Female Hair Loss: Megi Wellness on Changing the Conversation

Female hair loss is still too often spoken about in whispers — despite it being a reality for many women at different life stages, from postpartum shedding to stress-related thinning and perimenopause. A recent interview with Aneta Mortlock, founder of Megi Wellness, highlights a growing shift in the UK beauty conversation: moving away from shame and quick fixes, and towards education, support and realistic expectations.

While the original piece is brand-led, the themes resonate across the wider salon and consumer landscape: why women delay seeking help, what “science-backed” can (and can’t) mean in haircare, and why a system approach can be useful when you’re trying to make sense of shedding, breakage and density changes. Below, we unpack the most practical, evidence-aware takeaways for anyone navigating thinning hair — and what you can do next.

Why female hair loss still feels taboo — and why that’s changing

In UK salons, it’s common for clients to first raise concerns about thinning indirectly: “My ponytail feels smaller,” or “My parting looks wider,” rather than explicitly naming hair loss. That hesitation often stems from how heavily hair is tied to identity, femininity and confidence — plus the fear of being dismissed.

Mortlock’s story, as described in the interview, centres on reframing hair loss as a whole-person experience rather than a vanity issue. That’s an important lens because it reflects how real life works: hair changes rarely happen in isolation. Lifestyle shifts, hormonal milestones, nutritional patterns, scalp sensitivity, heat styling habits and even hairline tension from certain styles can all overlap.

Real-world practicality: If you’ve been unsure whether your shedding is “normal”, start by taking clear photos of your parting and hairline in natural light once a month. This helps you track change objectively without obsessing daily.

What a “system-led” approach means in haircare (without the hype)

The interview references a “system-led approach” — a phrase that can sound like marketing, but it can also reflect a sensible principle: consistency. In haircare, isolated tweaks (a new shampoo one week, a new serum the next) often make it hard to know what’s helping. A routine-based approach can reduce variables, giving hair and scalp time to respond.

In professional practice, stylists typically view “systems” as a combination of:

• Scalp care (cleansing well, avoiding build-up, respecting sensitivity)
• Fibre protection (conditioning, minimising friction, controlling heat)
• Styling strategy (volume placement, parting tricks, gentle handling)
• Time (most changes to density and growth cycles take months, not days)

It’s also worth separating “hair fall” from “hair breakage”. Many people describe both as “hair loss”, but the solutions can differ significantly. Shedding relates to the growth cycle; breakage relates to the strength and condition of the hair fibre. A good consultation — in salon or with a qualified trichology professional — usually starts by clarifying which is most likely.

The science conversation: what’s credible, what’s cautious

Mortlock’s interview nods to scientific thinking, which is increasingly what UK consumers want: fewer miracle claims, more transparency. Still, it’s important to stay grounded. Haircare products can support the scalp environment and improve the look and feel of hair (thicker feel, less breakage, better shine and manageability). But they aren’t a guaranteed solution for every type of thinning, especially when underlying drivers include hormones, long-term stress, medication changes or certain medical conditions.

Dermatologists and trichologists often suggest looking for routines that focus on reducing inflammation triggers and build-up, supporting barrier comfort and keeping the scalp clean but not stripped. For the lengths, the most evidence-aligned approach is often boring — and effective: conditioning, gentle detangling, reducing high heat exposure, and protecting hair from friction.

If a brand uses “science-backed” language, a useful consumer habit is to look for specifics: ingredient concentrations, study type (in-vivo on humans vs lab-only), and what the product is actually claiming to do (e.g., reduce breakage vs regrow hair). In responsible beauty journalism, we also watch for red flags such as absolute regrowth promises.

How to talk to your stylist (and what to ask for)

One of the most helpful outcomes of more open dialogue is that it gives clients permission to ask for what they actually need: a plan. If you’re worried about thinning, your stylist can often help with cut, colour placement and styling that creates the appearance of density — while also protecting fragile areas.

Consider asking for:

• A low-tension styling plan (especially around the hairline and temples)
• Guidance on wash frequency based on your scalp (not someone else’s routine)
• A blow-dry approach that lifts without excessive heat or rough brushing
• Camouflage techniques such as strategic parting, root diffusion and haircut structure
• Referral suggestions if your pattern of loss looks sudden, patchy, or rapidly worsening

If you’re experiencing sudden shedding or scalp symptoms such as persistent itch, soreness, flaking that doesn’t resolve, or visible patches, it’s sensible to seek medical guidance. A GP, dermatologist or qualified trichology practitioner can help rule out underlying causes and advise on appropriate next steps.

Key Takeaways

• Female hair loss is more common than many people realise, but it’s still under-discussed — tracking changes monthly can help you stay objective.
• A “system-led” routine can be useful because it improves consistency and helps you identify what’s working over time.
• Separate shedding from breakage: they can look similar in the shower but may need different solutions.
• Be cautious with big promises; look for specific, measurable claims and remember many results take months.
• Your next step can be simple: book a consultation, ask for a low-tension styling plan, and take photos to monitor progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m shedding too much hair?
Shedding varies by person and season, and daily counts can be misleading. If you notice a clear change in ponytail thickness, parting width, or ongoing excess shedding for several weeks, consider tracking with monthly photos and seeking a professional assessment.

Is thinning hair always caused by hormones?
Not always. Hormones can play a role, particularly around postpartum and perimenopause, but stress, nutrition, scalp irritation, breakage from heat/chemical services, and styling tension can also contribute.

Can shampoo and scalp products regrow hair?
Topical haircare can support scalp comfort, reduce build-up and improve hair fibre strength, which may help hair look fuller and reduce breakage. Regrowth claims depend on the cause of thinning and should be treated cautiously; speak to a medical professional for persistent or sudden hair loss.

What styles are best if my hair is thinning at the front?
Many stylists recommend minimising tension at the hairline (avoid tight ponytails and heavy extensions), choosing softer fringes or face-framing layers, and using gentle root lift techniques rather than aggressive backcombing.

When should I see a GP or dermatologist about hair loss?
If hair loss is rapid, patchy, painful, associated with scalp inflammation, or affecting your wellbeing, it’s appropriate to seek medical advice. A clinician can help assess possible underlying factors and discuss evidence-based options.