How to Cure Female Pattern Baldness

Female-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a permanent condition that causes hair loss and hair thinning on the sides, front or crown of the head. Female-pattern baldness typically does not leave the entire head devoid of hair. Hair loss usually occurs gradually, and strands become thinner as the person ages. Heredity or a familial history of female-pattern baldness elevates the risk for developing this condition. Although there is no cure for female-pattern baldness, treatments are available that can hide or reduce the rate of hair loss.

Instructions

• 1

  Rub over-the-counter minoxidil into your hair twice a day. Minoxidil comes in a 2 percent or 5 percent foam or liquid solution that may help to regrow hair or slow the rate of hair loss.

• 2

  Talk to your doctor about hair transplant surgery. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will transfer tiny plugs of skin and hair from the thickest areas of your hair and implant them into the bald or thinning spots on your scalp.

• 3

  Consider scalp reduction surgery. This procedure stretches and removes the areas of the scalp that are bald, allowing the bald space to close with hair-covered scalp. Doctors can also create a flap where hair-bearing skin is folded over the bald spots.

• 4

  Conceal baldness by wearing natural-looking wigs and hairpieces. Artificial hair is an inexpensive alternative to surgery.