Noticing hair loss? Dermatologist reveals why it's happening and what you can do about it

Hair expert Richard Ward explains how to combat hair loss

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GB NEWS

Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 02/10/2025

- 16:03

There are plenty of things you can do at home to boost hair growth, restoring luscious locks

While hair loss is typically associated with men, many women also deal with thinning for a variety of reasons.

This can be disheartening and impact your confidence levels, especially if you feel it has changed your appearance.


However, hope is not lost for sufferers, as many forms of hair loss are totally reversible.

GB News spoke exclusively to dermatologist Dr David Johnson about the causes behind hair loss and how you can treat it.

He said: "Female hair loss can happen for several different reasons. As a board-certified dermatologist, I see this in my office quite often.

"One major reason is hormonal changes. When oestrogen goes down, whether it's during menopause or after a pregnancy, hair can start thinning or falling out more easily.

"Ageing is also a cause. I've seen many women in their 40s, 50s, and older complain that their hair doesn't grow back the same.

"Stress, poor nutrition, and scalp problems like dandruff or inflammation can bring on hair loss. In some families, it's inherited (female pattern hair loss)."

Woman checking for hair loss

Female pattern baldness, ageing, hormonal changes, and poor hair care are all culprits behind hair loss

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GETTY

Female pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide.

As defined by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, "it means you've inherited genes that cause your hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop growing hair".

This shrinking can begin as early as your teens, but it typically starts later in life.

Other causes of hair loss include childbirth, illness, cancer treatment, poor hair care, and some medications.

Eating a boiled egg

'Eating foods rich in protein, biotin, and iron, like eggs, spinach, and nuts, is a good idea'

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GETTY IMAGES

If you're struggling with hair loss, Dr David Johnson confirmed there are a few "simple" actions you can take to treat it.

Urging women to consider their diet, he said: "Eating foods rich in protein, biotin, and iron, like eggs, spinach, and nuts, is a good idea."

For strong, healthy locks, it's also important to be kind to your hair. "Do not wear tight ponytails or harsh shampoos. Wash your scalp often, but do not scrub," the expert advised. Being shampoo-savvy is also key.

These home remedies often make a big difference, with women reporting improvements after just months of consistent methods.

Those seeking science-backed treatments may want to try minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical medication.

Dr Johnson described this as "one of the most successful" treatments for female pattern hair loss, although some studies indicate it may be effective for other types of hair loss too.


"Minoxidil makes more blood reach your hair roots and makes hair grow for a longer time," he explained.

Red light therapy can also be employed as a hair loss solution, and is a firm favourite of the dermatologist.

It's also having a moment in the beauty sphere, with LED hair growth helmets and red light caps becoming extremely popular among hair care enthusiasts.

"RedliteX, the company I co-founded, utilises red light therapy. It is a safe, non-drug therapy that stimulates hair follicles and encourages healthy hair growth," the dermatologist concluded.

Of course, some hair loss cases can't be combated at home, and a trip to a dermatologist or trichologist is needed. These professionals can offer tailored solutions based on specific concerns.