Understanding the Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Explore Common Triggers & Find Solutions with Mandeville London

Hair loss in women can feel overwhelming, particularly when the cause isn’t immediately clear. Whether it’s sudden shedding or gradual thinning, knowing why it’s happening is the first step to finding the right support and solutions. Anagen effluvium, for instance, is a type of hair loss caused by medications such as chemotherapy and radiation that harm hair follicles (making hair follicles shrink). At Mandeville London, we’ve supported thousands of women through their hair loss journeys with compassion, expertise, and beautifully crafted wigs and hairpieces. This guide will walk you through the most common—and some lesser-known—causes of hair loss in women.

Introduction to Female Hair Loss

Female hair loss is a common condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. Understanding the different types of hair loss in women, their causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

There are several types of hair loss that can affect women, each with its own set of causes and characteristics. Female pattern hair loss, known as female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in women and recognised as a gradual thinning of the hair, particularly on the top and crown of the head, which is often inherited from one’s parents. Telogen effluvium is another common type, where hair follicles enter a resting phase, leading to excessive hair shedding. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss. Other types include trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder, and hair loss caused by certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and cancer. Identifying the type of hair loss is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach.

The Life Cycle of Hair

The life cycle of hair consists of four distinct phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, the telogen phase and the exogen phase. The anagen phase is the growth phase, during which hair grows rapidly and can last several years. The catagen phase is a short transition phase, lasting a few weeks, where hair growth slows down. The telogen phase is the resting phase, during which the hair follicle is dormant. At any given time, about 10-15% of hair follicles are in the telogen phase, which can last for several months. After the telogen phase, the hair follicle enters the exogen phase where the hair sheds and the cycle begins again. Understanding this cycle is crucial for diagnosing and treating hair loss, as disruptions in these phases can lead to noticeable hair loss.

1. Hormonal Imbalances and Hair Loss

Hormonal changes are one of the most frequent triggers for hair thinning and shedding. These fluctuations can be caused by:

• Menopause – The drop in oestrogen can result in thinner, more fragile hair, especially around the crown and on top of the head, making the parting seem sparser. Androgenic alopecia, a genetic condition commonly referred to as female pattern hair loss, is often noticed in women during their 40s or 50s.
• Pregnancy and Postpartum – During pregnancy, many women experience fuller hair due to hormonal surges, followed by shedding after birth.
• Thyroid disorders – Both thyroid problems, whether it's an overactive or an underactive thyroid, can impact the hair growth cycle.
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) – This condition leads to higher androgen levels and male hormones (increased testosterone), often causing thinning hair at the temples or crown, while increasing unwanted facial hair.

If you begin to experience hair loss, it can be helpful to speak to your GP and furthermore, a dermatologist or trichologist who will take your concerns seriously and be able to diagnose your condition. In the meantime, we offer a range of natural-looking wigs and toppers to help you feel like yourself again.

2. Autoimmune Conditions

• Alopecia - is an autoimmune condition that can cause hair loss in many different forms, depending on your specific diagnosis such as areata, totalis and universalis. Frontal fibrosing alopecia, an inflammatory condition affecting the front of the scalp above the forehead, can also trigger hair loss and potentially lead to permanent loss. There are scarring and non scarring types of alopecia hair loss in women and men, so it's important to try and get a diagnosis as soon as possible to try and halt any further scarring. Once the hair follicle has been destroyed, no treatment can currently rectify this, but in some cases it is possible to stop it spreading further.
• Lupus - Though alopecia and lupus can both cause hair loss, lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect internal organs and tissues as well as skin and hair.

3. Stress, Trauma & Emotional Triggers

Periods of physical or emotional stress can shock the hair growth cycle, pushing a higher percentage of follicles into the resting (telogen) phase. This leads to Telogen Effluvium, a temporary but often dramatic form of diffuse hair shedding. Triggers include:

• Surgery or illness
• Divorce or bereavement
• Major life transitions
• Chronic stress or anxiety
• And more...

As hair follicles enter a new anagen phase, they produce new hairs. Hair will typically regrow once the stressor passes, but wearing a discreet wig or topper can make all the difference in your confidence during the regrowth phase.

4. Post-COVID Hair Loss

Can COVID-19 cause hair loss? Yes. Many women have reported increased shedding or thinning after recovering from COVID-19.

This hair loss is typically another form of Telogen Effluvium, caused by the body’s inflammatory response to illness, high fever, or stress. Shedding usually starts around 6–12 weeks after recovery and may last several months. Though mostly temporary, it can be distressing.

Our breathable, lightweight wigs offer instant coverage and comfort while your natural hair recovers.

5. Medical Conditions & Hair Loss

Hair loss can also be a side effect of underlying medical issues or treatments. Common causes include:

• Autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata or lupus
• Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation
• Iron deficiency anaemia or other nutritional deficiencies
• Scalp infections like ringworm, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis
• Thyroid disorders, which can cause hair loss and require medical evaluation

Hair loss can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs professional evaluation.

Hair loss caused by medical treatment or illness can often be unpredictable. At Mandeville, we create beautiful, natural human hair wigs designed to feel secure, soft, and breathable—ideal for sensitive scalps.

📞 Speak with our friendly team about finding a solution that suits your medical needs.Book a consultation

6. Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder)

Trichotillomania is a psychological condition that leads individuals to repeatedly pull out their own hair. Over time, this can result in visible bald spots and patchiness.

We’ve supported many clients with trichotillomania through discreet, gentle wig solutions that restore confidence and help reduce the urge to pull. Our handmade wigs and hairpieces offer breathable coverage, often aiding the healing process, both physically and emotionally.

7. Female Pattern Baldness (Genetics)

Female pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common genetic cause of hair loss in women. It often starts with widening at the part or thinning at the crown. In female pattern baldness, hair follicles shrink, leading to thinner hair growth and a shortened hair growth cycle.

Although permanent, it’s manageable. Depending on the stage of loss, we may recommend:

• A custom topper to blend with existing hair
• A ReadyMade topper
• A bespoke Made to Measure wig to recreate your natural style and volume

8. Hairstyling Damage & Traction Alopecia

Certain hairstyles can lead to gradual hair loss over time, particularly those that pull on the roots like:

• Tight ponytails or buns
• Braids, weaves, and extensions
• Heavy clip-ins or bonded pieces

This repetitive tension leads to traction alopecia, a preventable form of hair loss. If not addressed early, traction alopecia can lead to a receding hairline. Early changes in styling can halt further damage, and lightweight hairpieces or breathable wigs can support recovery.

9. Nutritional Deficiencies

Your hair’s health is closely tied to your diet. Deficiencies in key nutrients can cause hair to become brittle, thin, or fall out entirely. Watch out for:

• Iron deficiency (common in women of reproductive age)
• Vitamin D, B12 and Zinc deficiencies
• Inadequate protein intake
• Crash or restrictive dieting

Noticing more hair falling out can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies.

Addressing dietary gaps is key - but in the meantime, our expert team can help you explore wig options that restore your look while your body recovers.

Hair Loss Treatments

There are several hair loss treatments available for women, ranging from medical treatments to surgical and alternative therapies. Medical treatments include topical minoxidil, which is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, can also be effective for hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances. Surgical treatments, like hair transplantation, involve transplanting healthy hair follicles from one part of the head to another, providing a more permanent solution. Alternative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), have also shown promise in promoting hair regrowth. Exploring these treatment options with a healthcare professional can help determine the best approach for your specific condition.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosing hair loss in women can be challenging due to the variety of potential causes and as we all know, it can be hard to get your GP to take hair loss seriously. A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential for identifying the underlying cause. Blood tests may be ordered to rule out conditions like thyroid disease or hormonal imbalances. A scalp examination can provide insights into the health of hair follicles and the extent of hair loss. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to diagnose specific conditions, such as alopecia areata. Early treatment is crucial for preventing further hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. If you are experiencing hair loss, consulting a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is essential. We are more than happy to assist you in finding a trichologist or dermatologist who we trust.

Take the Next Step with Mandeville London

Whatever the cause of your hair loss, Mandeville London is here to support you with:

• Handmade ReadyMade wigs in 11 natural shades
• Completely bespoke Made to Measure wigs
• Discreet toppers for partial coverage
• Empathetic consultations with no pressure to purchase

📍 Visit our private London studio

📞 Book your free consultation today

FAQs About Hair Loss in Women

How do I know what’s causing my hair loss?

Start by keeping track of your symptoms and speak to your GP for a medical diagnosis. We can help with coverage options while you investigate the cause.

Is it normal to lose hair after illness or stress?

Yes. Telogen Effluvium is common after illness (like COVID) or emotional trauma. Hair typically regrows in 6–12 months.

Will a wig damage my hair further?

Not at all. In fact, the right wig can protect your existing hair. At Mandeville, our breathable lace foundations are designed for comfort and scalp health.