Unlike hair loss in men, female scalp hair loss may commonly begin at any age through 50 or later, may not have any obvious hereditary association. A woman who notices the beginning of hair loss may not be sure if the loss is going to be temporary or permanent—for example, if there has been a recent event such as pregnancy or illness that may be associated with temporary hair thinning.

Self-diagnosis is often ineffective. Women tend to have less obvious patterns of hair loss than men, and non-pattern types of hair loss are more frequent in women than in men. Diagnosis of hair loss in a woman should be made by a trained and experienced physician.

In women as in men, the most likely cause of scalp hair loss is androgenetic alopecia—an inherited sensitivity to the effects of androgens (male hormones) on scalp hair follicles. However, women with hair loss due to this cause usually do not develop true baldness in the patterns that occur in men—female hair loss occurs in various patterns and is often diffuse or veiled vs bald. Patterns of female androgenetic alopecia can vary considerably in appearance.

Treaments for Hair Loss in Women

There are several options for treating female hair loss, they include FDA approved topical treatment with Rogaine for Women. Rogaine, also know as minoxidil, is applied directly to the scalp on a daily basis. For some women with regular daily use the thinning areas will not only maintain existing hair but thicken the hair. This positive result will cease if Rogaine is discontinued.

Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation is the surgical relocation of healthy hair follicles from the sides and back of the head to the thinning areas. Although hair transplanted hair will continue to grow it may be a necessity for additional hair transplantation if you lose more hair. Some patient's combine hair transplantation with Rogaine treatment. Hair transplantation can also be performed to replace hair loss of the eyebrows.

Hair Thickening Cosmetics and Hair Additions are effective but temporary treatments that can artificially camouflage hair loss. Hair Thickening products include natural keratin fibers that can be shaken into the hair to fill gaps in your hair. Hair coloring sprays and makeups also camouflage hair loss effectively in some cases. Hair wefts and wigs conceal hair loss while worn.

During your consultation with one of our Plastic Surgeons they will review all options and recommend the best treatment based for your particular condition.