Understanding Female Pattern Baldness Tips: Causes, Effective Care, And Myths
A comprehensive guide to female pattern baldness, its causes, myths, and treatment options. Explore lifestyle tips, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection of female hair baldness to maintain healthy hair and emotional well-being.
Written by
Last updated on 6th May, 2025
About one-third of women have hair loss at some point in their lives, and up to two-thirds of postmenopausal women generally face bald or thinning hair. Female pattern baldness is a form of hair loss that affects women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB).
It is also known as androgenic alopecia. It causes hair loss on the scalp, and hair will not grow back without proper treatment. Hair loss usually affects women more deeply than men, as it is less socially accepted for women. This can also significantly impact their emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Read more to get deeper insights about female pattern baldness.
Causes of Female Pattern Baldness
Several factors can be the cause of female pattern baldness. These generally include the following:
This hair loss is primarily a genetic condition in women and can be inherited from either parent. It happens as hair follicles become more sensitive to male hormones (androgens), which everyone has, including females.
Hormonal changes from medical conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can also contribute to female pattern hair loss. PCOS generally raises androgen levels, which can cause both hair loss and increased hair loss. A 2020 study found that 10.5% of women with female pattern baldness were also suffering from PCOS.
Female pattern baldness can also be caused by lifestyle and environmental influences such as nutritional deficiencies, stress, scalp infections, tight hairstyles, certain STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), and thyroid issues.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Female pattern baldness is easy to recognise, and mainly includes the following:
More hair falling out every day.
There might be visible spots with missing or thinner hair, particularly at the top of the head.
Tying up smaller and thinner ponytails.
The scalp may become more visible through the hairs.
Hair might feel like it’s breaking off.
A healthcare provider will examine the hair and ask about the medical history, supplements, and medication of a person. After the initial examination, additional tests may be conducted to diagnose hair loss in women, which could include:
Scalp examination under a microscope
Tugging on the hair gently to observe how many strands detach.
A scalp biopsy to analyze a small sample of scalp tissue.
Blood tests to evaluate levels of hormones, vitamins, and minerals.
Treatment Options
Many treatments for female pattern baldness can help prevent future hair loss and may result in some hair regrowth. The treatment options mainly involve:
Over-the-counter solutions such as minoxidil and prescription drugs like finasteride may be effective in providing relief. The doctor may recommend using them with ketoconazole shampoo.
Hair transplant, healthy hair follicles from other parts of the body are moved to thinning areas on the scalp.
Microneedling of the scalp with or without application of minoxidil to stimulate hair growth.
Injecting PRP (Protein-Rich Plasma) into the scalp to encourage hair growth.
Lifestyle and Dietary Tips
Here are some important lifestyle and dietary tips to prevent female pattern baldness:
Eat a balanced diet that contains enough iron, protein, minerals, and other nutrients. A person can also take vitamins or supplements for a vitamin deficiency.
Limit chemical treatments that can damage or break hair, such as hair bleach, perms (permanent waves), and straightening irons. Use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before brushing, and set the hair dryer to the lowest heat.
Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Role of Professional Help
It is always essential to consult a dermatologist or trichologist for proper diagnosis, in case a woman suspects FPHL (Female Pattern Hair Loss). Other conditions causing hair loss may look similar but require different hair treatments. That’s why, starting female pattern baldness treatment early can help prevent additional hair loss.
The person will also get psychological support or counselling through professional healthcare experts that helps to manage the emotional impact of hair loss while also boosting self-confidence.
Prevention Strategies
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent female pattern baldness, there are some essential preventive strategies to maintain healthy hair and potentially encourage hair growth, such as:
Use gentle shampoo and conditioner regularly to maintain scalp health. Also, scalp massages boost blood flow and hair growth.
Avoid towel-drying and brushing wet hair. The use of a soft bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair can be beneficial.
Avoid tight ponytails, buns, or braids to prevent stress on traction alopecia and hair follicles.
Always wear a hat or use UV-protective products to shield hair from sunlight and environmental damage.
Medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or thyroid disorders, should be treated as early as possible to reduce hair loss.
Smoking can also lead to hair loss and premature greying.
Myths and Facts
Female pattern baldness is a common hair condition that can affect anyone. Some of the most common myths and facts about women's hair loss and treatments are explained further that will help to understand when it occurs, who it affects, and why:
Myth: Female pattern baldness can be resolved on its own.
Fact: Temporary hair loss (e.g., from stress) can self-resolve, but hereditary hair loss, such as female pattern baldness, requires proper treatment.
Myth: Shampoos and vitamins help to regrow female pattern baldness.
Fact: Medication and topical treatment, such as Minoxidil, is the clinically proven treatment for female pattern baldness.
Myth: Hair baldness is inherited only from the mother.
Fact: Female hair loss can come from either parent and may skip generations.
Myth: Females generally experience hair loss after childbirth.
Fact: Hormonal changes can cause temporary hair loss after childbirth, but it usually returns to normal.
Myth: Stress can cause long-term hair loss
Fact: Stress can cause temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium), which usually resolves when normal routines return. However, long-term stress can turn into female hair baldness in some cases.
Myth: Haircuts make hair grow faster.
Facts: Cutting hair doesn’t affect hair growth speed.
Myth: Shedding hair is abnormal
Fact: Losing 50–100 hairs regularly is a normal part of the hair growth cycle.
Myth: All hair follicles are present at birth
Fact: Follicles can become inactive but may regrow hair with treatment.
Conclusion
Adopting essential hair care tips and making lifestyle adjustments can play a major role in reducing hair loss and maintaining healthy hair.
However, a person can reach out to a healthcare provider, in case they notice early signs of hair thinning and feel anxious or stressed. Effective medications and treatments are available to reverse or slow the condition.
Consult Top Dermatologists
Consult Top Dermatologists
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(225+ Patients)
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Dr. Madhab Datta
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (DVL)
Kolkata
Dr. Madhab Datta's Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Himadri Sinha
Dermatologist
6 Years • BDS, FMC
New Town
AESTHETICAROOTS, New Town
