Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause of gradual hair thinning in women. It happens when hair follicles slowly shrink over time, leading to shorter, finer hairs and reduced overall hair density, especially on the crown (top) and parting area.

FPHL affects up to 40% of women by age 50 and nearly 60% by age 70. It can start as early as your 20s or 30s, but it’s most common after menopause.

The exact cause is a mix of genetics, hormones, and ageing:

• Genetics: You may inherit the tendency from either parent.
• Hormones: Sensitivity to male hormones (like DHT) and reduced oestrogen after menopause can speed up hair thinning.
• Other factors: Stress, iron deficiency, thyroid issues, and nutritional imbalances can make it worse.

It’s not caused by poor hygiene, frequent washing, or tight hairstyles on their own. Very tight styles over many years can cause a different problem called traction alopecia, which can add to hair thinning.

Yes, but that’s a different condition called telogen effluvium (TE). It causes sudden shedding after illness, stress, medication change, sudden weight loss or pregnancy. Sometimes TE can “unmask” underlying FPHL by making thinning more visible.

We assess:

• The pattern and severity of thinning using validated scales from clinical trials.
• Photos of your scalp from different angles.
• Your medical history, including periods, hormones, pregnancies and medications.

Patience is key – most women start noticing improvement after 3–6 months, with fuller results at 12 months.

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Hair growth cycles are slow, so consistency is essential.

Yes, part of the Juniper Hair quiz requires patients to upload clear scalp photos that your practitioner can review. These photos are required prior to a consultation so that your practitioner can assess your current hair, where you’re at and what support could look like.