Hair Loss in the UK – A Statistical Deep Dive: Prevalence, Demographics & Trends

Home » Hair Loss » Hair Loss in the UK – A Statistical Deep Dive: Prevalence, Demographics & Trends

Over 15 million UK adults, nearly one in four, currently live with hair loss, making it one of the most widespread health conditions affecting British men and women across all age groups. Yet despite its prevalence, hair loss remains an under-recognised public health issue with significant psychological and economic consequences that extend far beyond cosmetic concerns.

Dr Suhail Alam
August 19, 2025
Reading Time: 10 Mins

Key Statistics at a Glance

UK Hair Loss Overview

Hair loss in the UK follows global patterns but with distinct characteristics. Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) remains the predominant cause, affecting approximately 95% of male hair loss cases.

The normal hair growth cycle involves shedding 50-100 hairs daily. Hair loss becomes clinically significant when this rate increases substantially or when regrowth fails to keep pace with shedding.

According to data, about 85% of hairs are in the growth (anagen) phase, 1% are in transition, and 14% are in the telogen phase. Disruptions to this cycle, whether from genetic predisposition, hormones, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic stress, can lead to noticeable thinning or baldness.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Prevalence by Age Group

Male pattern baldness shows a clear age-related progression in UK populations. NHS GP practices report approximately 6.5 million men currently living with male-pattern baldness in Britain.

Research indicates that about 30-50% of men experience androgenetic alopecia by age 50. A community survey found that 31% of men aged 40-55 and 53% of those aged 65-69 showed moderate to extensive hair loss.

More concerning for younger men, a US population study of men aged 18-49 found moderate-to-extensive hair loss in 42% of participants, with prevalence increasing from 16% at ages 18-29 to 53% at ages 40-49.

Onset and Progression

For most men, pattern baldness typically begins between ages 20-30, often starting with recession at the temples or thinning at the crown.

The progression varies significantly between individuals, with genetic factors largely determining the rate. Most men with the condition will see their hair loss progress over decades, though for some, the process can accelerate rapidly over just a few years.

Female Hair Loss

Prevalence Statistics

Female pattern hair loss affects approximately 8 million UK women, according to the Institute of Trichologists data.

A British dermatology clinic study involving 377 women found that 6% of women under 50 had female-pattern hair loss, increasing dramatically to 38% in women aged 70 and older. The NHS confirms that around half of women aged 70+ develop female-pattern baldness.

While less visible in younger women, clinical studies note that around 40% of women show noticeable hair loss by age 50, contradicting the stereotype that hair loss primarily affects men.

Hormonal and Age Factors

Unlike male pattern baldness, female hair loss shows a stronger correlation with hormonal transitions. Menopause represents a significant trigger point, with prevalence accelerating post-menopause.

Female hair loss is influenced by androgen sensitivity, declining oestrogen levels after menopause, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. The hair thinning typically affects the top of the head and part line rather than creating a receding hairline as seen in men.

Autoimmune Hair Loss

Alopecia Areata Incidence

A comprehensive UK primary-care database study examining 4.1 million patient records identified 6,675 new alopecia areata cases over a decade (2009-2018). This translates to an incidence rate of 0.26 cases per 1,000 person-years.

The same study found a point prevalence of 0.58% at the end of 2018, corresponding to approximately 400,000 affected people across the UK. This is significantly higher than the often-quoted figure of 1 in 500 adults (0.2%).

Demographics and Risk Factors

The UK study revealed that alopecia areata incidence was markedly higher in urban and socioeconomically deprived areas. Non-white populations, particularly individuals of Asian ethnicity, were disproportionately affected.

The psychological impact is substantial. A 2022 UK population-based cohort study showed that people with alopecia areata were 30-38% more likely to develop new-onset depression or anxiety. They also had a 56% higher risk of taking time off work and 82% greater risk of unemployment compared to matched controls.

Other Types of Hair Loss

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a reversible, diffuse hair shedding triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or medications. During this condition, up to 70% of anagen (growth phase) hairs can shift to telogen (resting phase), compared to the normal 14%.

Common triggers in the UK population include:

Post-partum hormonal changes (1-5 months after giving birth)
Severe illness or surgery (including COVID-19)
Crash dieting or malnutrition
Medication changes (antidepressants, anticoagulants, retinoids)

While no population-wide UK incidence is published, telogen effluvium is considered common and is often self-limited, typically resolving within 6-9 months after the trigger is removed.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia results from chronic tension on hair follicles, often due to tight hairstyles. Although uncommon in the general UK population, it disproportionately affects individuals of African descent.

A South African population study reported that 31.7% of adult women and 17.1% of schoolgirls had traction alopecia. Similar rates were found in a Sudanese survey, with 25% of adult women affected.

In the UK, traction alopecia is primarily seen in Black women. Trichologists emphasise that societal pressure to alter natural hair, chemical relaxers, and lack of education about afro-hair care contribute to this disparity.

Hair Loss Risk Factors

Genetic Factors

Androgenetic alopecia shows strong heritability patterns in UK families. Having a first-degree relative with pattern baldness significantly increases risk, particularly for men.

The androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome (inherited from mothers) shows especially strong associations with male pattern baldness, explaining why many men observe similar hair loss patterns to their maternal grandfathers.

Lifestyle Influences

Several lifestyle factors influence hair loss in the UK population:

Smoking has been associated with earlier onset and increased severity of androgenetic alopecia
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and vitamin D, can trigger or exacerbate shedding
Psychological stress can precipitate telogen effluvium
Certain hairstyling practices can lead to traction alopecia

A Mental Health Foundation survey found that 74% of British adults reported feeling “overwhelmed or unable to cope” with modern life stressors, potentially contributing to stress-related hair loss.

UK Hair Loss Treatment Market

Treatment Options and Popularity

Treatment	Effectiveness	Notes
Minoxidil	60% effective at slowing loss	More effective as foam than oral medication
Finasteride	59.5% effective at reducing loss	99% effective at slowing progression over 10 years
FUE Hair Transplant	90–95% graft survival	Most popular surgical approach
PRP Therapy	Significant increase in hair density	Often combined with transplantation

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) accounts for approximately 59% of hair transplant procedures globally, with men generating about 79% of revenue in this sector.

Treatment Costs

The global hair loss treatment products market was valued at US $2.22 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US $3.27 billion by 2030.

For surgical interventions, the global hair transplant market size was US $6.42 billion in 2025, expected to reach US $9.84 billion by 2030. Approximately 3.4 million procedures were performed worldwide in 2021, up from 2.6 million in 2019.

The average cost of a hair transplant in the UK is approximately £8,050, though significant medical tourism exists with Turkish clinics offering procedures for about US $2,675.

Social and Economic Impact

Hair loss has substantial indirect costs beyond treatment expenses. People with alopecia areata were 56% more likely to take time off work and 82% more likely to be recorded as unemployed compared with matched controls.

While similar data are not available for pattern hair loss, the psychological distress and expenditure on treatments suggest considerable societal costs. Research shows visible hair loss affects perceived attractiveness, confidence in social situations, and even job prospects.

Current Trends

Several key trends are reshaping the UK hair loss landscape:

Earlier onset of pattern hair loss, potentially due to lifestyle factors and increased awareness
Growing normalisation of discussing hair loss and treatments through social media
Integration of mental health support into dermatology and trichology services
Rising interest in personalised medicine and regenerative therapies, though many remain experimental
Increasing recognition of hair loss as a legitimate health concern rather than merely a cosmetic issue

Conclusion

Hair loss affects over 15 million UK adults, with 85% of men and 40% of women experiencing significant hair loss by age 50. While androgenetic alopecia remains the predominant cause, conditions like alopecia areata and stress-related telogen effluvium affect hundreds of thousands more.

The economic and psychological impacts are substantial, with research linking hair loss to depression, anxiety, and employment challenges. As treatment options expand and awareness grows, addressing hair loss as a legitimate health concern remains essential for healthcare providers, policymakers, and society at large.

About the Author

Dr Suhail Alam

Dr Alam is devoted to providing high quality, holistic, patient centred care designed to make patients look and feel their best. He has a specialist interest in Hair Restoration Surgery and Regenerative Medicine.

See author's posts