Hair Loss in Female

May 28, 2024

Hair Loss in Female

Hair loss in females is more emotionally disturbing than that of males because they have no option to shave their head and any degree of baldness can be perceived.

Pattern hair loss in females is commonly seen in diffused patterns, unlike in males. Less commonly, females exhibit a patterned distribution when most of the thinning occurs on the front and top of the scalp with relative sparing of the back and sides.

Females with diffused hair loss are treated medically where whereas for pattern hair loss hair transplant is the best solution. Diffuse hair loss in females could be because of telogen effluvium therefore, a thorough medical evaluation is mandatory.

Female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

The Ludwig classification uses three stages to describe female pattern genetic hair loss:

Type I (mild)

Early thinning can be easily covered up with proper grooming. Type I patients have too little hair loss to consider surgical hair restoration but the hair care and consulting an expert would stop or slow down the hair loss.

Type II (moderate)

Significant widening of the midline part and noticeably decreased volume. Hair transplantation may be indicated if the donor area in the back and sides of the scalp is stable. Book an appointment with an expert and receive advice on treatment methods.

Type III (extensive)

A thin, see-through look on the top of the scalp. This is often associated with generalized thinning.

In all three Ludwig stages, hair loss is on the front and top of the scalp with relative preservation of the frontal hairline. The back and sides may or may not be involved. Regardless of the extent of hair loss, females with stable hair on the back and sides of the scalp are candidates for hair transplant surgery.

Conclusion

An accurate diagnosis is important for all females experiencing hair loss. An underlying medical condition may be a contributing factor especially when the hair loss is diffuse.