Trichological Hair Loss Service
Complete our 2-minute assessment today and be matched with a Trichologist who will diagnose and treat your hair loss concern, supporting you every step along your journey.
Female pattern hair loss (also known as hair thinning, androgenetic alopecia or reduced hair volume) is more common than you may think, yet it’s still rarely spoken about. At Philip Kingsley, we frequently meet women who feel embarrassed or lose confidence due to thinning hair. You are not alone. In the UK, over 20% of women under 50 experience hair thinning, and this number rises to around 65% during and after menopause.
While complete baldness is extremely rare in women, female pattern hair loss is a condition that deserves looking at properly to determine the underlying cause and to help you get the right treatment.
What Causes Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Female pattern hair loss is a gradual process. It doesn’t mean your hair is falling out in clumps; it’s that individual hairs grow back thinner and shorter over many hair growth cycles.
The main causes include:
Genetics: Hair thinning in women, like in men, can be inherited from either parent.
Hormonal sensitivity: Hair follicles may be sensitive to normal levels of circulating androgens. This sensitivity gradually causes follicles to miniaturise, producing thinner hairs over time.
Age: Thinning most often begins around menopause, though it can occur in younger women with high follicle sensitivity.
The severity and onset of thinning depend on how sensitive your follicles are to androgens. Over time, follicles may shrink to the point where they stop producing hair altogether.
What are the Symptoms of Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Hair thinning is often gradual, and by the time you notice it, you may have lost over 15% of your hair volume. Seeing a Trichologist early on can help you retain more hair.
Typical symptoms include:
Wider hair parting
Increased scalp visibility at the crown
Shorter, finer hairs at the temples
Hair that no longer grows as long as it used to
Women usually lose hair in a diffuse pattern around the temples and crown, while the hairline is typically retained. Unlike men, complete baldness is rare, and women are more likely to regain some hair density with treatment, though responses vary. Hair thinning may occur on its own or alongside increased shedding which we call telogen effluvium.
What Triggers Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Because female pattern hair loss is linked to hormone sensitivity, certain hormonal changes or treatments may impact hair volume. These include:
The menopause
Some contraceptive pills
Certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Younger women can also experience thinning, particularly if follicles are highly sensitive to androgens.
How Do You Treat Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Treatment for hair thinning takes time because hair grows slowly so patience really is essential. The earlier you start, the better the results. Effective approaches address the hormonal sensitivity of your hair follicles and may include:
Hair follicle stimulants, such as Minoxidil
Topical anti-androgen scalp drops
Oral contraceptives with anti-androgen effects
Anti-androgenic medications such as Spironolactone
At Philip Kingsley Clinics, we formulate prescription-only scalp drops combining anti-androgenic hormones with follicle stimulants. Most clients see improved hair density within 3-6 months, with ongoing maintenance required for continued results.
Treatments for Female Pattern Hair Loss at the Philip Kingsley Clinics
At the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, we can usually slow hair thinning progression and help improve hair density with bespoke topical treatments. Interested? Here are the next steps:
Complete our 2-minute assessment to be matched with a Trichologist
Receive a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan
Get ongoing support throughout your hair restoration journey
Other Ways To Improve Hair Appearance
While treatments help work on the root cause, there are other things you can do to improve the look of thinning hair:
Products designed to thicken hair. Our Density range is a great place to start.
Colouring or bleaching to help plump hair shafts and create the illusion of volume.
Choosing shades close to your scalp colour to reduce contrast and make partings appear narrower.
Using root concealer products between colouring sessions,
These can all help boost confidence while other treatments work on the hair follicles.
The Best Philip Kingsley Products For Hair Loss
Here are three of our best products, recommended to help you kickstart your journey toward healthier, fuller-looking hair.
1. Density Preserving Scalp Drops
A targeted topical treatment designed to reduce hair shedding and improve hair density over time. Clinically proven to enhance hair condition and reduce scalp visibility when used consistently for three months.
2. Density Healthy Hair Complex
A daily supplement formulated with essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Biotin and Selenium to support healthy hair growth from within. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly, it contributes to improved hair condition and overall hair health.
3. Density Stimulating Scalp Toner
An invigorating scalp tonic that refreshes, energizes, and reduces excess oil. It creates an optimal scalp environment to support healthy hair growth, revitalizing the scalp for better hair health.