Female Hair Loss

QUESTION: How can I cope with female hair loss?

ANSWER:

Coping with female hair loss can be more difficult than when men face this process. After all, the Bible refers to a woman’s hair as her crowning glory. A girl’s appearance to others has been a major part of her maturing process. Our society dictates it; industries of cosmetics and fashion have created empires on it.

Hair loss can be the result of the aging process, hair damage, trauma, illness, menopause or a genetic form of balding known as female pattern hair loss. "Hair loss not only robs a woman of her sense of style, but oftentimes her sense of self-esteem and her security -- it can be very devastating," says Michael Reed, MD, New York University Medical Center.

If you are experiencing hair loss, you may feel your self-worth and self-identity being threatened. Help is out there for you; there are many treatments and procedures available through your personal physician. But if you find you can't cope with the change in your appearance, a wig is a possible and logical solution, particularly if you are waiting for a treatment to take effect.

We each need to recognize and cling to the assurance that our value and worth do not come from our outward appearances. It is what is on the inside that truly makes us who and what we are. It is by that inward confidence that we achieve success, balance in life, and meaningful relationships.

These verses can remind us that our significance is not in ourselves but in our relationships with God.

1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

James 4:7-10 says to humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Micah 6:8 says, “No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

1 Samuel 16:7 says, “...People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person's thoughts and intentions.”