Thinning hair in women: causes and what can help
TL;DR
Thinning hair in women is common and often has more than one cause, including genetics, hormones, menopause, pregnancy, stress, illness and low iron. See a GP to check for underlying causes, especially if hair loss is sudden or patchy. For early or moderate thinning, scalp microneedling can help stimulate hair where it has thinned, over a course of at least three sessions.
Thinning hair in women is far more common than many people realise, and it can be really upsetting. It often starts gradually, with a wider parting, a thinner ponytail or more hair in the brush, and it can have several causes at once.
This guide explains the most common reasons hair thins, when to see a GP, and how salon treatments such as scalp microneedling can help. Gina has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry and specialises in skincare and scalp treatments, and our consultations are for female clients, so this is advice we give often in our Sutton Coldfield salon.
Quick facts
- The concern
- gradual thinning, a wider parting or less volume
- Common causes
- genetics, hormones, menopause, pregnancy, stress, illness and low iron
- See a GP if
- hair loss is sudden, patchy or worrying you
- Salon treatment
- scalp microneedling for early or moderate thinning
- Course
- a minimum of three sessions
- Price
- £150 per 45-minute session
- First step
- a free consultation, and a GP check for underlying causes
What causes thinning hair in women?
Thinning hair in women usually has one or more of a handful of causes. The most common is female pattern hair loss, which tends to run in families and shows as a gradually widening parting. Hormonal changes, such as after pregnancy or during menopause, stress, illness, crash dieting and low iron can all play a part too.
- Female pattern hair loss: gradual thinning over the top of the head, often genetic.
- After pregnancy: increased shedding a few months after giving birth, which usually settles.
- Menopause: hormonal changes can make hair finer and thinner.
- Stress or illness: a shock to the body can trigger shedding a few months later.
- Low iron or thyroid problems: medical causes that are worth checking.
When should you see a GP?
See a GP if your hair loss is sudden, patchy, worrying you, or comes with other symptoms such as tiredness or itching. The NHS hair loss guidance explains that some hair loss is temporary and some is permanent, and a GP can check for treatable causes such as iron deficiency or thyroid problems.
Getting any medical causes checked first means any salon treatment you choose has the best chance of helping.
How can scalp microneedling help thinning hair?
Scalp microneedling at Gina Rose Beauty creates tiny, controlled channels in the scalp to stimulate hair and improve scalp health. It can help stimulate hair where it has thinned, and it's best suited to early or moderate thinning. It can't create new follicles, so it won't regrow hair where it has been lost completely.
Research supports its use for pattern hair loss. A 2025 meta-analysis found that combining microneedling with topical minoxidil improved hair count and thickness more than minoxidil alone. Our guide to scalp microneedling results explains what to expect over a course, and our earlier post on does microneedling work for hair loss covers who it suits.
Gina's tip: Be gentle with thinning hair. Tight ponytails, heavy extensions and lots of heat styling put extra strain on it, so give it a break wherever you can.
What can you do at home?
- Avoid tight hairstyles and limit heat styling.
- Use a gentle shampoo and a wide-toothed comb on wet hair.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein and iron.
- Protect your scalp from the sun, especially along your parting.
- Be patient, as hair grows slowly and changes take months to show.
Who should check with us first
We strongly recommend a free consultation before booking scalp microneedling if you're unsure you're suitable, because the deposit isn't refundable if you book directly and turn out not to be suitable. Tell us about any scalp conditions, medication or recent hair treatments.
How much does treatment cost?
Scalp microneedling is £150 per 45-minute session, with a minimum of three sessions spaced two to six weeks apart. We'll talk through your thinning hair, and whether scalp microneedling is right for you, at your free consultation.
About the author
Gina is the owner of Gina Rose Beauty in Sutton Coldfield and has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry. She specialises in advanced skincare and runs a fully accredited training academy for aspiring beauty professionals. Meet Gina and the team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Book a free consultation in Sutton Coldfield
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You can also read more about our free consultation, microneedling for hair loss, or explore all our skincare treatments.
Frequently asked questions
What causes thinning hair in women?
Thinning hair in women is usually caused by genetics, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, stress, illness or low iron. Often more than one factor is involved.
Can thinning hair in women grow back?
Some thinning hair in women grows back, especially after pregnancy, stress or illness. Pattern thinning is longer-term, but treatments can help stimulate hair where it has thinned.
When should I see a GP about hair loss?
If it's sudden, patchy, worrying you or comes with other symptoms. A GP can check for causes such as iron deficiency or thyroid problems.
Does scalp microneedling help thinning hair?
It can help stimulate hair in areas that have thinned, and works best for early or moderate thinning. It can't regrow hair where it has been lost completely.
Is hair thinning after pregnancy normal?
Yes. Increased shedding a few months after giving birth is common and usually settles on its own.
How much does scalp microneedling cost?
£150 per 45-minute session at our Sutton Coldfield salon, with a minimum of three sessions.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Our consultation is free and there's no obligation to book a treatment.