Hair loss in women: causes and what you can do
Childbirth, the pill, menopause, iron deficiency or genetics: how to find out what's behind your hair loss, and how to care for your hair now.
Hair loss in women usually has one of four causes: hormonal changes, a hereditary predisposition, a strain such as stress or an infection, or a nutrient deficiency, above all iron. Much of this is temporary, and there's quite a lot you can do for your hair.
The most common causes
| Cause | Typical pattern |
|---|---|
| After childbirth | Usually two to four months after giving birth, often noticeably more hair loss for weeks. Usually resolves on its own. |
| Stopping or changing the pill | Increased hair loss possible a few weeks to months afterwards |
| Menopause | Hair becomes finer overall, often at the parting |
| Hereditary predisposition | Slowly widening parting, front hairline usually stays intact |
| Iron deficiency | Diffuse hair loss, often together with tiredness |
| Thyroid | Both an overactive and an underactive thyroid can trigger hair loss |
| Stress, infection, diet | Diffuse hair loss two to three months after the trigger |
Hormonal: childbirth, the pill, menopause
During pregnancy, many hairs stay in the growth phase for longer. After childbirth, they catch up on the switch, and a lot of hair falls out at once. That's alarming, but usually harmless: after a few months, hair growth generally returns to normal.
Something similar can happen after stopping or changing the pill. During the menopause, the hormone balance changes permanently, and for many women the hair becomes finer overall.
Hereditary: the thinning parting
Women can also have hereditary hair loss. It shows differently than in men: the hair becomes thinner mainly at the parting, and receding temples are rare. Many women first notice it from a thinner ponytail. More on this in Hereditary hair loss.
Diffuse: when the whole head is affected
If hair falls out evenly across the head, there's often a trigger behind it that happened two to three months earlier: severe stress, a feverish infection, an operation or a strict diet. An iron deficiency or a thyroid condition often shows up this way too.
What you can do
- Gentle care: Wash mildly, don't tug at wet hair, cut down on heat, avoid constantly tight ponytails and braids.
- Scalp care from the outside: Our Hairforte Spray for women with 2% Procapil cares for the scalp right at the roots, absorbs quickly and gives your hair more grip and volume.
- Nutrients from the inside: Zinc and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Xpecia tablets for women contain both, plus iron, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. You can get the spray and tablets together in the hair routine set for women.
- Be patient: Once the trigger has gone, it usually takes months for your hair to look fuller again. Take a photo of your parting every few weeks in the same light – that way you'll see changes better.
- Hair transplant: This can also be an option for a permanently thinning parting. More in FUE hair transplant.
You'll find care for thinning hair in our Hair loss category.
When should you see a doctor?
If your hair suddenly falls out heavily, or you suspect iron deficiency or your thyroid as the trigger, have it checked – a blood test often helps. For medical treatments, your dermatologist is the right place to go.
Frequently asked questions
Is hair loss after childbirth normal?
Yes, very common. It usually starts a few weeks to months after giving birth and generally improves on its own.
Can the pill cause hair loss?
Stopping or changing it can temporarily lead to more hair loss. This usually returns to normal after a few months.
How do I care for thinning hair?
Wash mildly, comb gently, use little heat and a scalp spray with Procapil that cares for the scalp at the roots. Add nutrients such as zinc and biotin, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair.
Will my hair grow back?
With hormonal and diffuse hair loss, usually yes, once the trigger has passed. With hereditary hair loss, a regular routine of scalp care and nutrients is worthwhile.
Summary
Hair loss in women is common and almost always has an identifiable cause. Find out what's behind it, treat your scalp to a regular care routine and give your hair time. You'll find an overview of all types in Hair loss: causes and types.