Hair loss affects 8 million women in the UK – here’s our A to Z guide to dealing with it
MILLIONS of women in the UK suffer from hair loss, but the endless array of ‘solutions’ can be overwhelming.
From serums to scrubs, treatments to cuts, there are countless solutions to hair loss. But how many are actually effective?
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While videos of influencers letting their hair fly away are circulating on social media, videos are also surfacing of women eating gelatin and using red light brushes in their quest for thicker, healthier hair.
Given that it affects so many women, female hair loss isn’t discussed – or explained – as often as it should be.
Below you will find everything you need to know about the causes, claims, treatments and solutions of hair loss.
The A to Z of Hair Loss
A stands for… age.
It is perfectly normal for hair to gradually thin on your scalp as you age. For women, a drop in estrogen as you approach menopause can further shrink hair follicles and contribute to slowed hair growth. HRT is now recommended as a solution.
B stands for…fracture.
Strands that are heat styled, chemically colored, or over-brushed are more prone to breakage. Less heat and coloring protects new growth from breakage, while most products described as “strengthening and repairing” temporarily fill in the damaged gaps in the hair shaft, preventing that dreaded breakage.
C stands for… caffeine.
According to trichologist Hannah Gaboardi, some studies suggest that caffeine, when applied topically, can stimulate hair follicles and counteract the effects of DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss). However, clinical evidence for this is still limited.
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Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements, £56.99
D stands for…shortages
You can’t always give your hair the nutrients it needs through diet alone. A blood test by your GP or trichologist will detect any hair-essential vitamins or minerals you’re lacking, such as vitamin D or iron, which are also found in Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements, £56.99.
E stands for… exosomes
AKA stem cells, exosomes stimulate the growth of hair follicle cells. It’s pricey, but we saw impressive results with the Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System At-home Kit, £315, a regenerative serum made from the umbilical cord stem cells of red deer (no Bambis were harmed!).
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Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum, £42
F stands for… hair follicles.
These need to be healthy for hair to grow. Exfoliate your scalp regularly to remove build-up. We recommend a good clarifying treatment and using Straand Exfoliating Scalp Brush, £14, followed by a probiotic toner – we love Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum, £42.
G stands for… growth cycle.
This consists of three phases: growth, rest, and shedding. Hair loss can occur when something (e.g. hormones, shock, or stress) causes hair to accelerate too quickly from growth to shedding, resulting in temporary excessive shedding about three months after the event – this is called telogen effluvium.
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Hello Klean Purifying Shower Head, £65
H stands for… hard water
The high mineral content in hard water can weaken the pH balance of your scalp, causing dryness and irritation, which can lead to thinning hair. Try a water-softening shower head such as Hello Klean Purifying Shower Head, £65.
I stands for…disease.
There is an entire encyclopedia of medical conditions that can cause temporary telogen effluvium. These include thyroid problems, polycystic ovaries, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, plus medications for conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
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J is for… jelly
Several TikTokers have documented their #Jellojourney, claiming that a daily cube of gelatin can help hair growth. However, Hannah says there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.
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Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £7.65
K stands for… ketoconazole
This is an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory ingredient found in anti-dandruff shampoos such as Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £7.65. Small studies have also linked it to improvements in hair growth.
L stands for… LED light
Red light therapy increases energy at a cellular level, creating more fuel for cell renewal. The current Body Skin LED Hair Regrowth Helmet, £650, is expensive but clinically proven and uses medical-grade light to reduce inflammation, boost circulation and increase hair count by 33% in 16 weeks of daily use – impressive!
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Current Body Skin LED Hair Restoration Helmet, £650
M stands for… male pattern baldness
This is genetic hair loss that presents as a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown, while female pattern baldness typically involves thinning across the top of the scalp. Both can be treated with prescription medications.
N stands for… needles
Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) separates and injects a sample of your own blood to stimulate hair follicles with growth factors for long-lasting results. It starts at around £300 per session, with 3-4 sessions required, each one a month apart, with annual maintenance sessions.
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Bouclème silk turban, £42
O stands for…overnight stay
While we sleep, our bodies go into repair mode, meaning it’s important to get a good night’s sleep to promote hair growth. Additionally, the friction between your head and pillowcase can cause breakage, which can be easily prevented by wearing a silk turban, such as Bouclème Silk Turban, £42.
P stands for… peptides
These are AKA amino acids – the building blocks of proteins (which our hair is largely made of). Apply them topically, via products such as Typebea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide, £43can help improve elasticity and reduce breakage.
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Typebea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide, £43
Q stands for… quantity
A small amount of hair loss per day (50-100 hairs) is completely normal.
R stands for… Regaine
This is the brand name for minoxidil, the only clinically proven topical treatment for hair loss. GPs can prescribe it, or you can buy it from a chemist – try Regaine For Women Once A Day Scalp Foam, £35.
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Regaine For Women Once Daily Scalp Foam, £50
S stands for…surgery
Hair transplant surgery moves hair follicle grafts from one part of the scalp to the area that needs to grow. But it’s not cheap – expect to pay between £1,000 and £30,000.
T stands for… time
Your hair grows between 0.5 and 1.7 cm per month, so patience is a virtue.
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Briogeo’s Superfood Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Leave-In Spray, £22.50
You stand for… UV
Excessive sun exposure can break down the hair’s protective lipid layer, making it more susceptible to breakage. Protect your locks the same way you would your skin with Briogeo’s Superfood Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Leave-In Spray, £22.50.
V stands for… viral hacks
#Rosemaryoil has been viewed over 204 million times on TikTok, with users praising its hair growth superpowers. “It contains carnosic acid, which has the potential to improve scalp circulation and growth,” says Hannah.
W stands for… wear
The tension from tight hairstyles and extensions can permanently damage hair follicles, so relax!
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Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment, £26
X stands for…xylose
This is a sugar found in some heat protection products, such as Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment, £26. It coats the strands to evenly distribute the heat from styling tools.
Y stands for… year
It should take this long for hair loss to return after giving birth.
Z stands for… zinc
This element is found in red meat, milk, cheese and peanuts. A deficiency can cause hair loss and breakage, which is why many hair supplements contain it.
