Hair Shedding in Women: A Study on Frequency and Causes
August 2011
in “
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
”
TLDR About 30% of women feel they lose too much hair, often starting before age 40, and most can't find a reason for it.
In a study aimed at estimating the frequency of excessive hair shedding among women, 101 women aged 18-66 completed a questionnaire about their hair. The results showed that 30% of participants reported excessive hair shedding, with 49% of these experiencing it before the age of 40. The onset was abrupt for 60% of those who reported shedding, and 85% could not attribute it to any specific cause. Generalized hair thinning was noted by 50%, a reduction in ponytail thickness by 23%, and localized thinning by 30%, mostly affecting the temples or sides of the head. Interestingly, 78% felt the hair loss was only noticeable to themselves. Among mothers, 33% reported postpartum shedding, but no association was found between postpartum shedding and chronic shedding at other times. The study suggests that up to 30% of the female population may experience what they consider to be excessive hair shedding, leading to noticeable thinning in nearly 80% of cases. The study also highlights the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of beauty supplements for hair loss, which many women spend money on, suggesting a need for better clinical advice and more effective treatments.
