Pattern hair loss, explained

Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide, and both men and women develop it.¹ The NHS describes male and female pattern baldness as permanent and usually running in families.²

In men

In men, the first sign is often a receding hairline or a bald spot at the top of the head.¹ DermNet describes male pattern hair loss as a combination of male hormones (androgens) and a genetic predisposition, with hairs gradually becoming shorter and finer.³

In women

In women, it usually shows as overall thinning or a widening part.¹ DermNet notes that by the age of 50, around 40% of women show some signs of it, and that it is often confused with long-lasting telogen effluvium.⁴

Can a test predict it?

Not reliably. DermNet states that genetic testing to predict pattern hair loss is not reliable at present.³

What the NHS lists

The NHS lists finasteride and minoxidil as the main treatments for male pattern baldness, and minoxidil for female pattern baldness. It notes that these treatments do not work for everyone, only work for as long as they are used, and that no treatment is 100% effective.²

Other options the NHS lists include wigs, micropigmentation (a tattoo used to look like short hair) and hair transplants. Some of these are not available on the NHS.²

Before you decide

The NHS advises seeing a GP if you are worried about your hair loss, and getting an idea of the cause before going to a commercial hair clinic.²

Educational content. Not medical advice.