Hair thinning is common in both men and women, and many causes are treatable. This page brings together our hair loss guides and the over-the-counter treatment, minoxidil.
Common types of hair loss
- Pattern hair loss (hereditary): gradual thinning at the crown or a widening parting. It’s the most common type.
- Telogen effluvium: sudden shedding 2–3 months after stress, illness, childbirth or crash dieting. It usually recovers on its own.
- Patchy hair loss (such as alopecia areata): round bald patches. See a doctor.
Our hair loss guides
- Rogaine 2% vs 5%: which minoxidil strength should you use?
- Hair loss in women: causes, treatments and does minoxidil work?
- Minoxidil side effects: what to expect and how to manage them
Treatment
- Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Solution: for men with hereditary thinning at the crown
- Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Solution: approved for women, and men can use it too
Minoxidil takes 2 to 4 months to show results and works only while you keep using it.
See a doctor if
Hair loss is sudden, patchy or in clumps, your scalp is red, scaly or painful, or you have other symptoms such as tiredness, weight changes or irregular periods. A blood test can check for iron deficiency and thyroid problems.
Information on this page is general and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.