For women

Female Hair Loss

Hair loss in women usually looks different from men's. Instead of a receding hairline, it tends to show as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp and a widening parting, while the hairline itself stays intact. Because the causes are broad, getting the right diagnosis is the essential first step.

The causes

What causes female hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic) is the most common cause, but women's hair loss has a wider range of triggers than men's: hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, PCOS), thyroid problems, iron deficiency, stress, and tight hairstyles that pull on the hair (traction).

Because so many causes are treatable — and some are reversible — a proper assessment, often including blood tests, matters more than jumping straight to any single treatment.

Know the signs

Signs to look for

A widening parting or more visible scalp on top
Overall thinning rather than a receding hairline
A ponytail that feels thinner than it used to
Increased shedding when brushing or washing
Your options

What you can do

1
Get the cause diagnosed. A Hair Score gives a baseline, and a clinician can check for hormonal, thyroid or iron-related causes that may be reversible.
2
Treat the underlying issue. If a deficiency or hormonal factor is found, addressing it can improve the hair. For pattern loss, minoxidil is a common evidence-based option for women.
3
Consider a transplant only if suitable. Some women are good transplant candidates, but many are better served by medical treatment first — which is why diagnosis comes before any decision.
This is general information, not medical advice.

For a diagnosis and treatment tailored to you, speak to a GP or dermatologist. A free Hair Score is a useful starting point to understand where you stand.

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FAQs

Female Hair Loss — common questions

Why is my hair thinning as a woman?
Common causes include female pattern hair loss, hormonal changes, thyroid issues, iron deficiency and stress. Because the range is wide, a proper assessment is the best starting point.
Can female hair loss be reversed?
It depends on the cause. Loss from deficiency, stress or hormonal shifts often improves once the trigger is addressed. Genetic pattern loss can be slowed and managed rather than cured.
Can women have hair transplants?
Yes, in the right cases — but because women's loss is often diffuse, suitability must be assessed carefully. Many women benefit from medical treatment before considering surgery.
What treatments work for female hair loss?
Depending on the cause, options range from treating a deficiency or hormonal factor, to minoxidil, to (in selected cases) a transplant. A clinician tailors this to you.

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