Hair loss is one of the most common conditions in the UK, yet it is rarely talked about openly. This page brings together the most reliable, up-to-date statistics on how common hair loss is in men and women, the effect it has on confidence and wellbeing, and the growth of hair-restoration treatment. Every figure is sourced; where a statistic comes from a survey rather than clinical data, we say so.
Key findings at a glance
- Male-pattern baldness affects around half of all men by the age of 50. (NHS)
- Female-pattern hair loss rises with age, from around 3–6% of women under 30 to 29–42% of women aged 70+. (GPNotebook)
- 48% of men say their hairline affects their self-confidence — rising to 65% of 18–24 year-olds. (The Independent Pharmacy survey)
- 89% of people with hair loss believe there is a negative stigma attached to it. (LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor)
- An estimated 735,312 hair-restoration procedures were performed worldwide in 2019. (ISHRS)
How common is hair loss in men?
Male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. According to the NHS, it affects around half of all men by the age of 50, and becomes more common with age. It typically follows a recognised pattern, beginning at the temples and crown.
Source: NHS — Hair loss (nhs.uk); Patient.info — Male pattern baldness (medically reviewed).
How common is hair loss in women?
Hair loss is far more common in women than many people realise, and its likelihood increases with age. Clinical reference data indicates female-pattern hair loss affects roughly 3–6% of women under 30, rising to 29–42% of women aged 70 and over.
Source: GPNotebook / Primary Care Notebook — Female pattern hair loss (clinical reference).
The impact of hair loss on confidence and wellbeing
Hair loss is rarely just about appearance. A peer-reviewed multinational European study found that men experiencing hair loss reported significantly greater concern about their appearance and lower self-esteem than men without hair loss.
Source: Passchier J et al., “The psychosocial impact of hair loss among men” (PubMed ID 16307704).
UK surveys echo this:
- 48% of men say their hairline is likely to affect their self-confidence, rising to 65% of 18–24 year-olds. (The Independent Pharmacy survey)
- 44% of men still feel self-conscious about their hair loss, 35% feel unattractive, and around 21% report feelings of low mood. (LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor — UK Male Hair Loss Report)
- 89% of people experiencing hair loss believe there is a negative stigma attached to it. (LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor)
Hair transplant and treatment trends
Demand for hair-restoration treatment has grown internationally. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS):
- An estimated 735,312 hair-restoration procedures were carried out worldwide in 2019 — around a 16% increase on 2016.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) accounts for roughly 80% of surgical hair-transplant procedures globally.
- Female participation in hair-restoration procedures continues to grow year-on-year.
Source: ISHRS Practice Census. Note: these figures are worldwide, not UK-specific.
Getting help with hair loss
Hair loss has many causes, and the right approach depends on the individual. At The Skin and Hair Clinic in Liverpool, our GMC-registered surgeons assess each person before recommending any treatment, whether that is FUE hair transplant, FUT, female hair restoration, PRP treatment, or an eyebrow or beard transplant. If you are concerned about hair loss, you can book a free consultation for personalised advice.
Sources & methodology
The statistics on this page are drawn from the sources below. Where a figure comes from a consumer survey rather than clinical or registry data, it is labelled as such. Figures were compiled in August 2026 and are reviewed annually.
- NHS — Hair loss: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/
- Patient.info — Male pattern baldness: https://patient.info/mens-health/male-pattern-baldness
- GPNotebook / Primary Care Notebook — Female pattern hair loss
- Passchier J et al. — The psychosocial impact of hair loss among men (PubMed 16307704)
- The Independent Pharmacy — Hair loss survey
- LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor — UK Male Hair Loss Report
- ISHRS — Practice Census
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
Last updated: August 2026. Reviewed by Dr Jyotsna Kumari (GMC-registered).
