Common hair loss treatments for women

What treatments are available for female hair loss?

There are different ways to address female hair loss, from speaking to your GP about possible solutions to supporting a healthy scalp with over the counter products.

Hair loss treatments:

• Medications: Minoxidil tablets (privately off license)

• Topical solutions: Minoxidil foams, spray and lotions

Products that can help to support a healthy scalp:

• Shampoo: Caffeine and ketoconazole

• Hair vitamins (if you have a known deficiency): Biotin, folic acid, niacin and iron

Non-surgical techniques that may help to improve the appearance of thinning hair in some people:

• Cosmetic procedures: Micropigmentation, microneedling, low-level light therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy

Permanent or temporary solutions:

• Hair transplant: Follicular Unit Extraction or Follicular Unit Transplantation

• Wigs and extensions: Mesh integration systems and hair pieces

What is the best hair loss treatment for women?

The best hair loss treatment will depend on the type of female hair loss you have, your medical history, your current health, and personal preference.

Minoxidil is the only clinically proven treatment for female pattern baldness. The minoxidil hair loss foam Regaine for Women Extra Strength has been found, when used as directed, to support hair regrowth in 8 out of 10 women. Regaine for Women is intended for use in women between the age of 18-65 experiencing hair loss as a direct result of female pattern baldness.  

Understanding the underlying cause of hair loss caused by lifestyle factors such as giving birth or nutrient deficiencies can help. This can help you decide if you’d like to introduce hair vitamins to your daily routine to address a deficiency or whether to try a hair-loss shampoo like Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo that could help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp.

A wig or mesh integration system can work well for both temporary and permanent hair loss. You can wear it as a permanent cover-up for effective hair loss coverage or as a temporary solution until your hair has grown back. Any hair loss solution preference is unique to you as an individual and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach. 

Cosmetic or surgical procedures like a hair transplant should always be carefully considered, researched and discussed with a licensed medical professional before you make a decision.

Can women take hair loss tablets?

Minoxidil oral tablets (available off license with a private prescription) are the only hair loss tablets available for women with hereditary hair loss. 

Women must not take Propecia (finasteride) or any hair loss treatment designed specifically for men. This is especially important if you are, or may be pregnant as finasteride can be harmful to your unborn baby. 

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should also avoid using minoxidil in any form.

Can women use hair loss foam?

Minoxidil-based hair loss foams are generally well tolerated by women aged 18-65 when used as directed in the patient information leaflet. Like any treatment, hair loss foams come with side effects, so it's important to always read your information leaflet before first use.

If your hair loss is sudden or unexplained, we’d always recommend having a chat with your GP to look at possible causes. You should also seek medical advice if your hair loss is patchy, painful or as a result of scarring.

It can take a few months to see results from minoxidil foam, and you’ll need to use it continuously to maintain hair regrowth.

Minoxidil tablets or foam?

The type of minoxidil best suited to you depends on a range of factors such as your individual health profile. Some things to consider when deciding which might be best suited to you include:

Minoxidil tablets

• Taken once daily

• Prescription-only

• Increased chance of systemic side effects

Minoxidil foam

• Available over the counter

• Targets the affected area directly

• Can cause scalp irritation

Why can’t women use finasteride?

Women must not use finasteride as it is only clinically approved to treat male pattern baldness. Finasteride is used to target the male sex hormone testosterone and is not recommended for female use. Finasteride can potentially harm your unborn baby if pregnant, so if you’re planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, you should avoid contact with finasteride in any form (including handling tablets) as it can be absorbed through the skin.

What other hair loss treatments are available for women?

Alongside hair loss medicines, medical procedures and therapies are available:

• Micropigmentation (tattooing to cover scalp visibility)

• Microneedling (puncturing the scalp surface to enhance blood flow)

• Hair transplant (skin grafts to restore hair)

• Low-level light therapy (LLLT therapy uses LED light to stimulate hair regrowth)

• Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP therapy involves drawing and injecting a patient's blood back into the scalp to stimulate hair regrowth).

These cosmetic treatments are only available privately. They each come with their own risks and side effects so should be carefully researched and discussed with a qualified clinician before being undertaken.

How can I access hair loss treatments?

There are many over-the-counter hair loss treatments available for women. You can find these online via our shop or in your local pharmacy. 

For prescription hair loss tablets such as minoxidil, you should consult a GP to ensure you’re eligible and they’re a safe option for you to use.