Can Women Go Bald Too? Here’s 3 Easy Ways To Spot Female Pattern Hair Loss Yourself

Are there early signs of female pattern hair loss? What are its symptoms? And how can you prevent hair thinning from getting worse? Find out here.

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Can Women Go Bald Too? Understand 5 Causes of Female Pattern Hair Loss + 3 Easy Ways to Spot the Signs Yourself

Can women really go bald? Unfortunately, yes! If you notice your parting getting wider, your scalp becoming more visible, and increased hair shedding when looking in the mirror, these may be early signs of female pattern hair loss. But what are its symptoms? And how can you prevent hair thinning from getting worse?

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Can Women Go Bald? First, Understand What Pattern Hair Loss Is

The main cause of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss. Despite the term "androgenetic" sounding male-centric, this type of hair loss can affect women too.

Androgenetic hair loss occurs when the body produces excess androgens (male hormones). Women naturally have lower androgen levels, so even those with a genetic predisposition may not always experience hair loss. However, women affected by genetics, gynecological issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or hormonal imbalances may have elevated androgen levels. This can result in denser body, armpit, and pubic hair—but paradoxically, thinner scalp hair.

Studies show that individuals with androgenetic hair loss tend to have higher levels of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT harms hair follicles by shortening the hair growth cycle, depriving hair of nutrients. New strands become finer and weaker until follicles eventually shrink and die, leading to noticeable thinning at the crown or a widening part.

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Hair Growth 101: Understanding the Hair Cycle

Before diving deeper into female hair loss, it’s important to understand the hair growth cycle.

Hair grows in three stages: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). At the end of the growth phase, hair stops actively dividing and enters a resting stage. The hair you shed when brushing or washing is usually in the telogen phase. Once this phase ends, new hair starts to grow again.

In a healthy scalp, around 85% of hair is in the growth phase. For women experiencing hair loss, a higher percentage of hair may enter the resting phase, leading to increased shedding and reduced hair density.

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Do You Have Signs of Hair Loss? The 3 Stages of Female Pattern Baldness

Female hair loss doesn’t follow the same pattern as male hair loss. Men typically recede from the forehead in an “M” shape, while women tend to lose hair at the crown or parting. Female pattern baldness generally progresses through three stages:

Stage 1: Mild Thinning

Hair starts to thin at the parting or crown. You may notice your part widening and the front hairline becoming more sparse and defined.

Stage 2: Noticeable Thinning

Hair at the crown becomes visibly thinner and finer. The scalp starts to show through the hair—an early sign of balding.

Stage 3: Severe Thinning

Only fine, thin hair remains on top of the head, with the white scalp clearly visible. Most of the hair at the crown has already been lost.

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The 2 Main Types of Female Hair Loss

Hair loss can be broadly categorized into:

1. Scarring Alopecia

This occurs due to inflammatory scalp conditions that leave behind permanent scar tissue, preventing hair from regrowing even after healing.

2. Non-Scarring Alopecia

This is usually temporary and doesn’t damage the follicles. With proper treatment, hair can regrow.

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How to Tell If You Have Female Pattern Hair Loss: 3 Easy Self-Checks

Worried about hair loss? Try these simple self-checks to spot the early signs:

1. Hair Shedding Count

It’s normal to lose about 50–100 strands a day. If you notice more than that—like your shower drain constantly clogging with hair—it might be time to take a closer look.

2. Post-Wash Hair Check

Insert your fingers at the roots and gently tug downward. Healthy hair shouldn’t fall out easily. If you lose more than 10 strands during this light tug, it could indicate abnormal shedding.

3. Scalp Inspection

Take a close look in the mirror. If you notice uneven patches, areas where hair isn’t growing at all, or excessive visibility of your scalp, you may be experiencing early-stage hair loss.

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The 5 Main Causes of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Aside from genetics, here are 5 common causes of female hair loss:

1. Genetics

Family history plays a major role. While most assume hair loss genes come from the father’s side, maternal relatives like your grandfather or uncle can also pass them on. Women with this trait have follicles that are hypersensitive to androgens, which can cause them to shrink and stop producing hair.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

Stress, irregular sleep, and menopause can cause estrogen levels to drop, letting androgens rise unchecked—leading to hair loss. Hormonal issues like PCOS can also trigger insulin resistance, disrupting menstrual cycles, increasing weight, and causing thinning hair.

3. Autoimmune Disorders

Immune system problems can lead to alopecia areata (spot baldness), where the body mistakenly attacks healthy follicles. Other triggers include thyroid disorders and lupus, both of which can disrupt the hair growth cycle.

4. Stress and Poor Sleep

Chronic stress narrows the blood vessels that feed the follicles, cutting off their nutrient supply. This causes hair to enter the resting phase prematurely, resulting in more shedding.

5. Poor Diet

Hair needs nutrients to grow. Crash diets and extreme calorie restrictions can cause nutritional deficiencies and even anemia, both of which harm hair health. High-fat, high-sugar diets can also over-stimulate scalp oil glands, clogging follicles and impairing growth.

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How to Improve Receding Hairlines and Thinning Hair: 4 Practical Tips

A full, thick head of hair is important to many women—not just for aesthetics but for confidence. The good news is: hair loss isn’t irreversible. With consistent care and lifestyle changes, you can turn things around. Try these 4 tips:

1. Boost Iron and Protein Intake

Hair is made mostly of protein, and iron helps deliver oxygen to follicles. Women are especially prone to iron deficiency due to menstruation or dieting. Aim for 15mg of iron per day, and include palm-sized portions of protein per meal. Good sources include:

• Iron: beef, liver, seafood
• Protein: eggs, dairy, chicken, salmon, legumes

2. Prioritize Sleep

Poor sleep reduces growth hormone production. Since hair is made from keratin, which is formed during deep sleep, getting 7–9 hours of rest daily is essential for hair regeneration.

3. Gentle Scalp Cleansing

Some women avoid washing their hair to prevent shedding, but this can backfire. Washing helps remove excess oil and buildup that can clog follicles. Use mild shampoos and massage with your fingertips—not nails—for best results.

4. Scalp Massage

Stress leads to tight scalps, which restrict blood flow. Regular massage boosts circulation, helping nutrients reach the roots. Use a wooden brush to stimulate the scalp, or massage in small circular motions during shampooing.

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What If It Gets Worse? Medical Treatments for Female Hair Loss

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, a dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments:

1. Topical Minoxidil (Hair Growth Serum)

For mild to moderate cases, 5% Minoxidil solution is often prescribed. It improves blood flow to follicles and extends the growth phase. Results take at least 2 months, but hair loss often resumes if discontinued. Side effects may include contact dermatitis or burning sensations on the scalp.

2. Oral Finasteride

This medication blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Reducing DHT levels helps protect follicles from damage. However, Finasteride can cause side effects and isn’t suitable for everyone, especially women who are pregnant or planning to conceive.

3. Hair Transplant Surgery

For severe cases, transplants move healthy follicles (usually from the back of the head) to bald areas. While effective, it’s a minor surgical procedure with risks like infection, scarring, and in some cases, failure of the transplanted hair to grow.

4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

An increasingly popular non-invasive option, LLLT uses 650nm soft laser to stimulate dormant follicles, promote blood circulation, and support hair regrowth. It’s painless, low-risk, and suitable for those who want visible results without downtime.

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Rebuild Healthy Scalp, Reverse Hair Loss: Try the F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment

The Perfect Medical F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment uses medical-grade 650nm low-level laser technology to reach deep into the scalp and stimulate follicle activity. It’s non-invasive, pain-free, and requires no downtime, making it ideal for busy women.

This treatment follows a three-step process:

1. Nourish – Deep-cleanse the scalp to remove buildup and dead skin.
2. Activate – Use medical laser therapy to awaken dormant follicles.
3. Regrow – Apply high-potency serum to trigger stem cell regeneration and strengthen hair from the roots.

It’s designed to target receding hairlines, thinning at the crown, and overall hair loss in women. Right now, Perfect Medical is offering a free trial session—don’t wait until it’s too late!