Why are so many women suddenly losing their hair?

Dr. Nihal Affan, Aesthetic Doctor at Dr. Style Clinic

"Hair loss is one of the most common concerns we're seeing among women today, and it's affecting patients of all ages. While genetics certainly play a role, many cases are linked to stress, hormonal changes, illness, nutritional deficiencies and rapid weight loss. The key is identifying the underlying cause early, as many forms of hair loss can be treated effectively before significant thinning occurs."

Another major contributor is hormonal change. During perimenopause and menopause, declining oestrogen levels can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to finer hair, increased shedding and a gradual reduction in density. Combined with stress or nutritional deficiencies, it's not uncommon for women to experience several contributing factors at the same time.

"Hair is incredibly sensitive to what's happening inside the body. Following periods of stress, illness or significant weight loss, the body naturally prioritises essential functions over hair growth, which is why many women notice increased shedding several months after the initial trigger."

For women living in the UAE, the climate can also add to concerns. Although the heat, UV exposure, swimming and desalinated water aren't thought to directly cause hair loss, they can leave hair feeling drier, more fragile and prone to breakage, making thinning appear more noticeable. Experts say it's important to distinguish between hair breakage and true hair loss, which originates at the scalp and hair follicle.

The good news is that hair restoration has evolved significantly over recent years. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution, many clinics now combine regenerative treatments including PRP, exosome therapy, mesotherapy, ACELL and stem cell-based therapies as part of a personalized treatment plan, alongside investigating any underlying medical or nutritional causes.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that there is a single solution for every type of hair loss. Treatment should always be tailored to the individual. Depending on the cause, we may recommend regenerative treatments such as PRP, exosome therapy, mesotherapy, ACELL or stem cell-based therapies alongside addressing any underlying nutritional or hormonal factors."

By: Orsi Matheisz, Aesthetician and founder of Orkin Aesthetics

"We're seeing more women becoming proactive about their hair health, which is encouraging because early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Rather than waiting until hair loss becomes advanced, we encourage anyone experiencing increased shedding or reduced density to seek professional advice sooner rather than later."

"Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. While regenerative treatments can play an important role, it's equally important to identify what's driving the hair loss in the first place. A personalised treatment plan that addresses both the scalp and the underlying cause will always deliver the best long-term results."

For anyone noticing increased shedding, widening partings or reduced hair density, experts agree that the first step shouldn't be another trending hair product or social media recommendation - it should be understanding the underlying cause. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the opportunity to slow progression, protect existing hair and support healthier regrowth.