Hair loss in women: Causes and effective treatments

Anagen phase – the growth phase

The anagen phase is the hair’s active growth phase.

The majority of the hairs on the scalp are usually in this phase. A single hair can remain in the growth phase for several years, and the length of this period varies from person to person.

How long an individual hair remains in the growth phase determines how long it can grow.

Catagen phase

The catagen phase is a short transitional phase between the growth phase and the resting phase.

During this phase, the hair’s active growth gradually stops, and the hair follicle undergoes natural changes as part of the hair cycle.

Only a small proportion of hairs are normally in this phase at any one time.

Telogen phase

The telogen phase is the hair’s resting phase.

After a period in this phase, the hair will naturally be shed, after which a new hair cycle can begin.

Various factors affecting the body can, in some cases, mean that more hairs than usual enter the resting phase at the same time. Consequently, increased hair shedding may also occur some time after the event that has affected the body.

The hair growth cycle illustrates how hair moves from the anagen phase to the catagen phase and on to the telogen phase.

Are you losing more hair than usual?

It is completely natural to lose hair every day.

It is often stated that around 50–100 hairs a day can be normal, but the exact number varies. If you have long or thick hair, the same amount of hair loss may also appear more pronounced.

The most important thing is therefore often to be aware of changes compared to what is normal for you personally.

If you suddenly start shedding significantly more hair than before, notice obvious thinning or develop bald patches, you should contact your doctor.

I’m suddenly losing more hair – what could be the cause?

Some women may experience a sudden period of increased hair shedding.

One possible cause could be telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual enter the resting phase at the same time.

This can be triggered by, amongst other things:

• serious or prolonged illness
• significant physical or mental stress
• rapid weight loss
• pregnancy and childbirth
• certain medical treatments or types of medication

The hair loss may occur some time after the triggering event.

Hairbrush full of hair

What are the most common causes of hair loss in women?

Hair loss can have many different causes.

It is therefore important to understand the cause before deciding what to do next.

Hair loss can be linked to genetic, hormonal and environmental factors, amongst other things. There are many different causes of hair loss, and the cause can vary considerably from person to person.

If you are unsure of the cause of your hair loss, you should have it assessed by a doctor.

Hereditary hair loss in women

A common form of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss.

In this condition, the hair typically becomes gradually thinner, particularly on the top of the head.

Hereditary factors may play a role, and the condition generally becomes more prevalent with age.

If you are experiencing gradual thinning of your hair, your GP or a dermatologist can help assess what type of hair loss you are experiencing.

Some illnesses and conditions may also be linked to hair loss. If you suspect that your hair loss is due to an illness, you should therefore contact your GP.

Hair loss after stopping the contraceptive pill

The body’s hormonal balance can change when you start or stop taking hormonal contraception.

Some women may experience changes to their hair or a period of increased shedding as a result.

However, there can be many possible causes of hair loss. If you experience significant or persistent hair loss after stopping hormonal contraception, you should speak to your doctor.

Hair loss and psychological stress

Some people experience increased hair shedding during or after periods of significant physical or psychological stress.

You can read more about hair loss and stress.

The link between stress and hair loss can be complex, and changes to the hair may also occur some time after the actual period of stress.

Stress can also affect many other parts of the body and our general well-being.

If you feel stressed over a prolonged period or experience symptoms that worry you, you should contact your doctor.

Diet and hair

A varied and balanced diet is important for the body and is the primary source of vitamins and minerals.

A deficiency in certain nutrients can, in some cases, be linked to changes in the hair. However, this does not mean that hair loss is automatically caused by diet, or that increasing your intake of certain vitamins will solve the problem.

If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect a deficiency, you should speak to your doctor, who can assess whether any tests, such as blood tests, are required.

Regular exercise and a varied diet are also part of a generally healthy lifestyle.

Hair loss in women and nutritional deficiencies

A deficiency in certain vitamins or minerals may, in some cases, be linked to hair loss.

However, there can be many other causes of hair loss, and you should therefore not attempt to diagnose a vitamin or mineral deficiency based on the appearance of your hair alone.

If you suspect a nutritional deficiency, you should contact your doctor.

Hormones and hair loss in women

Hormonal changes can, in some women, be linked to changes in the hair.

This can occur, for example, during pregnancy.ancy, after childbirth, during the menopause or in connection with certain hormonal conditions.

However, it is not possible to determine the cause of hair loss based solely on the appearance of the hair.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hereditary hair loss that can affect both men and women.

In women, it often manifests as a gradual thinning of the hair on the top of the head.

In men, the pattern may look different and can manifest as, amongst other things, high temples.

If you are experiencing this type of thinning, a doctor or dermatologist can help make the correct diagnosis and advise you on your options.

Hair loss during and after pregnancy and childbirth

Many women experience changes to their hair during and after pregnancy.

After giving birth, more hair than usual may enter the resting phase, which can result in increased shedding a few months later.

For many, this type of hair loss is temporary.

It is also a good idea to focus on a varied and balanced diet.

Read more in our blog post about hair loss after pregnancy.

Hair loss during the menopause in women

The menopause brings about hormonal changes in the body, and some women experience changes in the thickness of their hair or increased shedding during this period.

However, there may be several causes for changes in the hair during the menopause.

If the hair loss is significant, sudden or worrying, you should contact your doctor.

What can you do if you’re experiencing hair loss?

There is no single hair care routine or cosmetic product that can solve all types of hair loss.

This is partly because hair loss can have very different causes.

The most important thing is therefore to have the underlying cause investigated if the hair loss is significant or persistent.

At the same time, you can take gentle care of your hair and try to minimise unnecessary wear and breakage.

Be mindful of hair products and tight hairstyles

Hair colouring, bleaching, frequent heat styling and tight hairstyles can put strain on the hair shaft itself.

Repeated mechanical or chemical stress can make the hair more prone to wear and breakage.

If your hair feels brittle, you may therefore wish to consider:

• limiting very frequent use of high heat
• using heat protection when styling with heat
• being careful with repeated bleaching
• varying very tight hairstyles
• handling your hair gently when it is wet
• choosing hair care products that suit your hair and scalp

You can also find inspiration in our guide to hairstyles for fine hair.

It is important to distinguish between hair that falls out from the hair follicle and strands of hair that break as a result of wear and tear. Cosmetic hair care can help to nourish the hair strand itself, but cannot necessarily address the underlying cause of hair loss.

You can also read our guide on shampoo and hair care for fine hair.

Shampoo and conditioner for your hair care routine (image)

Establish a good hair-washing routine

How often you should wash your hair depends, amongst other things, on your hair type, scalp, activity level and the styling products you use.

There is therefore no single washing frequency that suits everyone.

If your hair is fine or fragile, you should focus on a gentle hair care routine.

A routine could, for example, consist of:

• Shampoo suited to your hair type and scalp.
• Hair mask, if your hair needs extra cosmetic care.
• Conditioner, which can help nourish and soften the lengths of your hair.
• Hair serum, which can be used as a cosmetic care product for the hair and scalp.

The key is to choose products based on the needs of your hair and scalp, rather than expecting ordinary cosmetic hair care products to treat the underlying cause of hair loss.

A useful tip for hair care

Wet hair can be more sensitive to mechanical stress.

Therefore, avoid brushing too vigorously or tying your hair up too tightly whilst it is wet.

You should also be mindful of hair ties and accessories that pull or cause excessive friction on the hair.

Read more in our guide to hair ties.

Vitamins and minerals

A varied and balanced diet is the primary source of vitamins and minerals.

A range of vitamins and minerals have different functions in the body.

When it comes to hair, there are, amongst other things, authorised health claims for biotin and zinc:

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

Zinc helps maintain normal hair.

These claims do not mean that biotin or zinc treat hair loss, reduce hair loss or cause lost hair to grow back.

A dietary supplement can be used to complement your diet, but should not replace a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you should contact your doctor rather than attempting to diagnose a deficiency yourself.

You can read more about the hair’s natural growth cycle.

A varied diet is the body’s primary source of vitamins and minerals

Limit unnecessary damage from styling

Frequent use of very high heat can damage the hair shaft.

If you use a hairdryer, straighteners or curling tongs regularly, it may therefore be beneficial to be mindful of the temperature and use heat protection.

You can also let your hair air-dry when it fits into your routine.

At the same time, be gentle with your hair whilst it is wet, as the hair shaft can be more sensitive to mechanical stress at this stage.

Scalp massage as part of your hair care routine

Many people find scalp massage pleasant.

Massage can, for example, be a good way to work shampoo into the scalp whilst washing your hair and can provide a pleasant sensation on the scalp.

However, scalp massage should not be regarded as a treatment for or prevention of hair loss.

A scalp brush can be used as part of your regular hair care routine.

Look after yourself during periods of stress

If you’re feeling stressed, it may be a good idea to focus on sleep, taking breaks, exercise and activities that help you unwind.

These could include walks, meditation, yoga or other activities you find relaxing.

Stress can affect the body in many different ways, and some people also experience changes in their hair during or after prolonged periods of stress.

If you feel severely or persistently stressed, you should contact your doctor.

Find out more about the link between stress and hair

Your path to a gentle hair care routine

If your hair feels fine, brittle or prone to breakage, it’s a good idea to focus on a gentle hair care routine.

This might include:

• handling wet hair gently
• limiting very high heat
• using nourishing hair products suited to your hair type
• avoiding unnecessarily tight hairstyles
• eating a varied and balanced diet

Remember, however, that cosmetic hair care and the treatment of hair loss are two different things.

If you experience sudden, severe or persistent hair loss, you should contact your doctor to have the underlying cause investigated.

Product recommendations for a gentle hair care routine

If your hair feels fine, dry or brittle, the right hair care routine can help nourish your hair and protect it from unnecessary damage.

However, cosmetic products should not be regarded as a treatment for the underlying cause of hair loss.

Haircare for fine and brittle hair

The Grow & Glow range consists of shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and serum for the hair and scalp.

The products can be used as part of your regular haircare routine if you’re looking for care for fine or brittle hair, amongst other things.

The range contains a combination of nourishing ingredients and is formulated without sulphates or silicone.

Cosmetic hair care products can nourish the hair and scalp, but should not be regarded as a treatment for hair loss or as a substitute for medical advice.

You can find the Grow & Glow range right here.

Bamboo sleeping bonnet

Your hair is also exposed to friction whilst you sleep.

Contact between your hair and the pillow, for example, can contribute to tangling and cause mechanical wear.

A bamboo bonnet can help keep your hair gathered at night and reduce direct friction between your hair and the pillow.

This can be particularly relevant if your hair tangles easily, frizzes or is prone to breakage.

Find a bamboo bonnet right here.

Please note: This blog post contains general information about hair and hair loss and cannot replace individual advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or other healthcare professional.