Female hair loss: experts explain hidden signs and causes

The beauty industry has built a global market around anti‑aging treatments, yet an often‑overlooked sign of aging for many women is hair loss along the hairline. Dr. Ingo Watanpour, a facial and hair‑transplant surgeon, notes that thinning at the temples and front of the scalp can make the forehead appear larger and the face look more tired, even before other signs of aging become evident.

Female hair loss is still rarely discussed publicly. According to Dr. Watanpour, it can be triggered by hormonal changes such as menopause, thyroid disorders, or menstrual fluctuations, as well as stress, sleep deprivation, iron deficiency, rapid weight loss, and restrictive diets. He distinguishes between diffuse hair loss, often linked to stress or dieting, and androgenetic alopecia, which follows a different pattern. Understanding these causes can help women seek appropriate treatment and prevent the misconception that smooth skin alone ensures a youthful appearance.