Hair loss can happen at any stage of life, and it can be a real confidence knock when it appears seemingly out of nowhere.
With three in four women and two in five men in the UK saying they worry about shedding hair, an expert has shared tips for reversing and slowing this process.
Some causes of hair loss are out of our control – such as genetics, seasonal changes, medication or menopause – while others we can manage, such as stress and overall health.
Hair care can also make a meaningful difference to the condition of your mane, including how much shedding you will experience.
Hair loss can knock confidence, but there are some ways to manage it
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GETTYAyesha Bashir, prescribing pharmacist and hair loss expert, shared advice on what you shouldn’t do if you start to lose your hair, and how you can improve symptoms.
She said: “It’s best to steer clear of quick fixes or harsh treatments that promise instant results. Avoid crash diets, as when you drastically cut calories, your body shifts energy toward vital organs (brain, heart, immune system) and away from things like hair growth.
“As a result, more hairs enter the ‘resting’ (telogen) phase, leading to increased shedding.”
Instead, eat a well-balanced diet rich in iron, protein, zinc, and Vitamin D, as this is key for the health of your hair – “these nutrients help keep your hair follicles healthy and encourage regrowth”.
Bashir added: “If blood tests show a deficiency, supplements can help. However, supplements aren’t always necessary, and taking high doses ‘just in case’ can sometimes make things worse.”
When it comes to hair care, less is more. Be gentle with your locks when styling, and avoid using too many products or washing too frequently.
Bashir said: “Gentle hair care makes a big difference, so it’s important to avoid using too much heat, tight hairstyles, or chemical treatments while your hair is recovering. Using mild, sulphate-free nourishing shampoos and keeping your scalp clean and hydrated supports new growth.
“It is important to note that while over-washing can strip the scalp of natural oils, washing infrequently can have the opposite effect and lead to buildup that may block hair follicles, increase inflammation, and contribute to excess shedding.”
Washing your hair too often and with harsh shampoos can be detrimental to your hair health, and dry shampoo can have a similar effect. The expert continued: “While dry shampoo can be convenient between washes, overuse may cause residue to accumulate on the scalp; therefore, aim to wash your hair every three days to maintain a healthy balance.
The products you use and how you care for your hair around washing can make a big difference
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GETTY“Lifestyle factors like good sleep, hydration, and managing stress all help your body bounce back faster. In most cases, hair regrowth happens naturally once the underlying cause or medication side effect settles.”
Going grey is another common hair concern, with many debating whether they should do so naturally or if they should colour their silver locks.
A hairdresser shared their “biggest advice” for achieving a youthful colour at any age, recommending regular colour consultations.