the viral video, here’s a rundown: Chris Rock made a crude joke to a worldwide audience about Jada Pinkett Smith’s balding head. The joke angered her partner, Will Smith, so deeply that he responded by physically assaulting Rock.
Though Smith was rightfully held accountable for his actions, Rock’s joke reminded us that hurtful biases about women’s bodies persist. Our appearance, our weight, and even how gracefully we age continue to be under a spotlight.
Half of women experience hair loss
Until then, I’d considered balding primarily a male problem. It turns out that’s not true. Although male pattern baldness is more prolific, a recently published study found that 52% of post-menopausal women also suffer from female pattern hair loss, commonly referred to as androgenetic alopecia.
I decided to ask my stylist about it when I saw her for a long overdue haircut. I’m getting close to menopause and my hair has always been incredibly fine and prone to falling out. I wondered if I should be concerned.
“It’s actually fairly common,” she confirmed. “I have a lot of female clients who are thinning. Sometimes, it can really affect their self-esteem.”
The research proves this is true: not only do more than half of older women have female pattern hair loss, but the vast majority of those who do also endure social stigmatization. A 1994 study found that nearly 90% of female hair loss sufferers experienced negative effects in their daily lives, including negative self-esteem and social problems.
More recently, a 2020 systematic literature review confirmed that hair loss can cause stigmatization and have a severe impact on quality of life. Despite this, treatments have historically been limited.
Newer therapies
When my stylist confirmed my fears that my hair was starting to show signs of thinning, I asked her what she recommended. I’m glad I did, because it turns out that early intervention is best. This enables treatments to limit the progression of hair loss before total restoration is required.
One of the newer treatments available is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a process by which your own blood is drawn and platelets are separated out in a centrifuge before being injected back into targeted areas. It’s already showing a lot of promise in a wide variety of applications, from musculoskeletal injuries to post-surgical healing to cosmetic applications in hair loss and skin rejuvenation.
After blowing out my freshly-cut bob, my stylist gave me the name of a reputable local clinic to call. Form Medical Aesthetics is a beautiful new facility in Winnipeg, founded by doctors who provide medical-level treatments. Led by Medical Director Dr. Corinne Paterson, her team of physicians and nurses care deeply about their clients, only offering services with proven effectiveness, like PRP.
PRP gets results
Though research is still emerging, numerous studies have confirmed PRP as a promising option for hair loss in both men and women. A small study noted high patient satisfaction and increased hair count from just four sessions. Another study demonstrated significant increases in hair count and density as well as a higher percentage of anagen hairs in their growth phase.
When researchers specifically looked at female subjects, they found improvements in hair density and diameter with no adverse effects. This is great news for women who are feeling stigmatized by hair thinning or loss.
What to expect
When I called Form, they were professional and welcoming. In addition to hair loss, the clinic also offers PRP injections to treat other concerns like erectile dysfunction and osteoarthritis. They recommended I book a complementary consultation to determine the best treatment plan for my concern. After consultation, they recommended a series of six treatments, and suggested combining this with blue light therapy from a specialized helmet to get optimal results.
The process begins with a blood draw, followed by the strategic re-injection of isolated platelets into your scalp. There’s some discomfort at the injection site for about 48 hours after treatment, though not enough to require anesthetic or other interventions.
Because they use your own blood, allergic reactions and other complications are extremely rare. Treatments can be safely and effectively provided in a comfortable spa setting by trained medical practitioners. Each appointment lasts about 45 minutes and client testimonials rave about the results.
Supportive care
Having safe spaces to talk about concerns like hair loss and to seek effective, medical-grade treatments like PRP is an important step in overcoming our insecurities and eliminating the experience of stigmatization.
What makes Form Medical Aesthetics so special is that Dr. Paterson and her team understand the profound impact a lack of self-esteem can have on quality of life. They know that beauty is more than skin-deep but recognize the value of feeling good about how we’re seen by others. They don’t just offer treatments; they offer ways to invest in ourselves.
I haven’t been subjected to the unacceptable level of cruelty Jada Pinkett Smith had to face. Still, I find it reassuring to know that when I’m lacking confidence, Form is ready with effective treatments to help me present my best self to the world.
