Female Hair Loss: Why More Women are Asking Dermatologists for Help

Whether it’s acne, sun damage, rosacea or signs of ageing, dermatology covers a wide spectrum of concerns. But lately, one condition has been taking center stage in both clinics and conversation: female pattern hair loss.
At Dermatica, we’ve seen a sharp rise in women seeking help for hair thinning, excessive shedding and bald patches. And while many brands treat the journey to thicker hair as cosmetic, for those affected, hair loss can be deeply personal — impacting a person’s confidence, identity and emotional wellbeing.
Yet for a condition that’s so common, getting clear, evidence-based answers can still feel frustratingly hard to find.

Hair loss is common. But why is it so complex?

Up to 58% of women and 80% of men will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime. But understanding why it’s happening and how to treat it is rarely straightforward.

Hair loss can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:

– Genetics (e.g. androgenetic alopecia)
– Hormonal shifts (such as menopause or postpartum changes)
– Stress or trauma (telogen effluvium)
– Nutrient deficiencies
– Scalp inflammation or autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata
– Styling damage, like traction alopecia from tight hairstyles
– UV exposure, pollution and oxidative stress
– Overwashing

Many of us also overlook the role of the hair growth cycle, which includes the anagen, catagen and telogen phases. Disruptions to this cycle can cause increased shedding or it can stall growth.

To sum up: there are many potential causes, and often more than one factor can play a role. This means getting the right diagnosis, and treating it effectively, is essential for the best chance of success.

Why hair loss is harder to treat. Especially for women.

Despite how widespread it is, hair loss often falls through the cracks in healthcare. In the UK, there are 1340 consultant dermatologists for a population of over 67 million. As a result, access to scalp assessments, scalp biopsies or in-depth treatment plans can take months. [1]
This leaves many people turning to over-the-counter solutions — often without clarity on what’s truly effective.

All talk and no growth

From protein shampoos to rosemary oil, the hair loss industry is flooded with the latest trending ingredient. Some, like caffeine, show promise in early studies. But few are supported by large-scale clinical trials. [2]
Historically, most research has focused on male pattern alopecia, leaving women underserved and often targeted by expensive, ineffective products: a classic case of the pink tax.

Hair loss conditions we treat

At Dermatica, our expert dermatology team focuses on non-scarring alopecias that respond well to medical treatments, including:

– Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss
– Chronic telogen effluvium
– General hair growth and thickening of the hair

We don’t currently treat traction alopecia, or types of scarring alopecia like central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) or folliculitis decalvans. These often require care via in-person dermatology clinics.

Choosing an evidence-first treatment

There are several medically approved treatments for hair loss, such as:

– Topical minoxidil
– Oral minoxidil
– Finasteride (for men only)

Why scalp health matters

A healthy hair shaft starts with a nourished hair follicle — and none of that is possible without a healthy scalp.
The scalp is often neglected in routine skincare, yet it’s vulnerable to the same issues as facial skin: dryness, irritation, inflammation, buildup. Over time, this can disrupt the hair growth cycle and contribute to increased shedding.

Can supplements help?

Yes, but they should support, rather than replace, your treatment plan.
We recommend supplements designed to support healthy hair growth, such as:

– Biotin – supports keratin production in the hair shaft [6]
– Marine collagen – helps maintain structural proteins in hair and skin [7]
– Vitamin D – a deficiency in this vitamin is linked to telogen effluvium and excess hair shedding [8]

Our Collagen Complex is designed to complement your hair journey, helping support healthy hair, skin and nails.

Female hair loss deserves better answers

Hair loss is still one of the most frustrating concerns in dermatology. But evidence-based care is possible.
Whether your symptoms are linked to hormones, stress, or your immune system, we’re here to help you get clarity and real support.
Find out if our hair loss treatment is right for you via our website.

References

1. BAD Workforce Strategy 2024 Transformation and Quality Improvement Unit (TQIU) [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://cdn.bad.org.uk/uploads/2024/09/10155752/BAD-Workforce-Strategy-Report-Sept-2024.pdf
2. Ewelina Szendzielorz, Spiewak R. Caffeine as an Active Molecule in Cosmetic Products for Hair Loss: Its Mechanisms of Action in the Context of Hair Physiology and Pathology. Molecules. 2025 Jan 4;30(1):167–7.
3. Al Aboud AM, Zito PM. Alopecia [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538178/
4. Ho CH, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2019. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
5. Bhat YJ, Saqib NU -, Latif I, Hassan I. Female Pattern Hair Loss—An Update. Indian Dermatology Online Journal [Internet]. 2020 Jul 13 [cited 2021 Dec 1];11(4):493–501. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7413422/
6. Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders [Internet]. 2017;3(3):166–9. Available from: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/462981#
7. Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2022 Oct 7;23(19):11904. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36233206/
8. Saini K, Mysore V. Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021 Sep 22;20(11):3407–14.