Stop hair loss in women

In fact, around 40% of all women* are affected at some point in their lives. The good news: In many cases, hair loss can be stopped or at least significantly slowed down. The key is to understand the reasons for hair loss and treat them in a targeted way. In our article, you’ll learn what causes are behind it and what you can do about it.

The most common reasons for hair loss in women

Before we talk about solutions, it’s important to understand that hair loss in women can take many forms. Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) in women differs fundamentally from diffuse hair loss, while the causes of genetically determined hair loss can also be inherited by women, and hormonal hair loss affects many women during menopause. The fact is: each form requires a different approach. Below you’ll find an overview of the most common causes of hair loss in women.

• Hormonal changes: A common cause of hair loss in women is hormonal fluctuations. Especially during menopause, after pregnancy, or with thyroid problems, this delicate balance can be thrown off.
• Stress and nutrient deficiencies: Chronic stress or an unbalanced diet can lead to diffuse hair loss, also known in medical terms as telogen effluvium. Diffuse hair loss in women affects the entire scalp evenly. While acute diffuse hair loss often subsides on its own within six months, chronic hair loss requires targeted treatment.
• Mechanical strain: Tight hairstyles such as a ponytail, bun, or extensions can cause hair loss at the back of the head in women—a form known as traction alopecia.
• Genetic predisposition: Genetically determined hair loss in women, also called androgenetic alopecia, is hereditary and usually appears as gradual thinning at the crown and along the parting.

The Ludwig scale: Classification of androgenetic hair loss

To objectively assess hereditary hair loss in women, medical professionals use the Ludwig scale*. It was developed by Dr. Erich Ludwig and divides female hair loss into three clearly defined stages. Unlike in men, where receding hairlines tend to dominate, hair loss in women typically appears along the parting and at the crown. Here you’ll find a slightly simplified presentation of the different phases.

Stage I: Thinning is minimal and mainly affects the parting area. Many women notice it themselves, but it’s hardly visible from the outside. The scalp shows through slightly when you part your hair.

Stage II: Now hair loss at the crown becomes visible. The parting is noticeably wider, the scalp shows through more, and hair volume decreases significantly. At this stage, experts recommend taking action.

Stage III: The crown is almost bald and the scalp is fully visible. Thinning can extend across the entire head. The frontal hairline usually remains intact—this is what distinguishes female from male hair loss.

In reality, hair loss is rarely due to a single cause. Multiple factors often interact: genetic predisposition meets hormonal changes, and stress or a nutrient deficiency may be added to the mix. This combination puts strain on the hair follicles from several angles at once until they ultimately lose their ability to grow. That’s why it’s so important not only to address the symptoms, but to support the regeneration of the hair follicles holistically.

What really helps against hair loss in women?

You’ve probably heard countless promises: miracle shampoos, vitamin regimens, laser therapies. But what actually helps against hair loss? The answer is as individual as the cause itself.

Evidence-based solutions: the 8T3 Essentials approach.

The innovative 8T3 Essentials Hair Serum is based on one mechanism of action: the body’s own protein CD83 in soluble form (sCD83). Unlike hormonal treatments, 8T3 Essentials acts directly at the hair root. The protein regulates the immune system in the hair follicle and activates regeneration processes where hair loss begins. This hormone-free approach is particularly suitable for women who do not want systemic hormone therapies to promote hair regeneration.

Against hair loss in women: home remedies and plant-based active ingredients.

Many women are interested in natural approaches to hair loss. In fact, there are some home remedies whose effects have been examined in studies. Rosemary oil, for example, has shown a scalp blood-flow–promoting effect in scientific research. Nettle tea is traditionally used for hair issues due to its content of vitamins and minerals. Aloe vera can have a soothing effect on irritated scalp and reduce inflammation, while caffeine shampoos may stimulate hair roots.

Hormonal hair loss in women

Hormonal hair loss in women develops gradually. Over the course of months, the parting becomes wider and the hair at the crown becomes finer. Unlike in men, the hairline usually remains intact. During menopause, around 50% of all women* are affected. But younger women can also experience hormonal hair loss, for example due to the pill or after pregnancy. That means: there is no “too young” or “too old” for hair loss. What matters is taking action early.

Which hormone is lacking in hair loss in women?

Many affected women ask themselves this question. The answer is complex, because it is usually an interplay of several hormones:

• Estrogens: The decline of these female hormones, especially during menopause, is the main cause. Estrogens prolong the hair growth phase and keep hair strong.
• Progesterone: A deficiency of this hormone can also contribute to hair loss.
• Androgens: A relative excess of male hormones (especially DHT) combined with estrogen deficiency causes hair follicles to shrink.
• Thyroid hormones: In hypothyroidism, the thyroid produces too little T3 and T4, which can lead to diffuse hair loss.

Stopping hair loss in hypothyroidism

The thyroid plays a central role in healthy hair growth. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a commonly overlooked cause of hair loss in women. If the thyroid is the trigger, hair loss can be treated effectively. With the right therapy prescribed by your doctor, hair growth returns to normal again in most cases.

Causes of hair loss in women and care tips

Hair loss doesn’t look the same in all women. The location can provide important clues about the cause. If you notice hair loss, it’s always important to take a close look: Where exactly is it occurring?

Hair loss at the back of the head in women: mechanical strain from a ponytail

If you regularly tie your hair back tightly, it creates постоян pulling on the hair roots. This mechanical strain leads to what is known as traction alopecia. The constant tension damages the hair follicles. At first the hair breaks off; later, the follicles can be permanently damaged and stop producing new hair.

How you can prevent it:

• Change your hairstyle frequently
• Wear your hair down more often
• Use soft hair ties without metal parts
• Tie braids, buns, or updos more loosely
• Avoid daily styling in the same areas

If traction alopecia has already occurred, supporting hair regeneration with modern active ingredients may help. However, it is important to reduce mechanical strain.

Hair loss at the crown in women

Hair loss at the crown and along the parting is the typical pattern of androgenetic alopecia in women. Characteristic features include a widening part, a more visible scalp in the crown area, and its gradual development—usually over the course of years. The cause is a genetically determined hypersensitivity of the hair follicles to DHT. The follicles at the crown are particularly sensitive, while those at the back of the head usually remain resistant.

Hair loss at the sides in women

Hair loss at the sides can have several causes: androgenetic alopecia with an unusual pattern, patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), which can occur anywhere, or traction alopecia caused by hair accessories fastened at the sides.

Tips for care and styling

If you suffer from hair loss, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on beautiful hairstyles. With the right tricks, you can show your hair to its best advantage.

• Blow-dry your hair upside down to create more volume
• A zigzag part or a side part conceals thinning areas better than a straight middle part
• Layered cuts with lots of movement make hair look fuller
• Avoid heavy styling products that weigh the hair down

Gentle cleansing, gentle drying, and brushing

Use a mild shampoo and wash your hair two to three times a week, but not daily. Massage your scalp gently without rubbing, and then rinse the shampoo out thoroughly with lukewarm water. After washing, gently pat your hair dry and avoid vigorous rubbing. Let it air-dry whenever possible. If you use a hair dryer, choose a low heat setting and keep sufficient distance.

When combing and brushing, detangle wet hair only with a wide-tooth comb, always starting at the ends. Opt for brushes with natural bristles and avoid excessive brushing, as brushing once a day is usually sufficient.

Don’t just accept your hair loss

Whether it’s patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) in women, diffuse hair loss, genetically determined hair loss, or hormonal hair loss—there are effective solutions available today for almost every form. The most important step is to take action. The earlier you start targeted treatment, the better your chances of preserving your hair and stimulating regeneration.

Frequently asked questions about “stopping hair loss in women”