How to stop early stages of female pattern baldness 

Question from Michelle Dean.

I am 31 years old and I have noticed my hair getting thinner at a rapid pace. I am terrified, and hugely concerned about losing all my hair. 

At such a young age, is it normal to be losing clunks of hair every single day? I have not given birth, I have not been stressed, and I am not going through menopause, so my suspicion is that this could be a case of androgenic alopecia. 

What should I do about this issue, and are there any treatments that you can recommend? 

Answer:

Androgenic alopecia (female pattern baldness) is a lot more common than many people think. Over 50 percent of women experience some form of hair loss by the age of 40, and that figure rises to 65 percent by the age of 50. Hair loss in women is very common, so yes, unfortunately this is absolutely normal. 

Although there isn't a cure for female pattern baldness, fear not, because there are various treatments that can help slow down the excessive shedding, and support the function of healthy hair growth. 

You have two main avenues to consider; the medical route, or the non-medical route. Both have their pros and cons, but ultimately, they can both counter hair loss. 

The most obvious medical treatment is minoxidil (2%). Labelled as Regaine/Rogaine, as well as various other brands, this topical solution can help stump hair loss, and stimulate hair growth, albeit on a small scale. This ongoing treatment can help, but good results aren't always guaranteed. 

An effective non-medical alternative to minoxidil is keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) serum, which can reduce hair loss, and add thicker texture to the strands. This potent, yet safe formula, counters hair thinning, and helps revitalise hair growth. 

What's more, you only need to use KGF serum 3-4 times a week. Minoxidil has to be used daily. 

If you are experiencing early stages of female pattern baldness, then a good multivitamin hair supplement should be an essential part of your hair care plan. Be sure to pick a good one, like HR23+. This will help nourish the hair, counter excessive shedding, and promote the function of healthy hair growth, and hair regrowth. For many women, a good hair supplement works well enough on its own.