For years, the problem of hair loss has almost always been discussed as a male issue: receding hairlines, crown, transplants… Regarding women, however, it was talked about less and often assumed to be sporadic or temporary. Now the conversation has changed. More and more are coming to the consultation for loss of density, quality of the fiber, or shedding that does not go away. “I would say that both things are happening. On one hand, we do see a real increase in cases, very linked to factors such as chronic stress, hormonal changes or even aftereffects of infections like COVID-19.”
But it is also true that women are more informed and more attentive to their scalp health, so they consult earlier and more often,” explains Dr. Ana Rodríguez, trichologist (dermatologist specializing in hair) at the Instituto Médico Ricart (IMR). In the same vein, dermatologist Teresa Truchuelo, from Hospital San Rafael in Madrid, notes that “patients are increasingly younger and seek advice before the situation becomes severe, which allows us to work more on prevention and early treatments.” No longer is the aim only to stop the shedding.
Hair care has become its own beauty category. “Currently, it’s not only seasonal shedding that concerns us, but also the optimization of quality and the minimization of shedding throughout the year,” explains Truchuelo. “We are asked how to improve density, shine, and the scalp,” adds the dermatologist. But behind the same concern there can be very different problems. Androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium are among the most common causes.
“The latter has gained much prominence, especially associated with stress, restrictive diets or recent illnesses,” notes Rodríguez. Hormonal changes can also be behind some cases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Hence the first step is to identify the origin. “In clinical practice I consider it fundamental not to start with treatment, but with diagnosis,” explains Dr. Anaya Fernández, trichologist at DEMYA.
Social networks have accelerated this conversation. TikTok and Instagram have turned hair care into a trend. Oils, serums, supplements, massages and scalp routines compete for the attention of women seeking to improve the appearance and health of their hair. The positive part is that talking about shedding is no longer so awkward. “They have helped make the problem visible and normalize the consultation,” notes Ana Rodríguez.
They have also ensured that concepts that previously seemed exclusive to medical advice become part of everyday conversation. The drawback comes when popularity substitutes for evidence. “On networks there can be messages with little scientific backing, that promise unreal answers with images that aren’t true and create false hopes in some cases,” warns the dermatologist.
When should you worry about hair loss?
One of the most common problems is waiting for the loss to become evident. “Many women initially think shedding is temporary and relate it to stress, a hormonal change, a recent illness or even the season,” Anaya Fernández clarifies. That’s not always the case. The problem, the trichologist notes, is that some processes advance slowly and can go unnoticed. “There are alopecias that evolve very slowly and quietly, and when the woman begins to clearly perceive that density has been lost, the process may have been underway for some time,” she adds.
Rodríguez points out when we should request an assessment: “When shedding lasts more than 2 or 3 months, when you notice less density, widening of the part, or you see lighter areas on the scalp.” It is also important to review some habits. “One very common one is normalizing shedding for too long,” warns the expert. Among other mistakes she mentions are restrictive diets without control, aggressive cosmetic treatments and relying solely on recommendations found on networks, which are not a reliable source and, in no case, should replace a medical assessment.
Haircare is the new skincare
Concern for hair care has also changed the way products are purchased. Just as with facial care, there is increasing talk about ingredients, actives, and routines tailored to each need. Dermatologist Ana Rodríguez explains that the goal is no longer to use the same product for everyone: No longer to use the same product for everyone is the aim: “Not every scalp is the same—an oily scalp is not the same as a sensitive one, and, of course, the underlying cause must be properly identified.”
She also considers it important to combine different care: “On one hand, to have the right nutrients, and on the other, to address both the scalp and the hair fiber according to the cause of the shedding.” But not every product labeled as “anti-hair loss” has the capacity to treat alopecia. “There are few cosmetics with real evidence to slow it down,” warns Rodríguez. According to her, shampoos can be useful to keep the scalp in good condition, but they never replace medical treatment.
As for supplements, the recommendation is also to avoid taking them without knowing if they are really needed. “What matters is not taking them indiscriminately, but ensuring that the patient has adequate nutrition and detecting and correcting those deficits that truly exist,” says trichologist Anaya Fernández. The specialists’ conclusion is that there is no single solution.
“Personalization is the key for me, there is no treatment that works the same for everyone,” Fernández states. The future points to increasingly precise and combined treatments. Rodríguez sums it up with a line from Dr. Saceda: “Without a good diagnosis you are wasting time, hair, and money.” These are the treatments that work according to the experts:
Platelet-rich plasma
It is obtained from the patient’s blood and then applied to the scalp. “The goal of PRP should not be to magically grow new hair, but to improve the quality and density of the hair that still has follicular activity,” explains trichologist Anaya Fernández. “Results are usually gradual and require several sessions; therefore, it’s important to be patient,” she warns.
Exosomes
They are small fragments of genetic material (messenger RNA) that carry information from one cell to another. They have a great regenerative power at the hair level. “If we select exosomes that carry growth-stimulating messages, such as those contained in platelets, and inject them into the hair root, they will transmit this information to the follicle stem cells, promoting their growth,” says Ana Rodríguez, trichologist at the IMR center.
Scalp mesotherapy
It is one of the most effective treatments to strengthen the hair shaft and slow hair loss. “It consists of the infiltration of drugs, vitamins, and amino acids into the scalp through a very fine needle that does not require prior anesthesia,” explain the experts at the Instituto Médico Ricart. “It is painless, effective, and allows you to integrate it into your routine immediately after the session,” they add from the center.
