What is Female Hair Loss?
Hair loss and pattern baldness are usually associated with men, but as many as one in four women will also experience some level of baldness during their lifetimes. While hair loss is more frequent with men due to biological factors, roughly 40% of people who experience it today are women. Like men, women can inherit androgenic alopecia (female pattern baldness), which is often triggered by a similar response to DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
The factors that cause female baldness are more complex, including:
- Illness
- Hormonal changes due to menopause, pregnancy/childbirth, and thyroid problems
- Stopping birth control
- Medication
- Stress
- Tight hairstyles
- Genetics
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation)
Signs of Female Hair Loss
In many cases, women who are most likely to benefit from restorative hair solutions are those who:
- Have noticed a receding hairline or hair thinning because of traction alopecia (wearing the hair too tightly)
- Have alopecia marginalis, a condition that closely resembles traction alopecia
- Notice thinning at the hairline or hairline recession
- Suffered hair loss as a result of an extreme injury, such as scars or compound burns
- Have had plastic surgery and are worried about the possibility of hair loss near the incision site
Diagnosis and Assessment
During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your scalp using advanced technologies to learn the extent of your hair loss, depth of your follicles, and amount of hair present in certain locations. Typically, we identify the cause of female pattern baldness by a careful process of elimination. This is because many possible causes of hair loss could exist, and we need to rule out each one.
Female Hair Loss Before & After Results
Treatment Options
To help women in the initial stages of female pattern baldness, we can perform non-surgical treatments (including PRP, exosomes, or low-level light therapy) to encourage the natural growth and strengthening of the hair follicles. These treatments are often effective for early-stage hair loss and can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.
If non-surgical solutions aren’t deemed strong enough to give you the results you want or to address your unique situation, we may combine PRP therapy with surgical hair restoration. At Aesthetic Scalp, we perform FUE (follicular unit extraction) using the highly advanced ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant system. This technique involves taking healthy hairs from their original location and using them to fill in sparse regions, such as the hairline or certain bald patches.
What to Expect After Treatment
Recovery experiences vary depending on the approach selected. For non-surgical treatments like PRP therapy, patients can return to normal activities immediately with minimal downtime. The scalp may experience slight tenderness for 24-48 hours, but this resolves quickly.
Patients should expect a recovery period of approximately 7-10 days or longer for surgical procedures like FUE. Initial healing occurs within the first week, with any minor swelling or redness subsiding during this time.
Transplanted hair may initially shed within 2-3 weeks, which is completely normal as part of the natural growth cycle. New hair growth usually starts to become visible after around 3-4 months.
Benefits of Female Hair Restoration
- Permanent, natural-looking results
- Increased self-confidence and improved quality of life
- Hair that grows and can be styled naturally
- No need for ongoing maintenance or replacement
- Stimulates natural healing processes
- Can slow or stop further hair loss
How Much Does Women’s Hair Restoration Cost?
The cost of hair restoration varies significantly based on individual needs and treatment complexity, with non-surgical options typically requiring multiple sessions. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed price breakdown.
Female Hair Loss FAQ
How can I stop or prevent hair loss?
Although there is no way to completely stop hair loss caused by genetics or aging, you can take some simple steps to help protect your hair. These include:
- Be kind to your hair. Avoid pulling on it when brushing or combing, and avoid harsh treatments (perms, hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments, etc.) You should also steer clear of tight hairstyles like buns, which can cause traction alopecia.
- Talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
- Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to hair loss and baldness.
- Protect your hair from sunlight and other UV light sources with hats or wraps.
- With your doctor’s approval, a cooling cap could help reduce the risk of losing your hair during chemotherapy.
What are the differences between male and female hair loss patterns?
Male pattern baldness frequently follows a predictable pattern, starting with a receding hairline and crown thinning and progressing to partial or complete baldness. Female pattern hair loss usually presents as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp (without a receding hairline). Women also rarely experience the same degree of complete baldness as men, instead showing reduced hair density and volume.
Getting Professional Help
There is a range of solutions available for female hair loss in Chicago. While there is no absolute cure for baldness, these treatments can potentially slow, stop, or even reverse hair loss. Don’t let baldness rob you of your confidence and quality of life. Contact Aesthetic Scalp today, and let’s start working on your personalized hair restoration strategy.
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Related Procedures
Our female hair loss treatments include medical therapies, PRP, and targeted hair transplants designed to restore thickness and balance while maintaining a soft, natural appearance.
Related Videos
Hear from Dr. Sameea Chughtai and Dr. Anil Shah as they explain the causes of female hair thinning and the personalized solutions that help women regain confidence and density.