Hair Loss Statistics: UK & Global Research, Facts and Studies
How common is hair loss, and what percentage of men and women experience it? Research shows that pattern hair loss becomes more common with age while genetics plays an important role.
However, not every hair loss statistic tells the same story. Some studies examine gradual thinning, while others investigate conditions causing sudden or patchy hair loss. Findings can also differ according to age, ancestry and the way researchers assess hair loss.
This article brings together statistics from UK and international medical research, with an emphasis on British and Western populations. It covers male and female hair loss, age, genetics, psychological wellbeing and hair transplant trends. Each finding includes a research source and an explanation of what the figures mean.
(Research reviewed: October 2026)
Dr Peter Thomas
MBBS MRCGP FUE Hair Transplant Surgeon
UK-trained doctor and specialist FUE hair transplant surgeon with postgraduate qualifications including MRCGP and specialist training to CCT level. Bringing refined FUE hair restoration techniques and renowned for natural results.
Hair loss statistics at a glance
- 68% of men in a large UK Biobank study reported some degree of male pattern baldness (Yap et al., 2018).
- 18% of men in the same UK study reported severe baldness (Yap et al., 2018).
- 42% of US men aged 18–49 had moderate to extensive male pattern hair loss (Rhodes et al., 1998).
- 53% of US men aged 40–49 had moderate to extensive male pattern hair loss (Rhodes et al., 1998).
- 38% of women aged 70 and over in an English study had female pattern hair loss (Birch et al., 2001).
- 2.72 times: the odds of pattern hair loss associated with having a family history (Li et al., 2026).
- 85.4% of male hair transplants reported by ISHRS physicians used FUE harvesting (ISHRS, 2025).
- 0.58% of UK adults had alopecia areata, an autoimmune form of hair loss (Harries et al., 2022).
Male hair loss statistics
Male pattern hair loss medically known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of progressive hair loss in men. It usually affects the temples, frontal hairline and crown. The condition develops when genetically susceptible hair follicles respond to hormones, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time the affected follicles produce progressively finer hairs.
Although pattern baldness can begin in younger adulthood it generally becomes more common with age.
What percentage of men experience male pattern baldness?
Around 68% of men in a large UK study reported some degree of male pattern baldness.
Researchers analysed information from 205,327 men of European ancestry participating in UK Biobank. The men were aged between 40 and 73. Participants described their hair loss using four categories:
- No baldness: 32%
- Slight baldness: 23%
- Moderate baldness: 27%
- Severe baldness: 18%
The findings suggest that around two-thirds of men in this study had at least some visible pattern hair loss. However, this does not mean that 68% of all UK men are balding. The participants were predominantly middle-aged or older and the research was limited to men of European ancestry. Hair loss was also reported by participants rather than assessed through a full clinical scalp examination.
Source: Yap et al. (2018), Nature Communications.
Does male pattern hair loss become more common with age?
Research consistently shows that both the frequency and severity of male pattern baldness generally increase with age. An American community study published in 1998 examined men aged 18–49. Researchers assessed the men’s hair loss using a standardised classification system.
The study found that 42% of men aged 18–49 had moderate to extensive pattern hair loss.
However, there were substantial differences between age groups:
- Ages 18–29: 16%
- Ages 40–49: 53%
This means around one in six younger men had moderate to extensive hair loss, compared with more than half of those in their forties. These findings are particularly useful because they show how hair loss changes with age. Nevertheless, the research is older and was carried out in the United States rather than the UK.
Source: Rhodes et al. (1998), Dermatologic Surgery.
How is male pattern baldness classified?
Doctors commonly use the Norwood scale to describe different stages of male pattern hair loss. The scale considers changes to the frontal hairline, temples and crown. It helps distinguish early recession from more advanced patterns of baldness.
However, studies do not always use the same threshold when classifying hair loss. Some count mild recession, while others include only more noticeable thinning. This helps explain why published male hair loss statistics can differ.
The Norwood scale is also explored in our article examining Prince Harry’s hair loss and male pattern baldness.
Hair loss statistics by age
Age is one of the main factors influencing pattern hair loss but there is no single age at which everyone starts losing hair. Some men notice changes during their late teens or twenties. Others retain good hair density much later in life.
Women may also experience pattern hair loss before menopause although it generally becomes more common with age.
What percentage of younger men experience hair loss?
Around 16% of US men aged 18–29 had moderate to extensive pattern hair loss in a reported study.
The same study found that the figure increased to 53% among men aged 40–49. These percentages refer to more noticeable male pattern baldness rather than every minor change in hair density.
Source: Rhodes et al. (1998).
What do hair loss statistics tell us about ageing?
The available research shows a clear relationship between age and pattern hair loss. However, comparing studies can be difficult because researchers may assess different age groups or levels of severity.
| Study | Population | Research Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Rhodes et al. (1998) | US men aged 18–29 | 16% had moderate to extensive hair loss |
| Rhodes et al. (1998) | US men aged 40–49 | 53% had moderate to extensive hair loss |
| Yap et al. (2018) | UK men aged 40–73 | 68% reported some degree of baldness |
| Birch et al. (2001) | English women under 50 | 6% had female pattern hair loss |
| Birch et al. (2001) | English women aged 70 and over | 38% had female pattern hair loss |
Although hair loss generally becomes more common with age this does not mean everyone needs treatment. The timing of surgery depends on several factors, including whether hair loss is still progressing. Find out whether you are suitable for a hair transplant.
Female hair loss statistics
Female pattern hair loss is a common cause of progressive thinning in women. Unlike the typical receding hairline seen in men, women often notice reduced density across the top of the scalp. The central parting may also become wider. Research suggests that female pattern hair loss becomes more common with age although other causes of thinning must also be considered.
What percentage of women experience female pattern hair loss?
Around 4 in 10 women aged 70 or over had female pattern hair loss in an English clinical study.
Researchers assessed 377 women attending a general dermatology clinic for reasons unrelated to hair growth. They found:
- 6% of women under 50 had female pattern hair loss.
- 38% of women aged 70 or over had female pattern hair loss.
The findings suggest a substantial increase with age. However, the participants were attending a dermatology clinic. Therefore, the results may not accurately reflect women across the wider UK population.
Source: Birch et al. (2001), British Journal of Dermatology.
Does women's hair density decrease with age?
Yes, the same research found that older women generally had fewer hairs growing within a given area of scalp. It reported average hair densities of approximately:
- 293 hairs per cm² at age 35.
- 211 hairs per cm² at age 70.
However, hair density is only part of the picture. Hair shaft thickness also influences scalp coverage. As a result two people with similar numbers of hairs may have noticeably different levels of visible thinning.
Source: Birch et al. (2001).
Is female hair loss always caused by ageing?
Women can experience hair loss for several reasons. These include inherited pattern hair loss, temporary excessive shedding, autoimmune conditions and certain medical or nutritional problems. Hormonal changes around menopause may also contribute. Ageing alone does not explain every case.
Investigations for hair loss may therefore be needed to establish the cause of thinning.
Genetics and hair loss statistics
Genetics plays a substantial role in male and female pattern baldness. Having relatives who experience hair loss increases the likelihood of developing it yourself. However this doesn’t determine exactly when thinning will begin or how severe it will become.
How important are genetics in male pattern baldness?
UK research involving more than 52,000 men identified over 250 genetic regions associated with severe male pattern baldness.
Published in 2017, the study investigated men aged 40–69. It found that hair loss is influenced by many different genetic variations rather than one single gene.
They also developed a genetic prediction model. Although it could distinguish some men with severe hair loss from those without hair loss, it could not reliably predict every individual’s outcome.
Source: Hagenaars et al. (2017), PLOS Genetics.
How much does family history increase the chance of hair loss?
A 2026 research review found that people with a family history of pattern hair loss had 2.72 times the odds of having the condition. It combined findings from 31 studies involving more than 48,000 participants including 11,224 with pattern hair loss. The results support the importance of inherited susceptibility.
Source: Li et al. (2026), BMC Public Health.
Lifestyle factors and hair loss statistics
Some studies suggest that lifestyle factors including smoking, sleep and alcohol consumption may be linked to male pattern hair loss. But the evidence is less established than it is for genetics. These findings show possible connections.
Is smoking linked to hair loss?
A 2026 review found that smoking was associated with 1.46 times the odds of pattern hair loss.
The researchers showed an association between smoking and worsening hair loss over time. However, these studies examined relationships rather than proving direct causes. The findings do not establish that smoking causes pattern baldness or that stopping smoking reverses existing hair loss.
Source: Li et al. (2026).
Can sleep, alcohol or excess weight affect hair loss?
Research has identified possible links between lifestyle factors and worsening pattern hair loss. The 2026 review reported:
| Factor | Findings |
|---|---|
| Being overweight | 2.31 times the odds of worsening pattern hair loss |
| Alcohol consumption | 1.72 times the odds |
| Poor sleep | 1.36 times the odds |
The findings were calculated by combining results from several studies. They suggest possible associations rather than proof that these factors cause hair loss.
Source: Li et al. (2026).
Hair loss and psychological wellbeing
Hair loss can affect confidence, body image and emotional wellbeing. However, its impact varies considerably. Some people find thinning hair extremely distressing, while others experience little difficulty. Research supports this variation rather than suggesting everyone experiences the same effects.
Is hair loss linked to anxiety or depression?
A 2025 research review found higher levels of depression symptoms, social anxiety and stress among people with pattern hair loss. It examined 13 studies involving 2737 people with pattern hair loss and 17,382 people in comparison groups. The findings suggest a relationship between hair loss and psychological wellbeing. However, they do not prove that hair loss directly causes depression or anxiety. Other personal, medical and social factors may also contribute.
Source: Kong et al. (2025), Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Does hair loss cause severe psychological distress in most men?
Research does not establish that most men with pattern hair loss experience severe psychological distress.
A separate review examined 37 studies exploring the psychological effects of male pattern baldness. It found limited evidence of severe effects across the populations studied. They also identified weaknesses in some of the research. However, this does not mean hair loss cannot cause significant distress. For some patients, changes to their appearance can strongly affect confidence, relationships and quality of life. The impact should therefore be considered individually.
For some men, choosing to shave their head can be a positive response to hair loss. Others may prefer medical or surgical treatment. There is no single approach that suits everyone.
HairMind© is a groundbreaking new solution to hair loss. Developed by Dr Thomas and experts in the field it brings a world-first concept to the way hair loss is approached.
Source: Frith and Jankowski (2024), Psychology, Health & Medicine.
Hair transplant statistics
Hair transplantation is one treatment option for suitable patients. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) publishes surveys examining activity among participating hair restoration surgeons. The findings provide information about surgical techniques, graft numbers and changing patient demand.
What percentage of hair transplants are FUE?
FUE harvesting accounted for 85.4% of male and 68.2% of female procedures reported in the 2025 ISHRS survey.
FUE stands for follicular unit extraction. It involves removing individual groups of hair follicles from a donor area, usually the back and sides of the scalp. The extracted follicular units can then be transplanted into areas affected by thinning or baldness.
The percentages reflect procedures reported by participating surgeons during 2024. They do not represent every hair transplant performed worldwide.
For more information about the surgical technique, see how FUE hair transplantation works.
Source: ISHRS (2025), Practice Census.
How many grafts are used in a typical hair transplant?
The ISHRS survey reported an average of 2262 grafts for a typical FUE procedure.
A graft is a small group of hair follicles removed from the donor area for transplantation. Each graft may contain one or several hairs. These numbers are averages from participating surgeons, not recommended treatment targets. The number required depends on the area being treated, existing density, available donor hair and likely future hair loss.
Source: ISHRS (2025).
Are more women seeking hair restoration?
The ISHRS reported a 16.5% increase in female surgical hair restoration patients between 2021 and 2024.
The survey also reported a 30% increase in non-surgical patients over the same period. These findings suggest growing demand among participating practices. However, increased treatment activity does not necessarily mean that hair loss itself is becoming more common.
Source: ISHRS (2025), Practice Census Results.
Hair loss treatment research and clinical trials
Researchers continue to investigate new treatments for different types of hair loss. For an overview of developing therapies see the article discussing new hair loss treatments being investigated.
How many hair loss clinical trials have been registered?
A study published in 2026 examined trial registrations in ClinicalTrials.gov, a medical research database. It found:
- 29 trials registered in 2015.
- 87 trials registered in 2025.
- 222 trials marked as completed when the data were collected in January 2026.
This suggests that research activity increased considerably during the period studied. However, completing a clinical trial does not mean that its treatment was effective or approved for patients. Other research may have been registered elsewhere.
Source: Parra-Guerra et al. (2026), Frontiers in Medicine.
Alopecia areata statistics
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune form of hair loss. It develops when the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles disrupting normal hair growth. Unlike male and female pattern baldness which usually develops gradually, alopecia areata often causes sudden, smooth patches of hair loss.
How common is alopecia areata in the UK?
Around 6 in every 1000 UK adults had a recorded diagnosis of alopecia areata in 2018.
A large UK primary-care study reported that 0.58% of adults had a recorded diagnosis. Researchers examined records covering approximately 4.16 million people over 10 years. The findings included:
- 0.58% of UK adults overall.
- 0.62% of women.
- 0.55% of men.
The condition was recorded slightly more often in women. However, people whose condition had not been diagnosed or detailed on their medical records may not have been included.
Source: Harries et al. (2022), British Journal of Dermatology.
What is the lifetime chance of developing alopecia areata?
Around 2 in every 100 people are estimated to develop alopecia areata by age 80.
A UK study published in 2024 estimated this chance at 2.11%. The estimates included:
- Women: 2.35%.
- Men: 1.88%.
- Overall: 2.11%.
These figures estimate the chance of developing alopecia areata by age 80. They do not mean that 2.11% of people have the condition at any particular time.
Source: Thompson et al. (2024), British Journal of Dermatology.
At what age is alopecia areata most commonly diagnosed?
A UK study found that new cases of alopecia areata were most common among people aged 25–29.
Researchers examined records covering more than four million people and identified 6765 new cases. However, alopecia areata can develop in children, younger adults and older people.
Source: Harries et al. (2022).
Hair loss statistics that need careful interpretation
Some frequently quoted hair loss statistics are difficult to verify. Others come from genuine studies but lose important details when repeated online.
Do 85% of men experience hair loss by age 50?
This figure appears frequently online. However it should not be treated as a universal finding without identifying the original research.
The percentage of men affected depends on age, population and how researchers define hair loss. For example, UK Biobank research found that around 68% of its predominantly middle-aged and older male participants reported some degree of baldness. However, this cannot be converted into a percentage for all men at age 50.
Do 50% of women experience hair loss?
This is another widely quoted claim that needs context. Female pattern hair loss, temporary excessive shedding and autoimmune alopecia are different conditions.
Combining them into one estimate may be misleading. A reliable figure should explain which condition was studied and which women were included.
Does hair loss always cause psychological problems?
No, some studies show a relationship between hair loss and psychological distress but experiences vary widely. The presence of hair loss alone does not mean someone has anxiety, depression or poor self-esteem.
Why do hair loss statistics vary between studies?
There are a few reasons which might include:
- Different conditions: Pattern baldness, excessive shedding and alopecia areata are not the same.
- Different ages: Pattern hair loss generally becomes more common with age.
- Different populations: Research from one country or population may not apply equally elsewhere.
- Different assessments: Self-reported thinning may produce different findings from a clinical examination.
Research methodology
This article brings together findings from published medical studies, research reviews and professional surveys.
UK research was prioritised where suitable evidence was available. Other Western studies were included when they provided useful age-related or population findings. International research reviews were also included where they offered relevant evidence on genetics, lifestyle factors and treatment research. Sources were selected according to their relevance, study population, findings and limitations.
Because different studies examine different forms of hair loss, their results have not been combined into a single overall percentage. Some research is older, particularly studies examining hair loss by age. These remain useful historical findings but should not be mistaken for current national estimates.
The research reviewed includes publications available up to October 2026. This is a selected evidence summary rather than a formal review of every available study.
Using these hair loss statistics
You are welcome to reference the findings, opinions and original charts in this article, with attribution to Dr Peter Thomas and a link to this resource.
Hair loss statistics FAQs
A final word from Dr Thomas...
Hair loss is common but its frequency varies according to age, genetics and the underlying condition. These studies provide useful insight into male pattern baldness and highlights differences between men and women. However, statistics are most useful when we understand who was studied and what was measured.
Speak with Dr Thomas and the team by booking a consultation today. You can also find more information about hair transplants on Dr Thomas’s Instagram.
DrThomas
References
Birch, M.P., Messenger, J.F. and Messenger, A.G. (2001) ‘Hair density, hair diameter and the prevalence of female pattern hair loss’, British Journal of Dermatology, 144(2), pp. 297–304. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04018.x
Frith, H. and Jankowski, G.S. (2024) ‘Psychosocial impact of androgenetic alopecia on men: a systematic review and meta-analysis’, Psychology, Health & Medicine, 29(4), pp. 822–842. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2023.2242049
Hagenaars, S.P. et al. (2017) ‘Genetic prediction of male pattern baldness’, PLOS Genetics, 13(2), article e1006594. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1006594
Harries, M. et al. (2022) ‘The epidemiology of alopecia areata: a population-based cohort study in UK primary care’, British Journal of Dermatology, 186(2), pp. 257–265. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.20628
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) (2025) 2025 Practice Census. Available at: https://ishrs.org/2025-practice-census/
Kong, Y., Shang, Y. and Zhang, L. (2025) ‘Association between androgenetic alopecia and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis’, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, article 1705957. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1705957
Li, H. et al. (2026) ‘Risk factors for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis’, BMC Public Health, 26, article 1000. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-26258-y
Parra-Guerra, A.D. et al. (2026) ‘A decade of hair-loss clinical trials: a registry-based analysis of studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov’, Frontiers in Medicine, 13, article 1821858. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2026.1821858
Rhodes, T. et al. (1998) ‘Prevalence of male pattern hair loss in 18–49 year old men’, Dermatologic Surgery, 24(12), pp. 1330–1332. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.1998.tb00009.x
Thompson, A.R. et al. (2024) ‘Lifetime incidence and healthcare disparities in alopecia areata: a UK population-based cohort study’, British Journal of Dermatology, 191(6), pp. 924–935. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljae307
Yap, C.X. et al. (2018) ‘Dissection of genetic variation and evidence for pleiotropy in male pattern baldness’, Nature Communications, 9, article 5407. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-07862-y
