Absolutely—yes!
While both men and women experience a condition known as alopecia (the medical term for hair loss or baldness), the patterns, causes, and timelines of hair loss differ significantly between the sexes. Although over 80% of men and women will experience some degree of hair thinning over their lifetime, that’s where most similarities end.
What’s the Typical Timing for Hair Loss?
Women:
While a small number of women may notice hair thinning in their teens or twenties, most begin to see noticeable changes in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. This timing typically correlates with hormonal shifts, particularly those associated with menopause.
Men:
About 25% of men begin noticing hairline recession as early as their late teens or early twenties. By age 50, approximately 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair.
How Do Hair Loss Patterns Differ Between Men and Women?
Female Pattern Hair Loss:
Women generally maintain their frontal hairline but experience diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp. This thinning is often most noticeable when parting the hair down the middle, as the part line becomes wider over time.
Male Pattern Baldness:
Usually begins with a receding hairline, followed by thinning at the crown. Over time, these areas may connect, leading to more extensive hair loss. However, men often retain hair on the sides and back of the scalp.
What Causes Hair Loss in Men and Women?
- Men:
Male pattern baldness is primarily caused by a combination of genetics and a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In genetically susceptible individuals, DHT shortens the hair growth cycle and miniaturizes hair follicles, eventually stopping hair production altogether.
Women:
The exact cause of female pattern hair loss is less well understood. While hormonal changes may play a role, especially around menopause, the strongest contributing factors appear to be age and genetics.
If hair loss is severe or begins before middle age, women should consult their primary care provider. In some cases, hair loss can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires attention or treatment.