Hair Loss Bournemouth confirms:

Over 1 in 5 British women worry about losing their hair

MEDIA RELEASE

FEBRUARY 2014: There is much media speculation about celebrities who appear to suffer from hair loss - not to mention TV presenter Gail Porter and MP Nadine Dorries who have gone public about their alopecia. And now, research* for Hair Loss Bournemouth reveals that over 1 in 10 women in Britain have suffered from hair loss and more than 1 in 5 worry constantly about losing their locks.

Simone Thomas, owner of Hair Loss Bournemouth, lost her own hair twice before the age of 30. She has since become a specialist in hair extensions and hair loss systems and is not surprised by the results of the research she commissioned. "The statistics also highlight the fact that nearly a quarter of all British women worry about thinning hair and over a third of those aged 16 to 24 are concerned about losing their crowning glories," says Simone.

"I decided to commission this research because I know from experience that a huge percentage of women suffer from hair thinning or hair loss and I wanted to prove that these really are major issues for women, from teenagers to seniors," she explained.

Famous singers such as Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and Sinead O'Connor have been named as celebrities who suffer from alopecia - which can be hereditary, or the result of stress or hormone issues. Recently, reality star Kim Kardashian hit the headlines as her hair showed signs of bald patches which can be caused by alopecia. However, Simone Thomas believes that the 33-year-old's problem may be the result of poor hair extensions or an inappropriate hair weave. Over a quarter of 16 to 24-year-olds wear hair extensions and Simone stressed the importance of seeking a qualified professional for these, as well as for weaves.

The research for Hair Loss Bournemouth also revealed that 20% of all women wear hair accessories to disguise thin hair. This can be caused by a range of illnesses including thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, psoriasis, Lupus and Crohn's disease. For nearly a quarter of the female population, thinning hair is a bigger worry than potentially serious health issues such as fragile bones and high blood pressure. Plus, nearly 10% of women have experimented with wigs.

Many well-known individuals, including Jennifer Saunders and Kylie Minogue, have lost their hair during treatment for cancer. Plus, childbirth followed by a diet that results in rapid weight loss can trigger thinning hair.

"Thinning hair, bald patches or total hair loss undermines a woman's confidence and results in her feeling less feminine - less of a woman," says Simone. "On the other hand, having a ‘good hair day' thanks to freshly washed hair or going to the hairdresser is a positive boost. Every woman knows that - it is not rocket science! And it's a huge reward for me when I am able to give a balding woman that great feeling again thanks to my bespoke hair systems."

Simone lost her own hair through alopecia and cancer - experiences that led to her present professional status. She moved to Bournemouth from London and opened her first salon, MWAH - Makeup, Wigs & Hair, 18 months ago. MWAH is now also the base for Hair Loss Bournemouth.

Simone's business provides professional makeup services, hair extensions and hair loss replacement to clients all over the UK and Europe. She sources the best-available products and techniques and is becoming known as a leading hair systems innovator.

Simone and her staff also give training in the art of hair care at the Lewis Manning Hospice in Poole, Dorset. The charity offers free specialist palliative nursing care to around 650 local people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

A new website -www.hairlossbournemouth.co.uk - details all the services and advice available as a result of Simone's own experience of how hair loss can dramatically affect a woman's looks and ability to live life to the full. Hair loss is always going to be a traumatic experience for any woman but Hair Loss Bournemouth means there is now a specialist service run by someone who knows just what it is like to be bald.

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*Survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Hair Loss Bournemouth

Photos: Before and after of a client suffering hair loss

For further information about Hair Loss Bournemouth visit:www.hairlossbournemouth.co.ukor T/: 01202 760 003.

Note to Editors: Simone Thomas is available for interview

To arrange an interview or for more details please contact Jane Adkins at A Head for PR T/: 01935 813114; E/:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk