Is Female Pattern Hair Loss Normal at 19? Can I Get My Hair Back?'

Stigma

Question: I’m a 19 years old girl. I’ve been losing my hair 3 years ago doctors said it’s genetic, I’ve been using minoxidil for 2 months and half now with folicum ( vitamins I guess) and no obvious results. Is it normal? I’m afraid I would never get my hair back, is it possible?

Answer: Hi, Stigma. It is possible for genetic hair loss - better known in women as Female Pattern Hair Loss - to start any time following puberty so, although it tends to start more often when women are in their 20s or 30s, this is entirely normal.

Whilst vitamins will help your hair's health, they will not do anything to combat hereditary hair loss - this is the job of the medication, minoxidil.

When using minoxidil, you need to use the product consistently as advised - we understand you are not a Belgravia client so you should consult your provider if you need any reminders on how often you should use it or how to apply it.

Assuming you are doing all of this as directed, it generally takes between three and six months to start seeing results - the key is not to give up in the meantime. How long a person takes to respond generally correlates to the extent of their hair loss condition and how long they have had it for before seeking treatment.

As you are 19, it is likely that - assuming you have no underlying health condition that may be causing extra shedding - you should start to see results by month three or four. At first you may notice that you are not seeing as much thinning as your hair loss stabilises, then you should start to see signs of regrowth.

If this does not happen by months four-to-six we recommend you speak to your minoxidil provider or visit an alternative hair loss specialist for a second opinion as your treatment course may need tweaking; perhaps hair growth boosters may need to be added.

You may find it helpful to have a look through the Belgravia Female Hair Loss Treatment Success Stories gallery. This will give you an idea of the type of regrowth many women with the same condition you are experiencing managed to achieve from following dedicated treatment courses and how long it took them to see these initial results.