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Hair loss treatment for women

In shortWomen's hair loss has more causes than men's, so the first step is a GP visit and a blood test for iron and thyroid. For female pattern hair loss, minoxidil on the scalp is the main medicine. Shedding after a baby, an illness or weight loss usually settles by itself within about six months.

The hair loss check

Four taps, for adults. You'll see the likely type of hair loss, the treatments that fit and what they cost. Nothing is sent unless you choose to.

Step 1 of 6

Which are you?

Start with the cause

Three patterns cover most women:

  • A wider parting and thinner hair on top, slowly, over years: female pattern hair loss. More common after the menopause.
  • Shedding all over, handfuls in the shower or brush: usually telogen effluvium, set off two or three months earlier by a baby, an illness, stress, a crash diet or a new medicine.
  • Round bald patches: often alopecia areata, which a doctor should see.

Low iron, thyroid problems and polycystic ovaries can all thin hair, and all show up on tests. That's why the GP visit comes before any clinic.

A doctor taking notes while a patient talks in a consulting room

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is the one medicine with good evidence for female pattern hair loss. Some products are licensed for women: ask the pharmacist which. It costs €50 to €85 for three months. Expect some extra shedding in the first weeks, and give it four to six months. Don't use it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. More on minoxidil.

Tablets a doctor may suggest

Finasteride is not used in women who are or could become pregnant, because it can harm a male baby. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe tablets that block male hormones, such as spironolactone, for women with pattern hair loss, and the HSE lists these among the medicines used for hair loss with polycystic ovaries. These are decisions for a doctor who knows your history.

PRP, transplants and cover

PRP is offered to women with early thinning, at €225 to €400 a session. The evidence is mixed. Hair transplants suit fewer women than men, because women tend to thin all over, including the donor area. Hair fibres, a change of parting, toppers and wigs (€400 to €800 and up) cover a lot while treatment has time to work.

Help with the cost of a wig

If your hair loss comes from an illness or its treatment, such as cancer treatment or certain types of alopecia, the Treatment Benefit Scheme pays up to €500 once a calendar year towards a wig or hairpiece, if you or your partner have enough PRSI contributions. It doesn't cover hair loss from ageing. A hairdresser or wig supplier who deals with the scheme can check your PRSI record for you. Details are on the Treatment Benefit Scheme page.

Questions people ask

What is the most effective hair loss treatment for women?

For female pattern hair loss, minoxidil on the scalp has the most evidence. If a blood test finds low iron or a thyroid problem, treating that comes first and may be all you need.

Can women take finasteride?

Not if there is any chance of pregnancy: it can harm a male baby. After the menopause a dermatologist may consider it, off label. That is a specialist's decision.

Will my hair grow back after the menopause?

Thinning linked to the menopause tends to stay without treatment. Minoxidil can slow it and thicken some hair. See our menopause guide.

Is PRP worth it for women?

Some women see thicker hair, some see nothing. It costs €225 to €400 a session and needs three or four sessions, so ask the clinic what result would make them stop.

More guides

Treatment for menWhich treatment works?FinasterideMinoxidilPRP for hair lossHair transplantLaser therapyScalp micropigmentationNatural treatmentsWigs and the grantMale pattern baldnessFemale pattern hair lossAlopecia areataSudden sheddingAfter pregnancyMenopauseCauses of hair lossReceding hairlineScalp problemsOur price guideYour GP and blood testsWho treats hair loss?Choosing a clinicReading reviewsTurkey or Ireland?

Find out what kind of hair loss it is

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