Hair loss affects 8 million women in the UK – here’s our A to Z guide to dealing with it

H is for… hard water

The high mineral content found in hard water can weaken the scalp’s pH levels and lead to dryness and irritation, which can cause thinning. Try a water softening shower head such as  

I is for… illness.

There’s a whole encyclopedia of medical conditions that can trigger temporary telogen effluvium. These include thyroid problems, polycystic ovaries and auto-immune conditions, such as lupus, plus medication for conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure and arthritis. 

J is for… jelly

Various TikTokers have documented their #Jellojourney, claiming a daily gelatine cube increases hair growth, but Hannah says there is limited scientific evidence to support it.

K is for… ketoconazole

This is an anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory ingredient found in anti-dandruff shampoos such as . Small studies have also linked it to improvements in hair growth.

L is for… LED light

Red-light therapy increases energy at a cellular level, creating more fuel for cell renewal. , is expensive but is clinically proven, and uses medical-grade light to reduce inflammation, boost blood circulation and increase hair count by 33% in 16 weeks when used daily – impressive!

M is for… male pattern baldness

This is genetic hair loss that presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, whereas female pattern baldness tends to be thinning over the top of the scalp. Both can be treated with prescription medication. 

N is for… needles

Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) separates and reinjects a sample of your own blood to stimulate follicles with growth factors for long-lasting results. It starts from around £300 per session, with 3-4 sessions required, each a month apart, with yearly maintenance sessions.

O is for… overnight

As we sleep, our bodies go into repair mode, which means it’s important to get a good night's kip to promote hair growth. Plus, the friction between your head and pillowcase can cause breakage, which is easily prevented by wearing a silk turban such as

P is for… peptides

These are AKA amino acids – the building blocks of protein, (which our hair is mostly made of). Applying them topically, via products such as , can help to improve elasticity and reduce breakage. 

Q is for… quantity

A small amount of daily hair shed (50-100 hairs) is completely normal. 

R is for… Regaine

This is the brand name for minoxidil, the only clinically proven topical hair loss treatment. GPs can prescribe it, or you can purchase it at a pharmacy – try .

S is for… surgery

Hair-transplant surgery moves hair follicle grafts from one part of the scalp to the area requiring growth. But it doesn’t come cheap – expect to pay between £1,000 and £30,000.

T is for… time

Your hair grows between 0.5cm and  1.7cm a month, so patience is a virtue. 

U is for… UV

Excessive sun exposure can break down hair’s protective lipid layer, leaving it more vulnerable to breakage. Protect your strands just like you would your skin with . 

V is for… viral hacks

#Rosemaryoil has had more than 204m TikTok views, with users touting its hair regrowth superpowers. “It contains carnosic acid, which has the potential to improve scalp circulation and growth,” says Hannah.

X is for… xylose

This is a sugar found in some heat-protectant products, such as . It coats strands to disperse the heat from styling tools evenly. 

Y is for… year

It should take this long for your post-partum hair loss to regrow after giving birth.

Z is for… zinc

This element is found in red meat, milk, cheese and peanuts. A deficiency can cause shedding and breakage, which is why many hair supplements contain it.