r/FemaleHairLoss 5d ago

Monthly Sticky: "Do I have hair loss?" - Post photos and questions here for advice and support

5 Upvotes

r/FemaleHairLoss Dec 08 '23

Mod Post **BEGINNER'S GUIDE: Please start here if you're new to hair loss or this sub**

77 Upvotes

Please read the sub description, the rules, and our welcome page before posting or commenting.

Signs of hair loss can be pretty variable. Maybe you’ve noticed that you need to clear out your hairbrush or the shower drain more often than in the past, or maybe you’ve started shedding handfuls of hair out of nowhere.

You are your own best judge of what is normal for your hair – not your partner, family, or friends. If you have concerns, it’s usually best to get them checked out.

Figuring out what’s going on

1. Get a blood panel done to check for nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or any other underlying issues. This can be done with your GP or PCP.

2. See a dermatologist specialising in hair and scalp disorders.

What should happen in finding a diagnosis?

  • Taking your history
  • Examination of your scalp, preferably with a magnifying tool called a trichoscope
  • Blood tests / evaluation of recent blood results
  • Biopsy (if needed*)
  • Clinical correlation of all the information to hand

*Biopsies are useful where a diagnosis isn’t clear. Maybe there is more than one condition present, or maybe it’s the early stage of something which can be hard to spot. They are always necessary where scarring alopecia is suspected.

Why see a specialist? Dermatology is a huge field of medicine which covers over 2,500+ conditions and diseases. Most doctors who focus on general dermatology have not done specialised training in hair loss. They may not have sufficient training, knowledge or experience to diagnose and treat it.

Trichologists usually are not doctors. They cannot order biopsies or prescribe pharmaceutical treatment. There is a recurring issue with trichology clinics promoting their own products, which typically are unproven and ineffective.

Hair loss cannot be diagnosed from photographs. Please do not ask for help identifying why you might be losing your hair. Nobody here is trained or equipped to do that, and you could be pointed in the wrong direction unintentionally. Posts asking for help "figuring out what this is" will be removed.

Treatment

This will depend entirely on why you’re losing hair loss to begin with. There is no single therapy that works for every type of hair loss. We CANNOT give advice on managing hair loss without a diagnosis.

The most common conditions we see people being diagnosed with are:

There are also multiple other conditions with which hair loss is associated. You can learn about them at Dr Donovan’s site, where he has excellent handouts with information about them.

Minoxidil is used in a lot of treatment plans for different types of hair loss. Please see our Minoxidil FAQs: 1, 2.

There isn't good evidence to support taking biotin, unless you have a confirmed deficiency. It's recommended to stop taking it for at least a couple of weeks ahead of blood tests, as it can interfere with results. You may also need to discontinue other supplements ahead of getting a blood panel done.

What can I do in the meantime?

  1. Learn about the hair growth cycle and what the different phases mean. This is important for understanding the mechanism of different conditions, and how their respective treatments work. Any hair you are shedding now, probably stopped growth 3-4 months ago.
  2. Keep in mind that hair growth is slow. Hair grows at a rate of approximately half an inch per month. Treating hair loss is a marathon, not a sprint!
  3. Stay away from media that focuses on hair loss if you are feeling very anxious. Be it online groups, research papers and articles, YouTube videos, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook - even this sub! Give yourself a break and try to find other activities to focus your energy on.
  4. Do not take multiple pictures of your hair, or spend hours trying to examine your scalp. One photo taken in bright light every 3 months will give you a better idea of what's happening. Anything else can turn into a compulsion that may worsen feelings of anxiety and depression.
  5. Engage with your support networks in real life. Seek mental health supports where needed. Try to resist the urge to withdraw from your usual social routine.
  6. Check out ways to camouflage or cover hair loss. Hair fibers, root touch-up spray, extensions, toppers or falls, and wigs are all great ways to give ourselves a confidence boost.
  7. Continue washing your hair as normal. Provided you're being sensible in doing it, shampooing is probably not going to cause hair loss. Any hair you are shedding has already stopped growing. It's important to wash as often as needed to keep your scalp health.
  8. Look after your physical health. Make sure to get a balanced diet with sufficient protein, healthy fats, and vegetables and fruits; get a moderate level of physical activity every week; try to maintain a decent sleep routine.

Useful resources

Dermatologists, medical resources, research societies, and advocacy groups

Ladies who share their hair loss journeys on social media


r/FemaleHairLoss 3h ago

Progress Pictures Almost one year progress

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23 Upvotes

First pic is from May 2024, the second one is from March 2025

I often feel sad about my hair. I was going through my hairloss pictures yesterday and it gave me a little hope seeing where I was at a year ago. :') I still have a long way to go.

Meds used to achieve this- 1.Minoxidil 5%(but I've been on this for years) 2. Topicla finasteride 0.05% mixed with the minoxidil 5% 3. Microneedling every two weeks or so. This varies in frequency. 4. Tretinoin on my scalp 5. Iron, vit D supplements 6. Ketoconazole shampoo


r/FemaleHairLoss 12h ago

Progress Pictures 2 month minoxidil update

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81 Upvotes

Last time I posted here someone was trying to fight me about how I’m stupid and my results are not real bc hair doesn’t grow that fast… haven’t had any shedding yet and my surrounding forehead vellus hair is definitely darkening!

I’ve since stopped using red light therapy consistently because bc this month has been hectic for me and I just pass out after shower and minoxidil. I’m still seeing good results!

I ordered a derma stamp (0.5-0.3mm) and I’m gonna start adding that in soon! Along with using RLT again, probably will alternate weekly. Will update next month 🤩


r/FemaleHairLoss 20h ago

Rant men don’t understand

252 Upvotes

i'm so sick of reading male experiences and mansplaining of hair loss because being bald as a man is completely normalized in society. they can't even begin to imagine our plight.

I’m so sick of the downplaying of the trauma of losing all of your hair and suffering from autoimmune or scarring alopecia. I’m so sick of dismissive comments like oh just buy a wig like it’s no big deal.

if you’re a young woman, it IS a big deal!!!

Men get all the medical treatment and help every medical treatment is geared towards men. People are programmed to dismiss young women

bald men can date no problem too, it's normalized

i don't see men saying they're into bald women


r/FemaleHairLoss 12h ago

Progress Pictures 9 months topical minoxidil

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24 Upvotes

r/FemaleHairLoss 8h ago

Rant Welp I am not sure if this minoxidil is working on my head but it’s working on my chin!! 🤣

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10 Upvotes

Welp I am not sure if this minoxidil is working on my head but it’s working…something is working on my chin and arm pits and nether regions !! 🤣 I am currently taking a custom dermatologist compound of serum that includes minoxidil and other stuff. I chew WEEM vitamins and I sparingly take Nutrafol…because I spent so much money on it. And I can’t take 4 pills a day. Weem is 2 chews that taste good! I also mix a collagen drink—that includes biotin, D-Manose, Cirmocstol (sp), MCT. My CHIN HAIRS are hairing!!! I have NO CLUE what is happening on my head, scalp etc!!! A FULL BEARD 🧔‍♀️ or gotee. Literally between my pre-teen nephew and my hair saving regime I am growing a full beard!!! Let the WAXING begin!!!


r/FemaleHairLoss 52m ago

Support/Advice Red, itchy spots on scalp - AGA?

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Upvotes

Hi!

I get these random red spots on the back of my head. They're not horribly visible or all over, but super itchy. They don't look like they're scabbing or anything. It seems to come and go at random. Have also had tremendous hairloss in the back (starting from when I was diagnosed with alopecia areata at age 15). And now the hairloss is also in the hairline and basically all over.

I got diagnosed with AGA a few weeks back. However, my derm literally didn't even take 5 seconds to look at my scalp. Just said there's nothing abnormal so it must be AGA. Her assistent mentioned to me seeing redness on an area my scalp, but didn't mention it to the derm so she didn't even look at it. I asked if there could be other causes (like hormonal, vitamin deficiency) and she said it's possible. I'm going to a gynaecologist next week (appointment was already made because my pap smear wasn't good). I'm planning to ask her to do at least a good amount of bloodwork.

I was wondering, does anyone know if the redness/itch is a normal thing with AGA? Or does anyone have any tips? I'm obv not looking to get diagnosed here, but figured perhaps someone else has had a similar experience and can help me out on what to do next..

Thanks in advance! ♡


r/FemaleHairLoss 2h ago

Discussion Anyone else?

2 Upvotes

Anyone else get localised burning and itching to a specific region of the scalp? The top right of my scalp about an inch above my hairline has been burning and itching like crazy for a few days now. I finally caved and finally itched it, and there was like a 1mm dot of I don't know what. When I finally got it off and had a look, it looked like a bunch of tiny sebum plugs all clumped together. It was dry but almost sticky, like waxy at the same time. Everything I search comes back as Seb Derm, but I don't have big plaques. This is the first one in quite a while. Pain has subsided quite a lot since I scraped it off. I'm kinda concerned it could be LLP, but I don't have any visible swelling, redness, follicular hyperkeratosis or scarring (according to the derm)


r/FemaleHairLoss 22m ago

Support/Advice Curly Hairs ?

Upvotes

Does anyone have those kinked pili torti hairs with AGA or TE?

I have so many which makes me concerned re scarring alopecia but have been told from visual exam it is not


r/FemaleHairLoss 4h ago

Support/Advice It it worth trying 0.625? My dr prescribed me 1.25 oral Min and gave me the option of halving it – absolutely dreading the shed

2 Upvotes

So I have AGA and currently experiencing TE. I’m really scared of dread shed compounding with the TE because I have really fine hair as is. My hair is so sparse right now. I’m hoping to start during the winter (I’m in southern hemisphere) because I usually stay in doors and might have a better shot at avoiding being seen should any crazy hair loss happen, and can always hear a beanie or hat. Also got some hair fibres in preparation. Is 0.625 worth it? I would move up after a few months. Anyone have any significant gains on it? Or should I just go for the 1.25?


r/FemaleHairLoss 4h ago

Support/Advice It it worth trying 0.625? My dr prescribed me 1.25 oral Min and gave me the option of halving it – absolutely dreading the shed

2 Upvotes

So I have AGA and currently experiencing TE. I’m really scared of dread shed compounding with the TE because I have really fine hair as is. My hair is so sparse right now. I’m hoping to start during the winter (I’m in southern hemisphere) because I usually stay in doors and might have a better shot at avoiding being seen should any crazy hair loss happen, and can always hear a beanie or hat. Also got some hair fibres in preparation. Is 0.625 worth it? I would move up after a few months. Anyone have any significant gains on it? Or should I just go for the 1.25?


r/FemaleHairLoss 1h ago

Support/Advice My hair :(

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Upvotes

This video is about 4 months old too it’s worse now strands just keep falling out I can almost count each strand at the front of head .. sometimes i just think to myself do you deserve this ? Why is it happening then. I tried minoxidil tablets for my hair but it caused weight gain ( fluid retention) and made my rosacea worse while on it cause it circulates your blood more. The annoying part too is the tablets worked on my hair it all grow back but cause of the side effects I got off them and then it all fell out again. I saw a dermatologist and she said I have telogen effluvium." This condition causes hair to fall out due to a disturbance in the hair growth cycle, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or other factors. I’m going to try skin needling in my hair next and then rub the minoxidil medication in my hair the next day. Wish me luck anyway to be continued.


r/FemaleHairLoss 2h ago

Support/Advice Any advice?

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1 Upvotes

I really would like any advice for my hair loss. I’ve been to my doctor twice and the first time she just said it was TE (did blood tests and the only think that came back off was my iron, but I am iron deficient and was nearly at the point of anemic) I take zinc and iron tablet, use a dht blocking shampoo. The second time she has prescribed me with spirolactone, but I have not taken it because I suffer from low blood pressure, so I’m a bit skeptical. She did say that if it doesn’t work she will put me on oral rogaine, but again that has side effects as well. But I just am so lost. I can’t afford a dermatologist, and when I asked my doctor for a referral she said they would tell me exactly what she tells me but more expensive. Literally the only people in my family who suffer from hair loss are the males, and they are my mums cousins, so no one in my immediate family. My hair has taken a toll over the last year and a bit, my hair loss was quite rapid if I’m being honest. I’ve always had a noticeable hair part since I used to wear my hair in tight buns everyday for like 5 years, but it was never thinning around it up until last year, and now it’s getting worse.

So yea, just looking for advice and a safe place ig. Anything would be appreciated


r/FemaleHairLoss 11h ago

Rant Feel like I’m going insane

4 Upvotes

4 years of torture and I don’t know how I even made it here. It feels like I’m going insane everyday from the stress, and there is no escape. It’s only going to get worse. This is to unfair :( And yes I have tried almost everything. Everything have made it worse


r/FemaleHairLoss 8h ago

Spironolactone Spironolactone vs Pumpkin Seed Oil/DHT blocking supplements

2 Upvotes

When I was diagnosed with AGA, she prescribed 1.25mg of minoxidil (oral) and 100mg of spiro. I went back and forth for months kind of struggling to be consistent with both because for some reason it just felt like so much big pharma in my body (I’m being dramatic I know). I’ve been super consistent with the minoxidil but less so with the spiro because I feel like it gave me 2 periods a month, it does make me slightly more tired, and there’s another unexplainable side effect.. almost like I don’t feel as lean maybe?? Idk what it is but I’ve seen posts on here and I’m afraid of estrogen dominance. I work out consistently and don’t want my efforts or my fertility being affected.

While I do feel the spiro helps maintain the hair I have and helps thicken it a bit, I’m curious if anyone has done minoxidil with pumpkin seed oil supplements or another combination DHT blocked instead of spiro. The spiro just feels like too much I don’t love it.


r/FemaleHairLoss 19h ago

Progress Pictures Baby hairs!

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15 Upvotes

I know they’re not super noticeable but i’m so happy about all of this. Can I ask if these hairs might be vellus hairs ? how will i know? thanks everyone in advance!


r/FemaleHairLoss 21h ago

Support/Advice derm said minoxidil doesn't grow back hair, only keeps what you still have---now what?

18 Upvotes

About a year ago, I noticed overall thinning of my hair, but most noticeably at the temples, middle hairline, and crown. Primary care doc did blood tests (including iron and thyroid) but found nothing. First dermatologist I saw did hormonal blood tests and said to use topical minoxidil (no diagnosis). Been using 5% minoxidil on the worst areas because I was scared of losing hair all over my scalp. There's no noticeable improvement after 8 months.

I went to a second dermatologist, and they said minoxidil doesn't grow back hair, it only maintains what you have left. She said I'm lucky I used to have thick hair, because if I'd started with thin hair, it would look worse. She said there's nothing wrong with me, I just can't expect to have thick hair since I'm not in my twenties anymore (I'm early thirties).

I'm confused because so many people here have had success with minoxidil. And I did lose a lot of hair when I started it, so I thought that meant it would work. Has anyone seen an improvement beyond the typical 6 months? Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do next?


r/FemaleHairLoss 12h ago

Support/Advice Timing of Laser Light 'Helmets' and Topical Minoxidil

3 Upvotes

For those who use one of the Laser Light helmets/caps and topical minox - which do you use first? TIA


r/FemaleHairLoss 6h ago

Support/Advice Results on oral minoxidil

1 Upvotes

Hey all, I (28, F) recently I started oral minoxidil 1.25mg in Feb 2025.

My hair has significantly become more thin over the last few years and I finally decided enough was enough. Looking at old pictures from 2-5 years ago made me want to cry because I used to have such thick hair.

Anyway, I know that you can’t pick where hair growth occurs. After about 2 months of taking oral minoxidil, I’ve noticed a bunch of new baby hairs around my hair line which makes me excited. However, I’ve also noticed new growth in my mustache and chin areas. While this can be expected, I’m kind of freaking out. Should I continue the oral minoxidil or stop it and begin to use topical? If I continue to use it, I’m scared to tweeze/wax/shave the new hairs on my mustache or chin as I’m afraid they will just grow back darker. Has anyone experienced this or have any advice on what to do? Thank you!


r/FemaleHairLoss 11h ago

Support/Advice At Marshall’s, is this any good?

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2 Upvotes

r/FemaleHairLoss 1d ago

Discussion Jokes about male hair loss makes me uncomfortable as a female

56 Upvotes

Hello! Am I the only one? Recently there’re been a lot of jokes among my friends and more in the internet joking about male hair loss and I have mixed feeling about it. Of course, usually those jokes’s target are some stupid narcissistic men and I do not really care about them, but I can’t help but think that hair loss is not only men’s problem. “Is it your new hairstyle? Oh, it’s your hairline…”, “I want my man to at least have a hairline”, “The only progress men are gonna have is progressing balding” etc. Every time I hear or see these jokes it makes me sick because I’m not a man but I’m having hair loss problem, is it a green light to being laughed at now? I was never told I have bad hairline but I can’t help but experience some sort of cognitive dissonance when I see how women with good hair treat hair loss.


r/FemaleHairLoss 17h ago

Rant Horrible diagnosis

7 Upvotes

My wife was diagnosed as having FFA a couple of weeks ago and in that biopsy they found a squamous cancer cell. Now she gets the added stress of them removing more of her scalp/hair.

I don't know what the process is for getting rid of the squamous cell but I'm hearing that they take a little bit at a time and check it.

She's definitely afraid they're going to take more hair.

Things are not happy on the homefront right now. 😭😢🤬


r/FemaleHairLoss 8h ago

Support/Advice Will lowering my Minox dose reduce the body hair?

0 Upvotes

I’m on 1.25 mg oral Minox and it’s been great for my head hair but my body hair is growing after having laser done years ago. I don’t want to complain since I’d rather have hair on my head but I’m wondering if anyone lowered their dose to mitigate the body hair. If I went down to .625 mg maybe that would help slow down the growth of my underarms and bikini?? Anyone else have luck? I’m also on Spironolactone so between having laser and being on Spiro, I had barely any hair on my body until I introduced the Minox.


r/FemaleHairLoss 8h ago

Support/Advice Minoxidil - planning pregnancy- AGA/TE

1 Upvotes

Hi all! 26f Long time lurker here. Basically my hair loss started when I lost 20 pounds on low calorie diet a year ago. I assumed it was TE as I was shedding a lot. I took supplements and it stabilized itself 3 months later.

Few months later, I went back to my home country for 2 months for my wedding. My hairfall started there after couple weeks. My sleep schedule completely changed and my hair was heat styled/roughly handled atleast on 6 different occasions for my wedding ceremonies. I was a bit stressed during this time, but not much. Also my period cycle changed. It was delayed by 15 days. This never happens to me as my periods are pretty regular.

It’s been a month since I returned back from my home country and my hair is still shedding a lot. 200 hairs everyday. It is a mix of mostly long and some short hairs. My density has reduced by 3/4 th.

I have been to a derm, took blood test and everything was normal. However, I have restarted viviscal, the ordinary multi peptide serum, just started pumpkin seed and saw palmetto supplement. I started derma rolling once a week and use nizoral shampoo twice a week.

My dad went bald in his late 20s. Mom still has thick hair. My hair has always been thin towards the front compared to back. I am not sure if this is TE or AGA or both together. I barely lost hair before my weigh loss.

My husband and I are planning to start trying for a baby in Jan/feb. so I am not sure if I should start minox now as I heard it takes almost 6 months to show progress and I don’t want to stop it immediately. Don’t want to start spiro for the same reasons.

Not sure what I should do. I am so frustrated, I cry every day. I am not in a position to go to dermatologist again as getting a referral is really hard here. Please advise

To recap: Hairfall started after 20 pound weight loss a year ago. Stabilized on its own a few months later. Traveled to my home country 3 months ago and hair fall started again there. Blood test normal. Restarted viviscal, vit d, weekly dermarolling, biweekly nizoral, ordinary scalp serum every day evening, saw palmetto and pumpkin seed supplements. Dad has Androgenetic alopecia and went bald in his late 20s. Will start trying for baby in Jan/feb so afraid to start minox or spiro. Please advise.


r/FemaleHairLoss 15h ago

Rant Eyebrows almost gone, along with hope of a happy future.

4 Upvotes

35F, clinically diagnosed with FFA almost a year ago (had started thinning a year before that. I went through a major move and still haven't been able to see anyone about it outside of the initial dermatologist visit pre-move. Tried tacrolimus, doxycycline, steroid injections (dented after the single round), and currently doing a hail mary regime of minoxidil.

At this point nearly all my formerly-thick eyebrows are completely gone, and I fear there's no more hope of finding a life partner as my face is now completely ugly. I use makeup for them for certain occasions to not scare people, but a) it looks fake; b) i don't have time to do makeup all the damn time and c) even if I did, I have terrible sweat glands that start to melt them off by the end of the day.

People have mentioned microblading, but I feel that looks super fake too, being another 2-dimenional solution, and isn't permanent. Nothing is ever going to fix me and no one will ever romantically love me.


r/FemaleHairLoss 9h ago

Support/Advice 17 F Huge Hair Loss (PLEASE HELP ME)

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1 Upvotes

This has taken me a lot of courage to even make because I am so young and this is has been my largest insecurity for a few years now but i am completely devastated by this point and i feel unlovable (i really apologize for the horrible grammar and sentence structure im just really emotional as i type this) I feel like my hair loss has ruined everything in my life up until this point & I already have not been able to experience much because I have moved every 2 years of my life so Ive never really been able to make friends & I would never even think of trying to date anybody. The first thing you notice about me is the way my scalp shines above my head. Ive always simultaneously invisible yet so noticed and Ive never known how to deal with it. I dont know what is wrong and ive tried to see a dermatologist but he ultimately ended up telling me the same vague answer my primary did which was that it could be because of my iron; but he didnt even care to inspect further even though my hair loss is extremely visible and has been since i was at least 14 years old. The hair loss has kinda gotten worse i feel like it fluctuates though, and i did recently ruin it by dying it black & ive been dealing with a lot of hair fall. Im for sure never dying it again and i never should have in the first place. I have some lab results too and i wanted some help discerning them, i dont know if it is my iron levels (i also struggle with abnormally heavy periods but normal cycle times) or something like AGA. Please help me I have never been able to look in the mirror and not want to cry because of what is on top of my head