Female hair thinning: the cause comes first

Hair loss in women looks different from men’s and can have different causes. For female patients the first step is therefore often not a transplant but finding the cause.

What female pattern thinning looks like

In women the hairline is usually preserved; thinning appears diffusely along the parting and over the top. The Ludwig scale describes three stages: slight widening of the parting (I), visible thinning (II) and diffuse loss on top (III).

Possible causes

• Genetic predisposition and hormonal influences
• Iron deficiency, thyroid disorders and some vitamin deficiencies
• Temporary shedding after childbirth, severe stress or illness (telogen effluvium)
• Loss from tight braids and pulling (traction alopecia)
• Some medications and dermatological conditions

Assessment

At a dermatology examination the scalp is examined with a trichoscope, assessing variation in hair calibre and skin findings. Blood tests are requested if needed, and treatment is planned around the cause once it is identified.

Who is a transplant an option for?

A transplant is considered for women whose loss has stabilised, whose donor zone is healthy and whose thinning is limited to a defined area. A naturally high hairline, areas of trauma or surgical scarring and traction loss are also suitable situations. In diffuse thinning that also affects the donor zone, a transplant is usually not recommended.

Unshaven planning

For female patients the donor area is often trimmed in a narrow strip hidden under the upper hair, or worked on completely unshaven. Because grafts are placed between existing hairs, visible marks and changes usually go unnoticed by others.

Expectations

A transplant does not stop thinning from progressing; medical follow-up and treatment continue for most women. Shock loss may be more common in women. The simulator’s “Female oval” hairline and “Natural parting” style give an illustrative idea of how a denser parting might look.

The information on this page is general and does not replace a medical consultation. The method, graft number and timeline suitable for you can only be determined after an examination. Simulations are illustrative and are not a promise of results.