Hair loss in women: why it is different and how to approach it

Hair loss in women: why it is different from hair loss in men

Hair loss in women is usually diffuse: hair loses density evenly across the whole scalp, especially around the parting, instead of concentrating at the temples and crown, as often happens in men.

It also rarely leaves completely bare patches and often has more than one cause at the same time: hormonal changes, diet, stress or styling habits. Understanding these differences is the first step to choosing the right care and not using solutions designed for a different problem.

How to tell whether your hair shedding is normal or needs attention

Losing between 50 and 100 hairs a day is considered normal and is part of the natural hair renewal cycle. What matters is not finding hair in your brush, but spotting sustained changes.

In women, loss of density tends to be gradual and quiet, which is why many notice it late. These are some signs worth watching:

• The amount of hair you shed increases for several weeks in a row.
• Your parting looks wider than before.
• Your ponytail is thinner or feels less full.
• Your scalp shows through more under direct light.

Hormonal changes and hair loss in women

Hormones are one of the key differences. Stages such as the postpartum period, perimenopause and menopause are associated with changes in the amount and quality of hair.

During pregnancy, many women notice their hair feels fuller; after giving birth, hormone levels change and noticeable shedding for a few months is common, and in most cases it is temporary. During menopause, falling oestrogen levels can make hair finer and less voluminous. If you want to learn more, read our article on menopause and hair loss.

Thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome or some changes in hormonal contraception can also play a part. When hair loss comes with other symptoms, such as cycle changes or unusual tiredness, it is a good idea to have it assessed by a professional.

Stress, restrictive diets and other common triggers

Intense stress and very restrictive diets are among the most common triggers of temporary hair loss in women.

After a period of severe stress, an illness or surgery, a larger than usual number of hairs can move into the shedding phase. This is known as telogen effluvium and is usually noticed two to three months after the event that caused it. We explain it in more detail in our article on stress and hair loss.

Rapid weight loss and a low intake of iron or protein are also linked to weaker hair. Some habits add to this: very tight hairstyles, frequent use of straighteners and harsh dyes increase breakage and make hair look thinner.

Why female hair loss needs its own approach

Because it is usually diffuse and has several causes, hair loss in women is rarely solved with a single measure. The useful thing is to look at the whole picture.

That means reviewing your diet, looking after your sleep and stress levels, treating your hair gently and, if your doctor considers it appropriate, having a blood test to check iron levels, thyroid function or certain vitamins. Products designed for the male pattern do not always suit the needs of the female body, so it makes sense to choose care formulated for women.

Nutrition and food supplements for women's hair

A varied and balanced diet is the foundation, and a food supplement can provide support when your diet does not cover all your needs.

Biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, and iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin. Xpecia Mujer is a food supplement formulated for women that combines these nutrients with folic acid, vitamin B5, amino acids such as L-cystine and L-methionine, keratin and plant extracts of saw palmetto and ginkgo biloba. The daily dose is 2 tablets, preferably with a meal.

Bear in mind that food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet, nor are they a medical treatment. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision, and if you take anticoagulants or have a health condition, check with your doctor first.

When to see a dermatologist

See a dermatologist or doctor if hair loss is intense or sudden, if hair falls out in clumps or in specific areas, or if you notice itching, pain, redness or flaking on your scalp.

It is also advisable to book an appointment if hair loss comes with other symptoms, such as persistent tiredness or changes in your menstrual cycle. A specialist can order tests to rule out thyroid problems or iron deficiency and advise you on the right treatment for your case. The sooner the cause is identified, the easier it is to address.

Frequently asked questions about hair loss in women

Why am I losing so much hair after giving birth?

After giving birth, the hormone levels that kept more hairs in the growth phase during pregnancy change, and many of those hairs then shed at the same time. It is common to notice this for a few months and it is usually temporary. If shedding is very intense or lasts a long time, see a dermatologist or doctor.

How many hairs a day is it normal for a woman to lose?

Losing between 50 and 100 hairs a day is considered normal and is part of the hair renewal cycle. The warning signs are a sustained increase over several weeks, a parting that keeps getting wider, a thinner ponytail or a scalp that shows through more under the light.

Can stress cause hair loss in women?

Yes. A period of intense stress, an illness or surgery can cause more hairs than usual to move into the shedding phase. This condition, called telogen effluvium, usually appears two to three months after the trigger and in many cases is temporary once the cause has been resolved.

Which vitamins and minerals matter for women's hair?

Biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, and iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin. Ideally, you get them from a varied diet; a food supplement formulated for women can provide support when your diet does not cover all your needs.

When should I see a dermatologist about hair loss?

It is worth seeing a dermatologist or doctor if hair loss is intense or sudden, if hair falls out in clumps or in specific areas, or if you notice itching, pain or flaking. Also if it comes with persistent tiredness or cycle changes, to rule out thyroid problems or a lack of iron.