Male and female pattern hair loss

Not medical advice. This guide is general information from the sources listed, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. If you are worried, or symptoms are severe or not improving, get advice. Read our health information policy.

What it is

Pattern hair loss (doctors call it androgenetic alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss in men and in women. Affected follicles gradually produce thinner, shorter, lighter hairs — a process called miniaturisation — until some stop producing visible hair. It usually runs in families and progresses slowly. It doesn't usually cause any scalp symptoms such as itching or soreness.

In men

Male pattern hair loss typically causes a receding hairline at the temples and thinning on the crown, with hair at the sides and back usually spared. It can start at any adult age. Hormones play a part: a hormone called DHT drives the miniaturisation in people who are genetically prone to it. NICE guidance cites figures of around 30% of white men affected by age 30, 50% by age 50 and 80% by age 70.

In women

Female pattern hair loss usually shows as diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp and a widening parting, while the front hairline stays. Women rarely go completely bald. Sources differ on when it usually starts — it can begin from early adulthood and becomes more common around and after the menopause. Hormones seem to be less clearly involved than in men, although some conditions with raised male-type hormones, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can be linked.

Treatment options

There's no cure, and all the medicines below only work for as long as you keep using them.

Minoxidil (for men and women)

• A lotion or foam applied to the scalp, bought over the counter from pharmacies — it isn't available on an NHS GP prescription.
• It can slow hair loss and help some regrowth in some people. Results take months: dermatologists say allow at least 6 months, possibly up to a year.
• There may be extra shedding in the first few weeks, which usually settles.
• Women: the 2% solution and a once-daily 5% foam are the products sold for women. Wipe off any that runs onto the face to avoid unwanted hair growth.
• Not for under-18s, pregnancy or breastfeeding, people with high blood pressure (ask a pharmacist first), or a sore or broken scalp — and not for sudden or patchy hair loss, which needs a GP. See our minoxidil explainer.

Finasteride (men only, prescription)

• A 1mg daily tablet that can slow loss and may help regrowth. For hair loss it's available only on private prescription, not on the NHS.
• The NHS says it's generally not recommended for women or children, and that improvement may be seen after 3 to 6 months.
• Side effects include loss of interest in sex and erection problems, which the NHS says can sometimes carry on after stopping. Rarely it can cause low mood, depression and thoughts of self-harm: the NHS says if you're taking it for hair loss and get low mood, stop it straight away and speak to a doctor — and call 999 or go to A&E if you have thoughts of harming yourself.

Other options

The NHS and dermatologists also list hair transplant surgery (usually private), wigs and hairpieces, and scalp micropigmentation. Dermatologists say treatments such as low-level laser, microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have limited evidence.

Everyday care

• Wash as often as you like — NICE guidance says frequent shampooing doesn't worsen pattern hair loss.
• Be gentle: avoid harsh brushing, very tight styles and lots of heat or bleaching, which can break fragile hairs.
• Protect a thinning or bald scalp from the sun with a hat or sunscreen.