Hair loss in women: possible causes and solutions

Hair loss in women affects both self-esteem and everyday life. Every time the brush catches a little more than usual, it stings. Fortunately, there are concrete ways to restore calm to the body and fullness to the hair. It requires knowledge, patience, and a plan that takes into account both biology and lifestyle.

Some experience diffuse hair loss after illness, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or a stressful period. Others see a gradual thinning at the parting. A smaller group develop round, sharply defined patches. The patterns vary, and so do the solutions. The goal here is to provide a clear overview and a practical toolbox that can be used today.

Why women lose their hair

Hair lives in cycles. A hair follicle produces hair for years, takes a break for a few weeks, and eventually releases it. When the system is disrupted, hair loss or thinning occurs. The most common causes are:

Genetics and hormones. Female pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is caused by a hereditary sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens. The hair gradually becomes finer and shorter. The parting appears wider and density is lost, especially on the crown.
Telogen effluvium. The body puts many hairs into a resting phase at the same time after a “stressful event.” This is seen after fever, infection, severe psychological stress, rapid weight loss, major surgery, or childbirth.
Deficiencies. Low ferritin (iron stores) is a classic example. Protein deficiency, vitamin D, and in fewer cases zinc can also play a role.
Thyroid disorders. Both too high and too low metabolism affect the hair cycle.
Pulling and friction. Tight hairstyles, extensions, or tight scarves can damage the hair follicles over time. Traction alopecia can be reversed initially, but prolonged pulling can cause permanent loss.
Autoimmune conditions. Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss in round areas. Although many people experience regrowth, targeted treatment is required.

Medications can also play a role. Examples include certain acne medications, blood thinners, retinoids, lithium, or changes in hormonal contraception. A consultation with your doctor is key.

Signs that point to hair loss in women

Small details in the mirror or on your pillow often reveal what is going on.

More hair than usual when showering or brushing for 2 to 3 months
Wider parting or more visible scalp, especially in daylight
Patchy loss with sharp edges, usually without itching
Thinner hair at the temples, possibly baby hair that is not growing longer
Oily or red, flaky scalp
Eyebrows or body hair that also changes

A simple trick is to count your hair when washing it. Over 100 to 150 hairs per wash over a period of time indicates telogen effluvium. Not as a definitive diagnosis, but as a signal.

Diet, iron, and other supplements

Hair is protein. It requires building blocks and energy to grow.

Protein intake. Aim for approximately 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, spread across your daily meals. Fish, eggs, legumes, dairy products, and lean meat are practical sources.
Iron. Low ferritin is common in hair loss. Many specialists aim for ferritin levels of at least 40 to 70 µg/l in cases of persistent hair loss. Iron is best absorbed with vitamin C and without coffee or tea near the time of intake. Get your levels measured before starting higher doses.
Vitamin D. Deficiency is widespread in the Nordic countries. Supplements may be relevant depending on blood test results.
Zinc and B12. Only if there is a documented deficiency or risky dietary pattern.
Biotin. Deficiency is rare. High doses can interfere with laboratory tests, including those for the heart and thyroid gland. Only use it if recommended by your doctor.

Strict diets and rapid weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium. A stable, nutritious diet is a simple but powerful way to support your skin and hair follicles.

Gentle hair care that can help alleviate hair loss

Many small habits add up to make a big difference.

Wash regularly, but without rubbing too hard. Lather the product in your hands and massage gently into the scalp.
Use conditioner on the lengths. Avoid pulling on wet hair.
Air dry when you can. If you blow dry, use low to medium heat.
Sleep on a pillowcase made of smooth materials that reduce friction.
Switch between two or three hairstyles during the week to distribute the strain.
Avoid tight elastic bands. Use soft scrunchies.
Massage your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes daily with your fingertips to increase local blood flow. Make it a regular habit along with your other skincare steps.

At Cana Care, we have developed our Grow Hair Serum, which aims to strengthen the scalp, reduce hair loss, and support healthy hair growth with clinically proven ingredients. Our best suggestion would therefore be to create a pleasant routine that makes a visible difference over time:

Morning: Apply 1-2 pipettes of our Grow Hair Serum to the scalp, distributing a few drops at a time in stripes and massaging well into the scalp. Wait a few minutes before styling.
Evening: Repeat the same routine as in the morning and let your Grow Hair Serum work in your hair overnight.

If you are only treating specific areas, such as the temples, it is still a good idea to distribute a small amount on the rest of the scalp to keep the environment balanced. Our hair serum is non-greasy and therefore does not require daily hair washing - it can therefore be used on both wet and dry hair.

It is important to have realistic expectations. Serums are not a substitute for minoxidil or medical treatments for genetic hair loss, but they can be a useful supplement. Choose a formula without perfume and with documented concentrations. Good craftsmanship in the formulation means more than long ingredient lists.

See the clinical study of GROW serum and read about the results here.

Use should be consistent. Many people see the best results with two daily applications for at least 12 weeks. Use small amounts at a time and distribute them on the scalp rather than the lengths, which cannot be “fed” from within anyway.

Natural methods to promote hair growth

Many women seek natural alternatives to strengthen their hair and promote growth, either as a supplement to medical treatment or as part of a holistic approach to health. Although results may vary, there are several well-documented methods and ingredients that can support a healthy scalp and provide optimal conditions for hair growth.

1. Scalp massage

Regular scalp massage increases blood circulation to the hair follicles and can stimulate growth. Use your fingertips to massage the scalp for 3-5 minutes daily. You can combine the massage with a nourishing serum, such as GROW hair serum, which is designed to support scalp balance and strengthen hair follicles.

2. Plant-based serums and oils

Natural ingredients such as pea shoot extract, curcuma longa (from turmeric), caffeine, and niacinamide have shown promising results in small studies. These active ingredients are found in several modern hair serums and can help prolong the hair growth phase and improve density. Read more about the documentation behind GROW hair serum here.

3. Nutrition and supplements

A varied and nutritious diet is the foundation for healthy hair. Protein, iron, vitamin D, and zinc are particularly important building blocks. Consider having your levels measured if you are experiencing hair loss, and only supplement if you have a documented deficiency.

4. Gentle hair care

Avoid harsh chemical treatments, frequent heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can damage the hair follicles. Use mild, fragrance-free products and let your hair air dry whenever possible. Switch between different hairstyles and use soft elastic bands to minimize pulling.

5. Stress reduction and sleep

Prolonged stress and sleep deprivation can negatively affect the hair growth cycle. Prioritise sleep and well-being.

Hair loss after pregnancy

After giving birth, your hormone balance shifts gears. Many hairs that were kept in growth mode during pregnancy go into a resting phase approximately 2 to 4 months after giving birth. This can feel dramatic, but it is simply a delayed normalisation.

The peak of hair loss is often around 3 to 5 months.
Most people see clear calm and regrowth within 9 to 12 months.
The strategy is calm, gentle care, sufficient protein and iron if you are deficient.
Minoxidil can be considered, but talk to your doctor, especially if you are breastfeeding.
A mild leave-in serum, such as Grow hair serum without perfume, alcohol, and hormone-active substances, is a good choice (also) during this period of life.

Take pictures with the same angle and lighting every month. Small new hairs along the hairline can be unsettling, but they are a good sign.

Stress, sleep, and the scalp environment

Hair loss and stress affect each other in both directions. Prolonged stress raises cortisol, which can push more hair into the resting phase.

The scalp's microbiome also matters. Flakes, itching, and redness can be signs of seborrheic dermatitis. A mild medicated shampoo with ketoconazole or piroctone olamine once or twice a week can bring calm and indirectly support growth conditions.

What you can do today if you are a woman and suffer from hair loss

Order blood tests for ferritin and TSH, if you haven't already done so
Start a photo log: same place, same light, once a month - to see the progress
Choose a core treatment and give it at least 3 to 6 months - e.g. Grow hair serum from Cana Care
Introduce daily scalp massage
Ensure adequate protein and iron-rich foods
Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh chemical treatments for a period of time

Small steps become momentum when repeated.

Overview of hair loss types

Type	Pattern and symptoms	Typical findings and tests	First steps
Androgenetic alopecia	Thinning at the parting and crown, wider parting	Trichoscopy with miniaturization, normal blood test	Minoxidil, antiandrogen if needed
Telogen effluvium	Diffuse shedding 2 to 3 months after trigger	Increased shedding when washing, low ferritin possible	Remove trigger, iron if deficient, patience
Alopecia areata	Round, sharply defined patches	“Exclamation hairs,” nail changes	Local steroids, dermatological plan
Traction alopecia	Thinner at edges, often tenderness	Hairstyles with pulling, improvement with break	Stop pulling, gentle styling
Tinea capitis	Flakes, broken hair, possibly swollen lymph nodes	Fungal culture	Antifungal treatment
Scarring alopecia	Scarring, shiny skin, loss of pores	Biopsy and special examination	Quick referral to a specialist

The table simplifies, but provides direction and reassurance when talking to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions about hair loss in women

How do I know if what I am experiencing is normal? A little seasonal variation is common. A persistent increase in hair loss over several months or visible thinning indicates something that should be checked.

Can I combine several treatments? Yes. Many people combine minoxidil with a serum, light therapy, or microneedling. Coordinate with your practitioner so that the treatments do not counteract each other.

Do dietary supplements help if I already eat a varied diet? Only if there is a deficiency or increased need. Blood tests and your dietary history should guide your choice.

Can I dye and perm my hair? Preferably with breaks. Hair dye does not damage the hair follicles, but it can weaken the hair shaft. Plan carefully, especially during periods of shedding.

How long should I wait before I can assess the effect? At least 12 weeks for leave-in products and minoxidil, often 6 months for a fair picture. Use photos and hair counting when washing to get data you can compare.

Can stress alone cause hair loss? Yes. Telogen effluvium after psychological stress is well documented. It is also one of the types where targeted stress management actually helps.

We hope this guide has made you more knowledgeable about the causes and solutions for hair loss in women, and that you will experience good results by trying our clinically proven Grow hair serum.

Hair loss in women: causes and solutions