Post partum hair loss is a common condition that affects many new mothers, typically peaking around 3–6 months after childbirth. Most women are affected to varying degrees. During pregnancy, higher oestrogen levels extend the hair’s growth phase, leading to thicker, fuller hair. However, after delivery, oestrogen levels drop suddenly, causing many hairs to enter the telogen (resting) phase at once, resulting in increased shedding.

How long does postpartum hair loss last? While it can be distressing, it is normally temporary, and hair usually begins to regrow within 6–12 months. Supporting follicle health and regrowth during this phase is essential, lest the problem become chronic. Hair Gain Capsules and Hair Gummies, help nourish the hair from within, while Hair Gain Scalp Foam supports scalp health and encourages stronger, thicker hair regrowth. A nutrient-rich diet, gentle hair care, and stress management can further aid recovery and promote healthy postpartum hair growth. Read more about the condition and how to manage it in this article. 

Our founder, Lucy Palmer, created Hair Gain after experiencing postpartum hair loss after the birth of her first child and again with her second. 

Various medical conditions can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding or thinning. It’s very common to see this in the weeks or months after an illness. When the body is under stress due to illness, it prioritizes essential functions, often diverting nutrients away from hair growth, causing follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase prematurely and triggering telogen effluvium.

If you’ve recently had an operation and have noticed more hairs falling out than usual, then you are not alone! Female hair loss after surgery is very common. Undergoing surgery places significant physical and emotional stress on the body, in and response, it redirects its efforts away from non-essential functions like hair growth towards healing.  

The shock of surgery, anaesthesia and the recovery process pushes hair follicles prematurely in the resting phase. Say hello to our old friend telogen effluvium! This typically causes increased shedding at around 2-3 months post-surgery. 

Other contributing factors include blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, medication side effects, and immune system responses. While distressing, this type of hair loss is temporary, and hair usually begins regrowing within 3–6 months once the body recovers. Whilst distressing, hair loss after surgery usually improves after this point, but if the trigger is not resolved, chronic telogen effluvium can result. 

Read about Victoria Schofield’s experience, and what she did to support her recovery in this blog. 

Rapid weight loss – whether through crash dieting, medical treatments such as Ozempic or surgery – is one of the most common triggers of increased hair shed. As with illness and surgery, losing weight quickly causes the body to prioritise vital functions and puts hair growth on hold. 

Other than bringing on telogen effluvium, hair fall with weight loss is often linked to nutritional deficiencies. When we diet, while we cut back the calories, it’s very easy to lose key hair vitamins and nutrients in the process. If you’re wondering which deficiencies can cause hair loss, the simple answer is “quite a few”! This handy guide will take you through the issues and can help you pinpoint where your diet may need support. This blog on supporting hair through a plant-based diet offers some excellent insights into how to protect your hair during lifestyle changes. It’s easy to get started with a vegan diet – it doesn’t have to be Veganuary!

Your hair is one of the first places your body shows signs of a problem with nutrition.  A well-balanced diet is fundamental to strong, healthy hair growth, as hair follicles require essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins to function properly. When the body lacks these key nutrients, hair may become weaker, thinner, and more prone to shedding. Poor nutrition can be a major driver of female hair loss. 

Stress is one of the most common and overlooked causes of hair shedding. Whether it’s emotional stress, burnout, anxiety, or physical trauma, it can all lead to increased hair shedding.  

This guide on anxiety and hair explains how emotional strain affects the hair cycle and why you may not see shedding until a few months after the stressful event. Again, if the issue is resolved, then the problem can be temporary, but if not, it can become chronic. If you’re wondering how to regain hair loss from stress, the answer lies in addressing both the trigger and the symptom. For women, stress female hair loss often shows up as diffuse thinning across the scalp — but regrowth is absolutely possible with the right support.

This article has fantastic tips to calm the mind and help reset your hair’s natural rhythm. You will be surprised at what you can do in just 10 minutes a day. Physical exercise is important as well. Yoga is an excellent way to destress and create more balance in your life!

Hair loss itself is a major cause of stress of course. Acknowledging the mental toll hair loss can take is the first step to recovery. This blog explains what losing hair can do to mental health and offers encouragement and support for anyone struggling emotionally. Read about Ashleigh Barnes’ hair transformation story with Hair Gain in this inspirational article.

Getting a good’s night sleep is vital for your hair health. When you rest, your body enters repair mode, balancing hormones and delivering nutrients to where they’re needed most — including your hair follicles. This article on the importance of beauty sleep breaks down how rest supports healthy hair.

Bottom line? Quality sleep helps your body and hair recharge. Make it a part of your healthy hair routine — and just be sure your sleep habits aren’t causing unintended damage. One question we hear often is: “is it bad to sleep with wet hair?” It certainly can be! It’s best to dry hair before bed, and if you must go to bed with damp hair, consider switching to a silk pillowcase and learning how to sleep with wet hair safely — such as wrapping it gently or braiding it loosely to reduce friction. 

Seasonal changes can have a noticeable impact on both your hair and scalp. Cold winter air can cause dryness and seasonal dandruff, while warmer months often bring increased shedding and frizz from humidity. But it’s not just the weather — annual life events like Ramadan, Christmas, and New Year can affect your diet, stress levels, and hair care routines.

Periods of fasting can sometimes lead to nutrient dips that affect hair health, so it’s important to consider vitamins and supplements during Ramadan to support your hair from within. The festive season also brings plenty of styling, heat tools, and environmental stress — so it’s worth taking time to prepare with expert Christmas hair care tips and consider your scalp and strands when shopping for gifts (see our female-founded Christmas gift guide).

Heading to a festival? Don’t miss these festival hair hacks to keep your style fresh and your scalp happy — even after a weekend of sun, sweat, and dry shampoo.

And when it comes to starting the year fresh? A new routine can make all the difference. Explore new year, new hair advice to support growth and get back on track after a stressful or indulgent season. Whatever the time of year, being season-aware in your hair care routine will help you protect your scalp, nourish your strands, and keep your hair feeling its best.

Heading off on holiday is always exciting — but the combination of sun, salt, chlorine, and heat can leave your hair in need of serious recovery. From frizz and breakage to post-holiday shedding, holiday hair damage is more common than you think.UV exposure breaks down the keratin structure in your hair, while saltwater and chlorine strip away natural oils, leaving strands brittle and dry. Factor in heat styling, tight summer hairstyles, and long days at the beach or by the pool, and your scalp and hair can quickly start to suffer.

A healthy scalp is the foundation of strong, vibrant hair growth, providing nutrients, oxygen, and support for hair follicles. Your scalp is where every single strand of hair begins its life, and it provides the foundation for healthy, resilient growth. Much like soil influences the health of a plant, the scalp plays a key role in determining how strong and long your hair can grow. We spend a fortune on skincare but often neglect the skin on our scalp! However, with the skinification of hair, our understanding of scalp issues and how to treat them are far more widely publicised. 

Suffer with dry, itchy, flaky scalp? Scalp imbalances are surprisingly common and can contribute directly to hair problems. Conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis, and scalp acne can all lead to inflammation and irritation, creating a hostile environment for your follicles. Even something as simple as excessive product buildup — from heavy aerosol dry shampoos, heavy conditioners, or styling sprays — can clog follicles and block healthy hair growth over time. Some people worry: does dry shampoo cause hair loss? Overuse can clog follicles and lead to scalp issues, so moderation is key, as is using a non-aerosol, gentle dry shampoo. 

A neglected or unbalanced scalp may also reduce blood circulation, depriving follicles of the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive. This can result in finer, weaker strands and more noticeable thinning. In some cases, untreated scalp conditions can even lead to scarring and long-term follicle damage.

That’s why scalp care for hair growth is increasingly seen as a vital part of any hair health routine — and not just something for people experiencing visible hair loss.

If you regularly cover your hair, for instance with a hijab, your scalp may need a little extra attention to stay balanced and healthy. This guide on Hijab Hair Care shares practical tips for maintaining strong, nourished hair and a healthy scalp while wearing a head covering.

Despite its prevalence, the stigma and silence has allowed misinformation on female hair loss to spread everywhere. Whether its advice passed down through generations of families, well-meaning advice from friends, or old-wives tales going viral on social media, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.  

Let’s address some of the most common myths: 

• Myth 1: Only men suffer from significant hair loss. 

As we know, millions of women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. 

• Myth 2: Hair loss only happens with ageing. 

While hair thinning can become more noticeable with age, younger women experience hair loss due to a wide range of reasons 

• Myth 3: If your mother has thick hair, you won’t experience hair loss. 

While genetics do play a role, they aren’t the sole factor. 

• Myth 4: There’s nothing you can do to stop hair loss. 

Early intervention and the right treatments—including supplements like Hair Gain Hair Capsules and Hair Gummies, and targeted scalp care like Hair Gain Scalp Foam—can support regrowth, slow thinning and reduce hair shed. 

These are just the tip of the hair myth iceberg! If you’re unsure what actually helps or harms your hair, this article breaks down some of the biggest fibs. In reality, what causes hair loss can be complex. For a deeper dive into the subject, leading UK trichologist Samantha Stewart explains the truth behind four of the most common hair myths and shares what is really worth paying attention to. Click here to read. 

A healthy scalp should feel balanced — not overly oily, dry, or flaky — and shouldn’t show signs of irritation, itching, or redness. If your scalp feels tight, inflamed, or frequently sore, the first step is to reassess your products. 

An imbalanced scalp — whether too oily or too dry — can seriously impact hair health. Natural oils (sebum) are essential for keeping the scalp and hair nourished, but excess oil can clog follicles, cause irritation, and weigh hair down. If your roots look greasy within a day or two of washing (while ends stay dry), you may have an oily scalp.  It’s tempting to wash an oily scalp more frequently, but over-washing can strip moisture and trigger even more oil production.

On the other end of the spectrum, a dry scalp lacks sufficient oil, which can lead to tightness, flaking, itchiness, and sensitivity. What causes dry scalp? It may be caused by harsh shampoos, cold weather, overuse of heavy aerosol dry shampoo, or skin conditions like psoriasis. This blog on how to soothe an itchy scalp offers gentle, effective ways to calm inflammation and restore comfort.

Whether your scalp is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, regular cleansing, exfoliation, and nourishment help maintain a balanced, healthy scalp. Using lightweight, scalp-friendly products can help regulate oil production, refresh the scalp, and strengthen follicles. Many people ask, “is shampoo bad for your hair?” The wrong products used to often certainly can be! Opting for a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo, washing hair only when necessary, and regular hair masks are the first steps you should take. A hair mask for dry scalp can soothe irritation, flaking, and tightness.  Incorporating scalp exfoliation into your routine via a scalp facial can further help keep oil levels under control. Scalp massage, using a purposely designed scalp massager, is also recommended. It’s like a scalp spa at home! This article explains how to maintain a healthy environment at the roots without overdoing it.

Hair oiling — the practice of massaging oil into the scalp and strands — has been used for centuries to boost shine, moisture, and strength. It can help nourish dry hair, improve manageability, and even support circulation when paired with scalp massage. But while it offers clear benefits, it's not without drawbacks.

For some, especially those prone to sensitive skin or breakouts, oils can clog pores and contribute to scalp acne or irritation. That’s why it’s important to choose the right method for your hair and scalp type. Learn more about the tradition and benefits in What Is Hair Oiling?, and find out why we recommend lighter, non-comedogenic alternatives in Hair Oil and Acne: Why You Should Switch to Foam.

If you’re looking for a modern, mess-free alternative, the Hair Gain Scalp Foam offers targeted nourishment without the heavy residue — making it ideal for those who want the benefits of scalp stimulation without the downsides of traditional oils.

From rice water rinses and hair slugging to tinsel strands and glassy, slick finishes, TikTok and Instagram are full of hair trends that promise instant shine and growth. But are they really effective — or just temporary fixes?

While some hacks do offer benefits (read more on hair cycling, the rice water for hair trend or the return of hair slugging), many rely on heavy oils or one-size-fits-all techniques that can clog the scalp or lead to build-up. And as for the sparkle? The hair tinsel trend might be fun, but it won’t fix breakage or shedding. Hair training might be all the rage, but does it actually work? 

That’s where Hair Gain comes in — offering science-backed, results-driven support that works with your hair cycle, not against it. Whether you're trying out new season trends or revisiting classics from 2023, 2022, or even autumn/winter 2019, products like our Hair Capsules, Hair Gummies, Scalp Foam,  and Hair Mask provide the perfect foundation for strong, trend-ready hair — no filters required.

As we know, healthy hair starts at the scalp. And Hair Gain’s terrific topical treatments are specifically designed to support that environment.

Hair Gain Scalp Foam is a lightweight, fast-absorbing leave-in treatment that stimulates the scalp, promotes circulation, and helps reactivate dormant follicles. With ingredients like AnaGain™ and niacinamide, it helps reduce inflammation and encourages regrowth where it’s needed most.

For dry, irritated, or dehydrated scalps, the Hair Gain Hair Mask offers intense moisture and conditioning to soothe and restore balance. It nourishes both the scalp and strands, improving elasticity, smoothness, and shine.

And for days when you don’t wash your hair, Hair Gain Peptide Puff™ Dry Shampoo keeps the scalp fresh and revitalised — without clogging follicles like traditional aerosol dry shampoos. It absorbs excess oil while delivering peptides and plant-based actives to maintain a clean, healthy environment for hair to grow. Its non-aerosol formulation is great for the environment too! If you’re looking for the best dry shampoo for oily hair out there, then try it and see for yourself. If you’re thinking how to use dry shampoo, then this guide will give you all you need to know. 

A trichologist is a specialist trained in hair and scalp health, focusing on identifying the causes of female hair loss, scalp disorders, and hair thinning. Unlike dermatologists, who diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions, trichologists specifically analyse hair and scalp health to determine the best course of action for improving hair growth and strength.

Your hair is continually growing, resting, and shedding. It’s all part of what is known as the hair growth cycle. 

Thinning hair can creep up on you. A widening parting, a flatter crown, or hair that just doesn’t seem to bounce as it used to – all are common experiences in female hair loss. Hair thinning is often the first warning sign of hair loss, even before excessive shedding begins. Unlike hair loss, where strands fall out completely, thinning occurs when individual hairs become finer, weaker, and less dense over time. This results in reduced volume, a wider parting, and limp, flat hair.

Noticing more hair in your brush, shower drain, bath plug or on your pillow can be one of the first signs of thinning hair. If your scalp is becoming more visible or you’re shedding more than 150 hairs a day, it could be a sign of hair thinning. 

If you suspect your hair may be thinning, then a simple pull test can help. Gently run your fingers through a small section of clean, dry hair and tug lightly—if more than two or three strands come away, it may be a sign of hair thinning or excessive shedding.

If this is you, then it’s wise to quickly explore potential causes like stress, hormonal changes, or nutrient deficiencies, and take steps to address the situation as soon as you can. Taking early action can help restore thickness and prevent further hair loss.

Hair breakage is a common issue that weakens hair strands, making them more fragile and prone to snapping. Unlike hair loss, which occurs at the root, breakage happens along the shaft, leading to frizz, split ends, and a thinner appearance. When hair becomes dry, brittle, or damaged, it loses elasticity and strength, making it more susceptible to breakage.

There are lots of reasons hair breakage occurs. One of the leading causes of breakage is excessive heat styling, such as using curling irons, blow dryers, and straighteners with the dial turned up high. Chemical treatments, including bleaching, dyeing, and perming, weaken the hair’s structure over time, leading to further damage. Rough brushing, tight hairstyles, and over washing can also strip hair of its natural oils, making it more prone to breakage. Even the hard water seen in parts of the UK can have an effect. If you’re noticing more breakage than usual, it’s time to rethink your routine.

To turn the tide and reverse the damage, a holistic approach is needed. 

If your hair feels rough, straw-like, or breaks easily when brushed, then you’re probably dealing with dry hair. This can happen when your scalp doesn’t produce enough natural oils, or when your hair is stripped of moisture. 

Several factors play a part in dry hair. Similarly to hair breakage, styling, colouring and over washing can deplete essential moisture. The elements also have an effect. Cold weather, wind and central heating all tend to make the problem worse during winter. This article takes a deep dive into the issues, explaining how to protect your hair from dryness and fall in the winter months. And you check out some further tips in this blog post too! 

One of the biggest culprits behind dry, brittle strands is a dehydrated scalp. A lack of natural oils can affect follicle health and even lead to an itchy scalp and hair loss. This guide to scalp care explains how restoring balance to the scalp can improve both comfort and hair health.

Another common concern is product buildup, which clogs pores, blocks hydration and generally weighs down your strands. A regular scalp facial with our Hair Gain Hair Mask at its heart can work wonders! And try multimasking to elevate your hair, eyes and face care routine, the results can be amazing. 

Whatever is behind it, dry hair lacks the moisture needed to stay strong, smooth, and resilient. When hair becomes too dry, it becomes brittle, dull, and prone to breakage, split ends, and frizz. Dryness doesn’t just affect the strands—it can also lead to an unhealthy scalp, which may cause irritation, flaking, and slow hair growth.

To restore hydration, it’s essential to nourish the hair with moisture-rich treatments. Hair Gain’s Hair Mask is designed to replenish moisture and improve elasticity, helping to reduce breakage and restore softness. Using a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo can also help maintain hydration. A well-moisturized scalp and hair are key to healthier, shinier locks that are less prone to damage. Check out these easy tips to keeping your hair hydrated. 

A common cause of female hair loss is simply age. As we get older, our follicles shrink, and as with other bodily functions, the growth cycle slows down. But hormonal changes – especially around menopause – can also affect hair growth, hair volume and hair texture. If you’re going through menopause and are experiencing thinning hair, then you are not alone. A landmark Hair Gain survey found that menopause is a major trigger for hair thinning and fall. During menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels decline. These key hair health hormones help keep hair in the growth (anagen) phase for longer. In their absence, hair will grow more slowly, becoming thinner, weaker and more prone to shedding. In a triple whammy, the hormone DHT can become more prevalent. This shrinks follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle. 

Changes usually happen subtly and often commence during perimenopause. Hair feels finer, takes longer to grow back, or begins to lack volume. As with other hair fall issues, early intervention will help maintain thickness and strength. This article explains how menopause affects your hair and what you can do to fight back. Women have seen amazing results with the right supplementation and topical treatments. Midlife skin is also affected by the menopause – and can also be helped with targeted hair and skin products. 

Hair loss in women is far more widespread than many people realize. According to the NHS, nearly 8 million women in the UK are contending with the condition. Meanwhile Hair Gain’s landmark 2022 survey revealed that as many as 75% of British women suffer from thinning hair, an unsettling statistic. Given the amount of celebritiescombatting thinning hair and fall, it’s amazing that it’s taken so long for the problem to begin to be openly discussed!

One of the most prevalent conditions linked to disruptions in the hair growth cycle is called telogen effluvium. It is a major cause of hair loss in women. It happens when more hairs than usual enter the resting (telogen) phase, leading to excessive shedding. Factors such as hormonal changes, illness, surgery, giving birth, nutritional issues (extreme dieting for example) lie behind the condition. Read our guide here on effective treatments for telogen effluvium.