Female Hair Loss Treatment London: Why PRP is Transforming Results for Women

PRP is particularly effective for female pattern hair loss because it addresses the diffuse thinning pattern common in women, with clinical studies showing 91% of female patients experience measurable improvement in hair density within six months of treatment. At The Wellness in Marylebone, approximately 35% of our PRP hair patients are women, and their satisfaction rates match or exceed those of our male patients.

If you're a woman experiencing hair loss, you're not alone. Around 40% of women experience noticeable hair thinning by age 50, yet female hair loss remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The good news is that effective treatments exist, and PRP has emerged as one of the most promising options for women specifically.

In this guide, we'll explain why women lose hair, why PRP works so well for female patients, and what results you can expect from treatment.

Experiencing hair thinning and want expert guidance? Message us on WhatsApp to book a consultation

Understanding Female Hair Loss: Why Women Lose Hair

Female hair loss differs significantly from male pattern baldness. Understanding these differences helps explain why certain treatments work better for women.

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

The most common type of hair loss in women is female pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. Unlike men who typically recede at the temples and crown, women experience:

• Diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp

• Widening of the part line

• Overall reduction in hair volume

• Preservation of the frontal hairline (usually)

FPHL affects approximately 12% of women by age 30, 25% by age 50, and over 40% by age 70.

Telogen Effluvium

This condition causes temporary but often dramatic hair shedding. Triggers include:

• Pregnancy and postpartum hormonal changes

• Severe stress or illness

• Thyroid disorders

• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, protein)

• Starting or stopping birth control

• Significant weight loss

• Surgery or trauma

Telogen effluvium typically resolves once the trigger is addressed, but recovery can take 6-12 months.

Hormonal Causes

Female hair loss is often connected to hormonal changes:

• Menopause (declining oestrogen)

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Thyroid imbalances

• Post-pregnancy hormone shifts

Other Causes

• Alopecia areata (autoimmune patches)

• Traction alopecia (from tight hairstyles)

• Scarring alopecias (inflammatory conditions)

• Medication side effects

• Nutritional deficiencies

Why PRP Works Particularly Well for Female Hair Loss

Several factors make PRP especially suitable for women:

1. Women Typically Have Diffuse Thinning, Not Complete Baldness

PRP works by regenerating weakened follicles. Women with diffuse thinning have plenty of viable follicles across the scalp that can respond to growth factor stimulation. This contrasts with advanced male baldness where follicles may be completely gone.

2. Women Have Limited Surgical Options

Hair transplants work best when there's a distinct donor area (resistant to hair loss) and recipient area (bald). Women's diffuse pattern makes this demarcation less clear, and transplanting hair that might thin later produces disappointing results. PRP offers an effective non-surgical alternative.

3. Fewer Medical Options for Women

Finasteride, the most effective oral medication for hair loss, is not approved for women of childbearing age due to potential effects on fetal development. This leaves women with fewer pharmaceutical options, making PRP more valuable.

4. Hormonal Hair Loss Responds Well to Regenerative Therapy

When hair loss is related to hormonal changes (menopause, postpartum, thyroid), the follicles are often weakened rather than destroyed. PRP's regenerative action can help restore these follicles to healthy function.

Clinical Evidence for PRP in Women:

A 2024 study in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology specifically examining PRP in female patients found:

• 91% of women showed improvement in hair density

• Average hair count increase: 36 hairs per cm²

• 87% reported improved hair quality (thickness, shine)

• 89% overall satisfaction rate

Common Female Hair Loss Patterns We Treat

The Ludwig Scale

Female pattern hair loss is classified using the Ludwig scale:

Ludwig I (Mild): Noticeable thinning on the crown, often visible as a widening part. The front hairline is preserved.

Ludwig II (Moderate): Marked thinning on the crown with visible scalp. The area of thinning has expanded.

Ludwig III (Severe): Near-complete baldness on the crown with thin coverage elsewhere. Less common.

Our Results by Stage:

Ludwig StageImprovement RateAverage Density IncreaseLudwig I95%42 hairs/cm²Ludwig II89%34 hairs/cm²Ludwig III68%22 hairs/cm²

Early intervention produces significantly better results. If you've noticed your part widening or your ponytail getting thinner, now is the ideal time to act.

Ready to address your hair thinning? Book your consultation via WhatsApp

The PRP Treatment Process for Women at The Wellness

Our approach to female hair loss is comprehensive and personalised:

Step 1: Thorough Consultation (45 minutes)

We begin with a detailed assessment including:

• Complete medical history

• Menstrual and hormonal history

• Medication review

• Nutritional assessment

• Scalp examination and trichoscopy

• Blood tests if indicated (hormone panel, iron, vitamin D, thyroid)

• Classification of hair loss type and stage

• Discussion of treatment options and realistic expectations

This thorough evaluation ensures we identify any underlying causes that need addressing alongside PRP treatment.

Step 2: Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on your assessment, we create a customised plan that may include:

• PRP injection protocol tailored to your specific pattern

• Recommendations for complementary treatments

• Nutritional guidance if deficiencies identified

• Medical referrals if hormonal issues detected

• Timeline for treatment and expected results

Step 3: PRP Treatment Sessions

The procedure itself is similar for women and men:

• Blood draw (20-30ml)

• Centrifugation to concentrate platelets

• Topical numbing application

• Systematic PRP injection across the scalp

• Focus on areas of maximum thinning

Treatment takes approximately 60 minutes per session.

Step 4: Comprehensive Follow-Up

We track your progress meticulously:

• Standardised photography at each visit

• Trichoscopy measurements of hair density

• Patient-reported outcome surveys

• Adjustments to treatment plan as needed

PRP vs Other Female Hair Loss Treatments

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment for female hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to follicles and extending the growth phase.

Pros:

• Widely available over the counter

• Long safety track record

• Can be combined with PRP

Cons:

• Requires daily application indefinitely

• Results reverse if stopped

• Can cause unwanted facial hair growth

• Takes 4-6 months to see results

How PRP compares: PRP requires less frequent application (maintenance sessions 2-4x yearly vs. daily minoxidil) and doesn't carry the risk of facial hair growth. Many patients use both for enhanced results.

Spironolactone

This anti-androgen medication is sometimes prescribed off-label for female hair loss.

Pros:

• Addresses hormonal component of hair loss

• Oral medication (no topical application)

Cons:

• Requires prescription and monitoring

• Can cause side effects (breast tenderness, irregular periods)

• Must be avoided during pregnancy

How PRP compares: PRP works through regeneration rather than hormone blocking, making it suitable for women regardless of hormonal status and without systemic side effects.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Devices like laser combs and caps use light energy to stimulate follicles.

Pros:

• Non-invasive

• Can be done at home

• No systemic effects

Cons:

• Mixed evidence for effectiveness

• Requires consistent, long-term use

• Results often modest

How PRP compares: PRP has stronger clinical evidence, though some patients use both treatments together.

Hair Transplant

While transplants work well for men, they're less ideal for women due to:

• Diffuse thinning pattern makes donor/recipient distinction unclear

• Donor hair may also be affected by thinning

• Extensive coverage needs may exceed available donor hair

How PRP compares: PRP is often a better first-line approach for women. It can treat the entire scalp without needing donor hair and addresses the diffuse pattern typical in female hair loss.

Special Considerations for Women

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

PRP uses your own blood with no drugs or foreign substances. However, we recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to begin treatment, primarily because:

• Hormonal changes during this period affect hair naturally

• Many women experience postpartum shedding that resolves on its own

• We want stable baseline conditions for treatment

Menopause

Menopause is a common trigger for female hair loss due to declining oestrogen and relative increase in androgens. PRP is particularly helpful during this transition as it supports follicles stressed by hormonal changes.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Women with PCOS often experience hair thinning alongside other symptoms. PRP can address the hair loss component while other treatments (or endocrinology referral) manage the underlying hormonal imbalance.

Autoimmune Conditions

For conditions like alopecia areata, PRP may help but results are less predictable. We assess each case individually and are honest about expected outcomes.

Real Patient Stories

Emma, 34, Postpartum Hair Loss

"After my second baby, I lost so much hair I could see my scalp through my part. My GP said it would grow back, but after a year it hadn't. After 4 PRP sessions at The Wellness, my part line has completely filled in and my ponytail feels thick again."

Claire, 52, Menopausal Thinning

"I noticed my hair getting thinner during perimenopause. I tried minoxidil but the facial hair side effect was a dealbreaker. PRP gave me my volume back without that issue. I'm now on maintenance and my hairdresser comments on how healthy my hair looks."

Nadia, 29, PCOS-Related Hair Loss

"My hair loss from PCOS was devastating at my age. My endocrinologist addressed the hormones, and The Wellness helped with the hair loss directly. The combination has been amazing. I finally feel like myself again."

Names changed for privacy. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions: PRP for Female Hair Loss

Is PRP effective for women?

Yes. Research shows 91% of female patients experience measurable improvement. Women often respond particularly well because their hair loss pattern (diffuse thinning) means they have plenty of viable follicles to regenerate.

Will PRP regrow my hair to how it was 10 years ago?

PRP improves hair density and quality, but expectations should be realistic. Most women see significant improvement in thickness, coverage, and overall hair health. Complete restoration to youthful density isn't guaranteed, but noticeable improvement is typical.

How long until I see results?

Most women notice reduced shedding within 4-6 weeks. New growth becomes visible around 3 months, with maximum improvement at 6 months.

Does PRP hurt?

Most women describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain. We apply topical numbing cream, and most patients rate discomfort 3-4 out of 10. It's comparable to Botox injections.

Can I colour my hair during treatment?

We recommend waiting 1 week after each PRP session before colouring. Chemical treatments too soon after PRP may irritate the scalp.

Will my results last?

Results are maintained with periodic maintenance sessions (typically every 3-6 months). Without maintenance, hair loss typically resumes within 12-18 months.

Can I do PRP if I'm on birth control?

Yes. PRP is compatible with hormonal contraceptives.

Book Your Female Hair Loss Consultation

If you're experiencing hair thinning, the first step is a thorough assessment to understand your specific situation. At The Wellness, we take female hair loss seriously and provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

During your consultation, we'll:

• Assess your hair loss pattern and stage

• Identify any underlying causes

• Recommend appropriate blood tests if needed

• Discuss all treatment options

• Create a personalised plan

• Set realistic expectations

Take the first step toward healthier, fuller hair. Message us on WhatsApp to book your consultation