How to Deal With Female Hair Loss and Thinning

So if I told you I was hitting myself in the head with a tiny hammer covered in needles four times a week you’d probably think I had finally lost the plot right? Well I am… it’s still early days so I can’t speak to results just yet, but the research aligns with what scientists understand about how hair follicles respond to stimulation. More on that in a minute.

My hair has always been a bit of a battle, postpartum, stress, and menopause means I’ve definitely had an uphill battle since my mid 30s, and I work hard to keep as much of it on my head as possible! There are lots of things that can disrupt the hair growth cycle, but one of the key players for women is oestrogen.

Oestrogen helps keep hair in its growth phase for longer and balances the effects of androgens, which can shrink hair follicles over time. As levels begin to fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, that balance shifts. The growth phase shortens, shedding can increase, and regrowth becomes slower and finer. You might also notice changes in texture, so your hair can feel drier, more brittle and finer.

It’s not the only factor, of course. Genetics, stress, nutrition and overall health all play a role. But understanding this shift is often the missing piece for many women.

The good news for women (not so much for men) is that there is a lot you can do to minimise and in some cases improve hair density and strength, but the earlier you start on this the better. And it’s always best to talk to a Trichologist if you’re really concerned, start by looking at the Institute of Trichologists UK register.

From a product perspective, I swear by the Philip Kingsley Density range. I use the shampoo, conditioner, density drops and scalp foam consistently. I sound like I’m sponsored by Philip Kingsley, which would be great as I could stop lying to my husband about how much money I spend on hair products, but alas, this is not the case.

I also use a silicone scalp massager a few times a week. This helps support circulation to the scalp and creates a healthier environment for hair growth. I always use it on dry hair to minimise breakage.

And also, I brush my hair, but only when dry. Brushing doesn’t make your hair thinner, as long as you’re gentle. It helps distribute natural oils and supports overall scalp health, which is key for maintaining good hair growth conditions. I am outrageously bougie and use the Bonne Brosse.

But back to the needle tapping. You may have heard of needle tapping or the plum blossom hammer before… It's a traditional technique rooted in Chinese medicine that is gaining renewed attention in modern skin and hair therapies. The plum blossom hammer is a small handheld tool with multiple, fine, blunt-ended needles arranged in a flower-like pattern. I bought mine from Sérénité because I love her facial cups and her tutorials are really easy to follow. Rather than penetrating deeply like traditional acupuncture, it gently taps the surface of the skin, creating controlled micro-stimulation, without piercing the skin. This subtle “awakening” of the skin has several powerful effects on your hair’s health. The mechanism is thought to be multi-layered: stimulating blood flow to the scalp, triggering wound-healing pathways that activate hair follicles, and even enhancing the absorption of topical treatments applied afterwards. It’s definitely not about aggressive stimulation. In fact, lighter, consistent tapping appears to be more beneficial than overly intense treatment.

A few people to follow on the topic of hair loss are Jo Jones, Lisa Caddy from Philip Kingsley and Dr Alexis Granite.