5 Trends We Are Seeing in Female Hair Loss
As one of the only practices in the country that solely focuses on female hair loss, and with over 1500 women coming through our doors in the last 12 months, we are in the unique position to see first-hand trends in the female hair loss population. Every year around this time, we take some time as a team to review data on our patients, which helps ensure that we are able to provide the best possible care to our patients moving forward. Based on our review of 2022 here is what we are seeing.
Patients Are Getting Younger
The percentage of new patients that are 44 years old or younger has been increasing every year since 2019. In 2019, the 44 years old and younger group only accounted for 30% of our new patients, but in 2022 it is now 40%. This hopefully means patients are seeking treatment earlier, which would actually be a positive.
Less Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia, also known as Female Pattern Hair Loss, is the most common form of hair loss among women. However, the percentage of our patients now diagnosed with androgenic alopecia has decreased from 80% in 2019 to 70% in 2022. We do not believe there is less androgenic alopecia now than before, rather we are seeing an increasing incidence of other types of hair loss.
Increase in Telogen Effluvium & Scarring Alopecia Patients
As we saw a decrease in the percentage of patients with androgenic alopecia, we have seen an increase in the percentage of patients diagnosed with either telogen effluvium or scarring alopecia. In 2019, 6% of our patients were diagnosed with telogen effluvium, but that has increased to 12% in 2022. In 2019, 7% of our patients were diagnosed with scarring alopecia, but that has increased to 10%. Getting a proper diagnosis is key to receiving a proper treatment plan to provide optimal results.
Patients are Experiencing Severe Stress
In 2022, 47% of our patients stated that they experienced severe stress in the past 6 months. We know there are many risk factors that can impact hair health and stress is one of them. Not only is stress one of the main causes of telogen effluvium, but stress can exacerbate hair loss in those with androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.
Family History is Key Indicator
70% of our patients noted that they have a family history of hair loss. The myth that hair loss comes from your father’s side is not true and it is important to know that if anyone in your family is experiencing hair loss, you may also have a genetic predisposition. It is also important to note that 30% of our patients have no family history, so genetics are not the only risk factor.
