Evidence ledger
Every number, and the sentence it came from.
Our tools and diagrams draw 671 figures between them, 423 of them measured quantities and the rest named things — a blood test, a Norwood stage. Each is declared with the verbatim sentence it was read from and the guide that sentence is in — typed by a person, like any number — and then checked by machine on every build, which refuses to publish if the sentence is no longer in the guide. This is that list, in full.
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- 671
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- 43
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- 27
- Measured quantities
- 423
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- It is everything the tools and figures declare. All 671 rows, from 27 interactive tools and diagrams, across 43 guides. Nothing is left out and nothing is summarised — including the 248 rows that are not measurements at all. A test name, a Norwood stage, a prompt to bring a list to your appointment: those are sourced to a sentence the same way, so they are here, marked not a measurement, and left out of the count of quantities rather than quietly inflating it.
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The ledger
671 rows, grouped by the guide the sentence lives in, 43 guides in code order. Filter them by guide, by kind of measurement, or by typing.
No row matches that.
-
5% per year
Average untreated progression
5% annual loss if untreated
-
20%
Hair-diameter variation trichoscopy treats as the diversity criterion
Hair diameter diversity (>20% variation diagnostic)
-
~80%
hereditary, on twin studies
Androgenetic alopecia is approximately 80% hereditary, based on twin studies
-
50%
of men have pattern hair loss by age 50
affecting 50% of men by age 50 and up to 75% of women over 65
-
up to 75%
of women over 65 are affected
up to 75% of women over 65
-
98.3%
Sensitivity of trichoscopy for androgenetic alopecia
Trichoscopy has revolutionized AGA diagnosis with 98.3% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity.
-
80%
Share of androgenetic alopecia that is hereditary
Androgenetic alopecia is approximately 80% hereditary, based on twin studies.
-
many cycles, years to decades
How long miniaturisation takes — why the figure shows a sequence, not a count
typically occurring over many hair cycles spanning years or decades
-
anagen shortens
How pattern hair loss changes the cycle: growth phase
**Shortened anagen (growth) phase**: Hair grows for shorter periods
-
each cycle produces a finer hair
How pattern hair loss changes the cycle: hair calibre
**Follicle miniaturization**: Each cycle produces smaller, thinner hair
-
telogen lengthens
How pattern hair loss changes the cycle: resting phase
**Prolonged telogen (resting) phase**: More time between growth cycles
-
Stage III
The first Norwood stage called clinically significant
First stage of clinical significance; deep temporal recession creating M-shape
-
Stage II
The Norwood stage a mature hairline corresponds to
Adult hairline with slight temporal recession; not necessarily pathological
-
begun, not yet dormant
The window the guides emphasise
The window for optimal treatment is when miniaturization has begun but follicles haven't yet become dormant.
-
not ruled out
What an absent family history does not do
never experience significant loss; some without obvious family history do
-
immediate evaluation
What our androgenetic alopecia guide says scarring needs
You have scalp pain, itching, or scarring (requires immediate evaluation)
-
specialist evaluation
What our androgenetic alopecia guide says under-18s need
You're under 18 (pediatric hair loss needs specialized evaluation)
-
15%
of hair is resting on a healthy scalp
In healthy individuals, 15% of hair is in telogen
-
95%
Share of acute cases described as resolving once the trigger is gone
95% of acute TE cases resolve
-
95%
Share of acute cases in which full recovery is expected
In 95% of acute telogen effluvium cases
-
33%
Share of cases in which no specific trigger is ever identified
In approximately 33% of cases, no specific trigger is identified.
-
approximately 33%
Share of cases in which no specific trigger is identified
In approximately 33% of cases, no specific trigger is identified.
-
25-50%
Share of hair in telogen during telogen effluvium
during TE, this can rise to 25-50% or higher
-
85%
Share of scalp hair in anagen at any one moment
About 85% of scalp hair is normally in anagen
-
about 15%
Share of scalp hair normally in telogen
About 15% of scalp hair is normally in telogen
-
15%
Share of scalp hair resting, and therefore due to shed, at any moment
About 15% of scalp hair is normally in telogen
-
25-50%
Where that share goes in telogen effluvium
In healthy individuals, 15% of hair is in telogen; during TE, this can rise to 25-50% or higher.
-
3-4 months postpartum
A second guide in this corpus puts the peak earlier than W03 does, and the plate says so
Shedding typically peaks 3-4 months postpartum.
-
4-28 weeks
A wider onset window, 4-28 weeks (mean about 13), is reported in our telogen effluvium guide
shedding began 4-28 weeks after infection (mean about 13 weeks), in line with classic TE
-
2-7 years
Anagen, the growth phase, lasts 2-7 years for scalp hair
Duration: 2-7 years for scalp hair
-
2–3 months
between the trigger and the shedding
Hair loss appears 2-3 months after the triggering event
-
2-3 weeks
Catagen, the transition phase, lasts 2-3 weeks
Duration: 2-3 weeks
-
12-18 months
Full cosmetic recovery at 12-18 months
12-18 months: Full cosmetic recovery
-
3-6 months
How long shedding from telogen effluvium takes to stop once the trigger is removed
Shedding takes 3-6 months to stop once the trigger is removed
-
4-28 weeks
Published post-COVID onset, in line with the classic course drawn here
Onset 4-28 weeks after infection (mean about 13 weeks), in line with classic TE
-
6-12 months
Regrowth becomes visible between months 6 and 12
6-12 months: Regrowth becomes visible
-
3-6 months
Shedding gradually stops somewhere between months 3 and 6
3-6 months: Shedding gradually stops
-
2-3 months
Shedding usually becomes noticeable 2-3 months after the trigger
Hair loss appears 2-3 months after the triggering event as follicles prematurely shift from growth (anagen) to resting (telogen) phase.
-
about 3-4 months
Telogen, the resting phase, lasts about 3-4 months
Duration: About 3-4 months
-
more than 6 months
The duration that defines the chronic form, noted against month 6
Duration: More than 6 months
-
2-3 months
The gap between a trigger and the shedding it causes
Hair loss appears 2-3 months after the triggering event
-
6 months
When continued shedding is a reason to be seen
Shedding persists beyond 6 months without improvement
-
2-3 months
When noticeable shedding begins, marked by the rule across the plate
2-3 months later: Noticeable shedding begins
-
50-100 hairs a day
Normal daily shedding
You typically shed 50-100 hairs daily as part of normal cycling
-
50-100 hairs/day
The same range, stated independently in the telogen effluvium guide
You typically shed 50-100 hairs daily as part of normal cycling.
-
very brief
Catagen is the shortest phase, and no share is published for it here
Very brief transitional period
-
metabolic stress
Crash dieting and rapid weight loss
Rapid weight loss—regardless of specific nutrients—signals metabolic stress.
-
pushed out by the new hair
How a hair actually leaves the scalp
At end of telogen, hair sheds as new anagen hair pushes it out
-
about half an inch a month
How fast new hair grows, which is why the recovery band is long
About half an inch per month.
-
a common trigger
Illness and fever
Febrile illness is one of the most common TE triggers.
-
varies by drug
Medication changes
Many medications can trigger TE, though the association varies in strength
-
well documented
Severe psychological stress
Severe emotional stress—bereavement, divorce, job loss, financial crisis—can trigger TE.
-
same mechanism as postpartum
Stopping estrogen-containing contraception
Similar mechanism to postpartum—stopping estrogen-containing birth control can trigger synchronized telogen shift.
-
scales with the surgery
Surgery and physical trauma
Major surgery, severe injuries, and significant blood loss can trigger TE.
-
be examined
The same flag in the telogen effluvium guide
Hair loss is patchy (not diffuse)
-
shaft lengthens
What happens during anagen
Active growth phase when hair shaft lengthens
-
shrinks and detaches
What happens during catagen
Hair follicle shrinks and detaches from blood supply
-
dormant, still attached
What happens during telogen
Hair is dormant but remains attached
-
cosmetically significant length
What the final band describes as happening
Hair reaching cosmetically significant length
-
anagen to telogen, early
What the trigger does to the follicle, drawn as the start of the lag band
follicles prematurely shift from growth (anagen) to resting (telogen) phase
-
illness, stress, hormones, nutrition
What the trigger row lists as triggering events
triggered by physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or illness
-
everywhere vs. affected areas
Why a doctor pulls from several places, not one
In active TE, more hairs release than normal, and they're positive across the entire scalp—unlike androgenetic alopecia where the test is positive only in affected areas.
-
falls elsewhere
Why a shower count still understates the true daily figure
Avoiding washing just means the same hair falls elsewhere.
-
one place
Why a wash produces a bigger pile than a day does
The hair that falls during washing would fall anyway—you're just collecting it in one place.
-
the telogen phase duration
Why the callout ties the lag to the length of telogen
The 2-3 month delay between trigger and visible shedding directly corresponds to the telogen phase duration.
-
months ago
Why the plate draws an arrow back from the shedding rule to the trigger
This delay explains why patients often struggle to connect their shedding to a triggering event that happened months ago.
-
not damaged
Why the vacated follicles in panel 3 are drawn intact rather than erased
Your hair follicles aren't damaged
-
70-80%
Share of alopecia areata that is the patchy form, printed under the first head
The most common form, affecting 70-80% of people with AA.
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5%
Share of alopecia areata that is totalis
Complete loss of all scalp hair. Affects approximately 5% of people with alopecia areata.
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1%
Share of alopecia areata that is universalis
Affects approximately 1% of AA patients.
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30-50%
Share of patchy cases with spontaneous regrowth in the window printed beneath
30-50% experience spontaneous regrowth within 6-12 months
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<10%
Spontaneous remission in totalis, printed beneath
Spontaneous remission occurs in fewer than 10% of cases.
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<5%
Spontaneous remission in universalis, printed beneath
Spontaneous remission is rare (<5%).
-
6-12 months
The window over which that regrowth is reported
30-50% experience spontaneous regrowth within 6-12 months
-
regrowth possible
The consequence, as C03 states it for alopecia areata; the general form the plate prints is folliclesAlive, above
Because follicles are preserved, regrowth is always possible
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trichoscopy or biopsy
The line under the diffuse head
Often requires trichoscopy or biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
-
much rarer
The only share the draft gives for sisaipho
Much rarer than ophiasis.
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predictor
The plate's closing line
Your pattern isn't just a description—it's a predictor.
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dormant, not dead
The state of the middle follicle on the left: an open pore with nothing growing from it
the follicles themselves aren't destroyed. They're dormant, not dead
-
poor
The word printed under the ophiasis head
It's considered a poor prognostic indicator.
-
no patches
Why the diffuse head is drawn thinned all over rather than with any patch
Rapid, diffuse thinning across the entire scalp without distinct patches.
-
coin-sized
Why the first head is drawn with round patches
Characterized by one or more coin-sized, smooth, round or oval patches of hair loss.
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band
Why the ophiasis head is drawn as a band around the back and sides
Hair loss in a band-like pattern along the hairline—typically around the back and sides of the scalp
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opposite
Why the sisaipho head is the ophiasis head inverted
The opposite pattern—hair loss in the central scalp with preservation along the hairline.
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all body hair
Why the universalis panel says the drawing cannot show all of it
Complete loss of all body hair—scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and body hair.
-
featureless
How the scarred surface reads to the eye
Affected areas appear featureless without visible hair openings
C06Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (2026)
-
stem cells
The bulge as the site of the hair follicle stem cells
the **bulge region**, which houses hair follicle stem cells
C06Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (2026)
-
most common
The note under the scarring list, and the reason C06 carries this plate
most common form of scarring alopecia worldwide
C06Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (2026)
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remain alive
Why the left-hand follicles are drawn whole even where no hair is emerging
follicles remain alive even as they shrink, leaving the door open for regrowth
C06Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (2026)
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scar tissue replaces
Why the right-hand follicle is drawn as a field of collagen, not a shrunken tube
Scar tissue (fibrosis) gradually replaces the destroyed follicle structures.
C06Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (2026)
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87%
Sensitivity of absent follicular openings for scarring alopecia
Studies show 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity.
-
3-7%
Share of hair clinic presentations that are scarring alopecias
These conditions represent 3-7% of all hair clinic presentations.
-
93%
Specificity of absent follicular openings for scarring alopecia
Studies show 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity.
-
CCCA
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, listed as lymphocytic
**Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)**: Vertex-starting, spreading outward
-
DLE
Discoid lupus erythematosus, listed as lymphocytic
**Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)**: Associated with systemic lupus
-
lymphocytic
First group heading on the scarring side
inflammation characterizes the most common scarring alopecias
-
FFA
Frontal fibrosing alopecia, listed as lymphocytic
**Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)**: Band-like recession with eyebrow loss
-
LPP
Lichen planopilaris, listed as lymphocytic
**Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)**: Multifocal patches with perifollicular scaling
-
acne keloidalis nuchae
Listed as mixed
**Acne Keloidalis Nuchae**: Firm papules on posterior neck/scalp
-
erosive pustular dermatosis
Listed as mixed
**Erosive Pustular Dermatosis**: Rare, often post-surgical or post-radiation
-
folliculitis decalvans
Listed as neutrophilic
**Folliculitis Decalvans**: Pustules with characteristic
-
dissecting cellulitis
Listed as neutrophilic
**Dissecting Cellulitis**: Painful nodules and interconnecting sinuses
-
pattern hair loss
Placed outside the scarring group by C07
You have pattern hair loss without scalp scarring
-
alopecia areata
Placed outside the scarring group by C07
You have patchy hair loss with regrowth potential
-
telogen effluvium
Placed outside the scarring group by C07
You have temporary hair loss from stress
-
diffuse thinning
Placed outside the scarring group by C07
You're experiencing general thinning without inflammation
-
neutrophilic
Second group heading on the scarring side
inflammation creates pustular, often painful conditions
-
openings present or absent
The comparison the two panels are built to make
Scarring alopecia shows smooth, shiny scalp without visible follicular openings. Non-scarring alopecia retains these openings even in bald areas.
-
not possible
The consequence stated on the scarring side
Regrowth in scarred areas is not possible
-
intact vs replaced
The distinction the whole figure draws
Unlike non-scarring alopecias where follicles remain intact but dormant
-
absent follicular openings
The most reliable sign distinguishing the two on trichoscopy
Absence of follicular openings (ostia)
-
mixed
Third group heading on the scarring side
Both lymphocytes and neutrophils
-
fibrous scar tissue
What replaces the follicle on the scarring side of the drawing
scarring alopecias replace follicles with fibrous scar tissue
-
bulge region
What the marked node on the left-hand follicles is, and why it is marked
housing stem cells that regenerate hair through multiple growth cycles
-
stopping progression
What treatment achieves on the scarring side
Success means stopping progression
-
NAHRS
Where the three groups on the scarring side come from
the North American Hair Research Society established a classification system for primary cicatricial alopecias
-
openings retained
Why the left-hand skin line is drawn broken by three follicular openings
In non-scarring alopecia, even bald areas retain these openings
-
narrow
Why the plate closes on the timing rather than on the treatment
The window for intervention is narrow
-
no openings
Why the right-hand skin line is drawn unbroken
the skin no longer has the tiny openings (ostia) where hairs emerge
-
destroyed
Why the same node on the right-hand follicles is struck through
Once the bulge is destroyed and replaced by collagen scar tissue
-
24-85%
Share of COVID-19 patients reported to shed
COVID-19 triggers telogen effluvium (TE) in 24-85% of patients, typically starting 2-3 months after infection.
-
90%
Share of patients reported to recover fully
Over 90% of patients experience full recovery
-
56 days
Average onset in one study
In one study, the average onset was 56 days—just under two months.
-
6-12 months
Full recovery typically takes 6-12 months
Most people experience active shedding for 3-6 months, with full recovery taking 6-12 months.
-
3-6 months
Heaviest shedding is reported 3-6 months after infection
The most dramatic shedding usually occurs **3-6 months post-infection**.
-
6-9 months
Recovery typically begins 6-9 months after infection
**Recovery begins 3-6 months after shedding starts**, typically 6-9 months post-infection.
-
2-3 months
Shedding usually starts 2-3 months after infection
Hair loss typically begins **2-3 months after COVID-19 infection**
-
18 months
Thickness may take up to 18 months to return fully
Hair thickness may take up to 18 months to completely return to pre-COVID levels.
-
100-300+ hairs a day
Daily shedding reported during the shedding window
100-300+ hairs per day possible
-
30%
Share of women with pattern hair loss who do not fit the Ludwig scale
Approximately 30% of women with pattern hair loss don't fit the Ludwig scale
C10Male vs Female Pattern Hair Loss: Key Differences Explained
-
1970s
When the Ludwig scale was developed, printed under the grades heading
The Ludwig scale (developed 1970s) classifies female pattern hair loss into 3 grades
C10Male vs Female Pattern Hair Loss: Key Differences Explained
-
male-pattern recession
What those women show instead, printed alongside the 30%
they show male-pattern recession at the temples or more localized thinning
C10Male vs Female Pattern Hair Loss: Key Differences Explained
Chemotherapy Hair Loss: Which Drugs Cause It, What Scalp Cooling Achieves, and the Regrowth Timeline
-
40.7%
Lower bound of the confidence interval on that proportion
48 of 95 (50.5%; 95% CI 40.7%-60.4%) met grade 0-1 preservation vs 0 of 47 controls
-
50.5%
Proportion of cooled women meeting the hair-preservation endpoint in the randomised trial
48 of 95 (50.5%; 95% CI 40.7%-60.4%) met grade 0-1 preservation vs 0 of 47 controls
-
0.41%
Scalp metastasis incidence among controls
The incidence of scalp metastasis was 0.61% (95% CI 0.32-1.1%) with cooling versus 0.41% (95% CI 0.13-0.94%) without cooling (P = 0.43)
-
0.61%
Scalp metastasis incidence among cooled patients
The incidence of scalp metastasis was 0.61% (95% CI 0.32-1.1%) with cooling versus 0.41% (95% CI 0.13-0.94%) without cooling (P = 0.43)
-
43%
The same pooled result stated as a relative reduction
scalp cooling reduced relative risk (RR) of alopecia by 43% (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45-0.72; I2 = 11%; P < .00001)
-
60.4%
Upper bound of the confidence interval on that proportion
48 of 95 (50.5%; 95% CI 40.7%-60.4%) met grade 0-1 preservation vs 0 of 47 controls
-
0.45 RR
Lower bound of the pooled relative risk interval
scalp cooling reduced relative risk (RR) of alopecia by 43% (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45-0.72; I2 = 11%; P < .00001)
-
0.57 RR
Pooled relative risk of major hair loss with cooling, where 1 is no effect
scalp cooling reduced relative risk (RR) of alopecia by 43% (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45-0.72; I2 = 11%; P < .00001)
-
0.72 RR
Upper bound of the pooled relative risk interval
scalp cooling reduced relative risk (RR) of alopecia by 43% (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45-0.72; I2 = 11%; P < .00001)
-
20%
Hair-shaft diameter variation used as a diagnostic criterion
Hair shaft diameter variation greater than 20% is a clinical diagnostic criterion.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
50%
Men affected by age 50
By age 50, half of men are affected.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
25%
Men showing signs before age 21
About 25% of men show signs before age 21.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
6–12 months
How long a photo comparison needs to settle the question
Photo documentation over 6-12 months reveals which pattern you're experiencing.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
17-30 years
The age range over which the mature hairline normally forms
most men develop this naturally between ages 17-30
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
17–30 years
The age window in which a hairline normally matures
most men develop this naturally between ages 17-30
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
1–2 cm
How far a mature hairline sits back from the juvenile one
This typically involves minor recession of 1-2 centimeters and often corresponds to Norwood Stage 2.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
1-2 cm
How far the mature hairline sits behind the juvenile one — the depth drawn on the middle head
This typically involves minor recession of 1-2 centimeters and often corresponds to Norwood Stage 2.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
100 hairs/day
Consistently above this, over several weeks, is what the guide flags
If you're consistently losing more than 100 hairs daily over several weeks, it may indicate telogen effluvium or early pattern baldness.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
300 hairs/day
The highest daily figure either guide states, given for telogen effluvium
Up to 300 hairs per day, triggered by stress, illness, medication, or hormonal changes.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
50-100 hairs/day
The published normal daily shedding range
You shed 50-100 hairs every day as part of the natural hair growth cycle.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
more than 6 hairs
The pull test result the guide calls elevated
**Elevated shedding**: More than 6 hairs (more than 10%)
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
1-3 hairs
The pull test result the guide calls normal
**Normal result**: 1-3 hairs (about 5% or less)
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
60 hairs
The size of the bundle a pull test uses
Take a small section of about 60 hairs between your thumb and forefinger
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
before age 21
An age at which the guide says to get looked at rather than wait
Hair loss before age 21 (earlier onset often means more aggressive progression)
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
1
The left-hand head, drawn with the hairline intact across the front
Full coverage, juvenile hairline.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
2
The middle head, drawn as slight, even recession at both temples
Slight recession at the temples.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
3
The right-hand head, drawn with a deep M at the temples
Deep recession at the temples creates a clear M, U, or V shape.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
patchy loss
A finding that points away from pattern loss entirely
Patchy hair loss (suggests alopecia areata or other conditions)
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
rapid or sudden loss
A pattern our guide says is not typical of pattern baldness
Rapid or sudden hair loss (not typical of pattern baldness)
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
whole scalp
How telogen effluvium is distributed
Affects the entire scalp diffusely.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
itching, burning, scaling
Scalp symptoms our guide sends for evaluation
Hair loss accompanied by scalp symptoms (itching, burning, scaling)
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
stable vs. still moving
The difference that actually separates the two
Maturation stops at a stable adult hairline. Pattern baldness continues progressing.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
self-assessment, and professional consultation
The last line of the plate
Photo documentation, self-assessment, and professional consultation can clarify what you're experiencing and what you can do about it.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
shedding, not cause
The one thing a pull test result cannot tell you
This test indicates active shedding—not the type of hair loss.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
higher risk
What a family history changes
If your father, grandfathers, or uncles experienced hair loss, you're at higher risk.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
patterned scalp visibility
What increased visible scalp at the temples or crown suggests
Increased scalp visibility—especially in a pattern (temples, crown)—suggests thinning from pattern baldness.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
longer hairs
What long shed hairs are associated with
**Longer shed hairs** typically indicate telogen effluvium—hair that grew normally but shed early due to a trigger.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
fine, short, unpigmented hairs
What miniaturisation looks like where terminal hairs were
Presence of fine, short, unpigmented hairs where terminal hairs once grew.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
the hallmark sign
What our guide calls miniaturisation
This is the hallmark sign
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
shorter, thinner hairs
What short, fine shed hairs are associated with
**Shorter, thinner shed hairs** suggest miniaturization from pattern baldness—follicles producing progressively weaker hairs before they stop producing visible hair entirely.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
past the mature line, M-shape, or crown
What takes recession past maturation
When recession continues beyond the mature hairline, creates a pronounced M-shape with visible scalp at the temples, or is accompanied by crown thinning, it suggests pattern baldness.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
pattern over count
What the guide says carries more information than the number itself
The pattern and characteristics of loss matter more than the exact count.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
out of scope
Who our signs-of-balding guide sets its self-assessment aside for
You're under 18 and concerned about normal hairline maturation
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
be examined
Why patchy loss is not a counting problem
Patchy hair loss (suggests alopecia areata or other conditions)
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
not necessarily pattern baldness
Why the middle head is labelled as usually normal
This is often called a "mature hairline" and isn't necessarily pattern baldness
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
pattern baldness
Why the right-hand head is labelled as the first stage of pattern loss
When recession continues beyond the mature hairline, creates a pronounced M-shape with visible scalp at the temples, or is accompanied by crown thinning, it suggests pattern baldness.
DL01How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)
-
80%
Alopecia patients with vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency appears in approximately 80% of alopecia patients
-
25-30%
Hair-loss patients with anaemia on a CBC
present in 25-30% of hair loss patients
-
15%
Share of people with hair loss affected by thyroid dysfunction
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism disrupt the hair growth cycle, affecting roughly 15% of people with hair loss
-
25%
Women with androgen-excess signs whose testosterone is normal but androstenedione raised
Research shows 25% of women with signs of androgen excess have normal testosterone but elevated androstenedione.
-
75%
Women with hormonal hair loss whose total testosterone is normal
75% of women with hormonal hair loss have normal total testosterone
-
40%
Women with thinning hair affected by low ferritin
affecting up to 40% of women with thinning hair
-
2-5 day of cycle
When hormone tests are most informative
Hormone testing in women should ideally occur on days 2-5 of the menstrual cycle
-
>4.0 mIU/L
Above the laboratory range
Elevated TSH (above 4.0 mIU/L)
-
<0.4 mIU/L
Below the laboratory range
Low TSH (below 0.4 mIU/L)
-
50-80 ng/mL
DL02’s optimal range
50-80 ng/mL is ideal for most people
-
50 ng/mL
Ferritin level below which hair loss is reported as associated
Hair loss associated with <50 ng/mL
-
30-100 ng/mL
Laboratory reference range for 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the wide bar on the vitamin D row
| Vitamin D | 30-100 ng/mL | 50-80 ng/mL |
-
15-150 ng/mL
Laboratory reference range for ferritin in women, the wide bar on the ferritin row
| Ferritin | 15-150 ng/mL (women) | >70 ng/mL |
-
0.4-4.0 mIU/L
Laboratory reference range for TSH, the wide bar on the TSH row
| TSH | 0.4-4.0 mIU/L | 1.0-2.5 mIU/L |
-
60.3 ng/mL
Mean ferritin reported in controls without hair loss
Controls without hair loss: average ferritin 60.3 ng/mL
-
16.3 ng/mL
Mean ferritin reported in hair loss patients
Hair loss patients: average ferritin 16.3 ng/mL
-
4-10 mIU/L
Subclinical hypothyroidism still thins hair
Even "subclinical" hypothyroidism (TSH 4-10 with normal T4) can cause hair thinning.
-
70 and above ng/mL
The ferritin level the guide gives as optimal for hair, drawn open-ended to the right
| Ferritin | 15-150 ng/mL (women) | >70 ng/mL |
-
30 ng/mL
The level many laboratories report as sufficient, quoted in the row note
Many labs report >30 as "sufficient"
-
60-120 µg/dL
The serum zinc reference range the blood test guide gives, which differs from the one drawn
| Zinc | 60-120 mcg/dL | Mid-upper range | Lower range associated with shedding |
-
1.0-2.5 mIU/L
The TSH range the guide gives as optimal for hair
| TSH | 0.4-4.0 mIU/L | 1.0-2.5 mIU/L |
-
50-80 ng/mL
The vitamin D range the guide gives as optimal for hair
| Vitamin D | 30-100 ng/mL | 50-80 ng/mL |
-
<0.4 mIU/L
What DL02 says about that band
Suggests hyperthyroidism.
-
>4.0 mIU/L
What DL02 says about that band
Suggests hypothyroidism.
-
8-12 wks / 3 mo / 6-12 wks
When to retest each marker
Retest ferritin after 8-12 weeks, vitamin D after 3 months, and thyroid markers after 6-12 weeks if on medication.
-
B12
Why B12 is on the core list
B12 deficiency causes hair loss and is more common than many realize
-
Free T4
Why Free T4 is added to TSH
Free T4 provides additional information about active thyroid hormone.
-
any time
Cycle timing after menopause
Post-menopausal women can test any time.
-
low yield
More tests the guide calls low-yield
Genetic testing for hair loss is available but doesn’t change treatment decisions. Heavy metal testing is popular but rarely clinically useful.
-
rarely explains it
Tests the guide calls low-yield for hair
Comprehensive metabolic panels, liver function, and kidney function are good to have but rarely directly explain hair loss.
-
scalp symptoms
The scalp signs that change the workup
Hair loss with scalp symptoms (redness, scaling, scarring)
-
CBC
What a complete blood count measures
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
-
ANA
What an ANA screens for
A screening test for autoimmune conditions.
-
Androstenedione
What androstenedione is
An androgen precursor.
-
DHEA-S
What DHEA-S measures
Measures adrenal androgen production.
-
Free testosterone
What free testosterone measures
The biologically active form. Calculated from total testosterone and SHBG.
-
LH and FSH
What LH and FSH show
These pituitary hormones regulate ovarian function.
-
Iron + TIBC
What serum iron and TIBC add
Serum iron measures circulating iron; Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) shows how much iron your blood could carry.
-
SHBG
What SHBG does
SHBG binds testosterone, reducing its availability.
-
Total testosterone
What total testosterone measures
Measures total circulating testosterone.
-
TPO antibodies
What TPO antibodies identify
Identifies autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
-
TSH
What TSH is for
TSH is the screening test for thyroid function.
-
see someone
Where DL02 puts sudden patchy loss
sudden patchy hair loss (see a doctor urgently)
-
normal ≠ optimal
Why a "normal" result can still be worth acting on
Standard laboratory reference ranges are designed to identify disease, not optimize health.
-
context needed
Why a positive ANA is not self-explanatory
Note that some healthy people have low-positive ANA without disease.
-
common
Why bringing a written list matters
many doctors order incomplete panels
-
Ferritin
Why ferritin beats serum iron alone
Ferritin reflects your body’s iron reserves better than serum iron alone.
-
Prolactin
Why prolactin is checked
Elevated prolactin (from pituitary issues or certain medications) can cause hair loss.
-
usually not
Why the guides do not route men to a hormone panel by default
Male pattern baldness is caused by genetic sensitivity to normal testosterone levels, not elevated testosterone.
-
upper-normal
Why the shaded stretch on the TSH row sits above the hair range rather than below it
Hair loss can occur at upper-normal
-
TG antibodies
Why thyroglobulin antibodies are run alongside TPO
Another marker of autoimmune thyroid disease, often tested alongside TPO antibodies for complete assessment.
-
Zinc
Why zinc is on the core list
Zinc is essential for hair follicle function and protein synthesis.
-
3%
Share of men whose loss follows the Type A pattern, which is why it is drawn alongside 1-7
Approximately 3% of men with pattern baldness follow the Type A progression pattern
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
17-30 years
Age range over which the mature hairline normally forms
normal hairline maturation that occurs between ages 17-30
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
1-2 cm
How far a Stage 2 hairline sits behind the juvenile one — the depth drawn at stage 2
recession is typically 1-2 centimeters from the juvenile hairline
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
1,000 men
Men studied when Norwood refined the scale in 1975
refined it in 1975 after studying 1,000 Caucasian men
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
7 stages
Stages on the Norwood scale, minimal loss through extensive baldness
with 7 stages from minimal loss (Stage 1) to extensive baldness (Stage 7)
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
1
Stage 1 drawn with the hairline intact all the way across
Full head of hair with no visible recession or thinning
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
2
Stage 2 drawn as two shallow temple notches
Slight recession at the temples, creating a gentle M-shape
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
3
Stage 3 drawn with the temple notches deep enough to leave a clear central island
Deep recession at the temples creating a pronounced M, U, or V shape
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
3v
Stage 3 vertex drawn as a stage 2 hairline plus a separate crown patch
Some men experience thinning at the crown (vertex) while the hairline remains at Stage 2
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
4
Stage 4 drawn with an unbroken band of hair between the front loss and the crown loss
A band of hair (the "bridge") separates the frontal recession from the crown baldness
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
5
Stage 5 drawn with that band narrowed to a thread
The bridge of hair between the frontal area and crown is thinning significantly
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
6
Stage 6 drawn as a single bald field with hair only around the rim
leaving only a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides and back
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
7
Stage 7 drawn with that rim narrowed further
Only a narrow band of hair remains around the sides and back of the head
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
3
The stage at which the scale starts counting loss as clinical balding
Stage 3 is the first stage that qualifies as clinical balding
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
A
Type A drawn as a straight front-to-back edge with no island and no separate crown patch
the hairline recedes uniformly from front to back
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
starting point
Why the key panel says matching yourself is a starting point, not a diagnosis
Self-assessment provides a starting point
DL03The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)
-
40-60 ng/mL
Adequate for hair
Adequate for hair (40-60 ng/mL)
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
<20 ng/mL
Critical deficiency
Critical deficiency (<20 ng/mL)
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
60-70 ng/mL
Good for hair
Good for hair (60-70 ng/mL)
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
70-100 ng/mL
Optimal for hair
Optimal for hair (70-100 ng/mL)
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
20-40 ng/mL
Suboptimal
Suboptimal (20-40 ng/mL)
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
41 ng/mL
The cutoff with 98% sensitivity and specificity
Using 41 ng/mL as the cutoff yields 98% sensitivity and 98% specificity
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
70 ng/mL
The level DL05 associates with the best outcomes
Research suggests best outcomes at ferritin levels of 70 ng/mL or higher.
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
>200 ng/mL
The upper red flag
Ferritin above 200 ng/mL without supplementation (may indicate iron overload or inflammation)
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
<20 ng/mL
What DL05 says about that band
Hair loss very likely to be occurring or imminent.
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
20-40 ng/mL
What DL05 says about that band
Hair loss probable or contributing factor.
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
40-60 ng/mL
What DL05 says about that band
Minimum level to support hair growth.
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
60-70 ng/mL
What DL05 says about that band
Supports healthy hair growth.
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
70-100 ng/mL
What DL05 says about that band
Ideal for hair density and growth.
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
10-15 ng/mL
Where laboratory "normal" starts
Laboratory "normal" ferritin (10-15 ng/mL) is too low for optimal hair growth
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
can read high
Why ferritin alone can mislead
Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant, meaning it can be falsely elevated by inflammation, infection, or liver disease.
DL05Ferritin and Hair Loss: Optimal Levels for Hair Growth (2026)
-
50 / 33%
Hair loss in hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism
50% of people with hyperthyroidism and 33% with hypothyroidism experience hair loss
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
90%
Hashimoto’s patients with TPO antibodies present
Present in 90% of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients.
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
2 days minimum
The thyroid guide’s biotin rule
Stop biotin supplements at least 2 days before testing (some sources recommend 3-7 days)
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
3.5 mIU/L
Symptoms at a technically normal TSH
Many people continue experiencing fatigue, cold intolerance, and hair loss when their TSH is technically "normal" (say, 3.5) but not optimal.
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
0.4-4.0 mIU/L
The laboratory range
Lab normal: 0.4-4.0 mIU/L
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
0.5-2.5 mIU/L
The range DL06 calls optimal
Optimal for symptoms: 0.5-2.5 mIU/L
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
0.3-3.0 mIU/L
What the AACE recommends
AACE recommends: 0.3-3.0 mIU/L
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
5 tests
What a complete thyroid panel contains
Request TSH, Free T4, Free T3, TPO antibodies, and TG antibodies.
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
Free T3
What Free T3 adds
The most biologically active thyroid hormone—the one that actually produces effects in your cells, including hair follicles.
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
before your dose
Timing if you already take thyroid medication
If on thyroid medication, test before taking your morning dose
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
patchy → antibodies
Why patchy loss changes the panel
If you have patchy hair loss, getting thyroid antibodies tested is particularly important
DL06Thyroid Hair Loss: Complete Testing Guide + Optimal Levels (2026)
-
56%
Androgenetic alopecia patients who are vitamin D deficient
56% of people with androgenetic alopecia have vitamin D deficiency (vs 24% in controls)
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
50-100 ng/mL
Adequate
50-100 | **Adequate** | Safe; may not provide additional benefit
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
<20 ng/mL
Deficient
Levels below 20 ng/mL significantly increase the risk of telogen effluvium
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
<20 ng/mL
Deficient, as DL07’s table classifies it
<20 | **Deficient** | High risk of hair loss; requires correction
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
>100 ng/mL
Excessive
>100 | **Excessive** | Risk of toxicity; avoid
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
20-29 ng/mL
Insufficient
Many people continue losing hair with levels in the 20-29 ng/mL range
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
20-29 ng/mL
Insufficient, as DL07’s table classifies it
20-29 | **Insufficient** | Suboptimal; may contribute to thinning
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
30-50 ng/mL
Optimal
Optimal vitamin D level for hair health is 30-50 ng/mL
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
30-50 ng/mL
Optimal, as DL07’s table classifies it
30-50 | **Optimal** | Best range for hair health and immune function
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
30-100 ng/mL
The Endocrine Society’s desirable range
The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines (2011) identified 30-100 ng/mL as the desirable range, with 21-29 ng/mL considered insufficient and <20 ng/mL deficient.
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
25(OH)D
The only vitamin D test worth ordering
The 25-hydroxyvitamin D test [25(OH)D] is the only reliable way to assess vitamin D status.
DL07Vitamin D Hair Loss: Optimal Levels + Recovery Timeline (2026)
-
92-94.7%
Serum DHT reduction on dutasteride
92-94.7% reduction
-
46%
Share of genetic risk attributed to the AR gene, printed under the receptor node
Accounts for roughly 46% of the genetic risk for pattern hair loss
-
92-94.7%
The DHT guide's own serum DHT figure for dutasteride
Serum: 92-94.7% reduction
-
14 days
How long the block lasts after finasteride is stopped
DHT returns to normal within 14 days of stopping finasteride
-
10 x testosterone
DHT potency, printed under the DHT node
DHT is approximately 10 times more potent than testosterone
-
2-5 x
DHT receptor affinity relative to testosterone — the reason the receptor step matters
has 2-5 times higher affinity for androgen receptors
-
2-5 × receptor affinity
DHT’s affinity for the androgen receptor, relative to testosterone
DHT is approximately 10 times more potent than testosterone and has 2-5 times higher affinity for androgen receptors.
-
10 × testosterone
Relative potency of DHT
DHT is approximately 10 times more potent than testosterone and has 2-5 times higher affinity for androgen receptors.
-
Type 2 and Type 3
The second guide that describes finasteride as reaching Type III
Selectively inhibits Type 2 and Type 3 5-alpha reductase
-
types 1, 2 and 3
Which isoenzymes dutasteride inhibits
Inhibits all three 5-alpha reductase isoenzymes (Types 1, 2, and 3)
-
critical evidence
How the deficiency finding is described in the guide
The critical evidence for Type 2's role
-
terminal to vellus
The end state named in the outcome node
terminal hairs (thick, pigmented) transform into vellus hairs (thin, unpigmented, barely visible)
-
no pattern hair loss
The natural experiment printed at the foot of the plate
men born with Type 2 5-alpha reductase deficiency do not develop male pattern hair loss
-
no male pattern hair loss
The natural experiment the mechanism rests on
men born with Type 2 5-alpha reductase deficiency do not develop male pattern hair loss
-
anagen shorter, telogen longer
The outcome node, line one
The anagen (growth) phase shortens while the telogen (resting) phase lengthens
-
thinner, shorter each cycle
The outcome node, line two
Each successive hair cycle produces a thinner, shorter hair
-
cascade of genetic changes
What binding starts — the arrow out of the receptor node
When DHT binds to these receptors, it triggers a cascade of genetic changes
-
anagen shorter, telogen longer
What DHT does to each successive cycle
The anagen (growth) phase shortens while the telogen (resting) phase lengthens. Each successive hair cycle produces a thinner, shorter hair.
-
X chromosome
Where the AR gene sits, printed under the receptor node
Located on the X chromosome at position Xq11-q12
-
dermal papilla
Where the receptors sit, printed under the receptor node
contain androgen receptors in their dermal papilla cells
-
sebaceous glands
Where Type 1 5-alpha reductase sits — the sub-label under the Type I box
Found primarily in sebaceous glands (oil glands) in scalp skin
-
hair follicles
Where Type 2 5-alpha reductase sits — the sub-label under the Type II box
Found in hair follicles of the scalp
-
hair follicles of the scalp
Where type 2 5-alpha-reductase sits
Found in hair follicles of the scalp
-
frontal and vertex
Where Type 2 concentrates, and so where the pattern appears
Higher concentration in frontal and vertex (crown) regions
-
locally in tissues
Why the conversion is drawn inside the scalp rather than as a blood-borne supply
The conversion happens locally in tissues
-
halt progression
Why the guides press early treatment
blocking DHT early can halt progression
-
genetic sensitivity
Why the receptor node says "genetically susceptible" rather than "everyone"
The determining factor is genetic sensitivity
-
not recommended
Why the two bars are labelled alternatives rather than a stack
combining multiple pharmaceutical DHT blockers (like finasteride and dutasteride) is not recommended
-
primary driver
Why Type II is the lane the diagram hinges on
Primary driver of follicular DHT production
-
2000-4800 USD
Initial 4-6 session course at budget clinics
- Budget: $2,000-$4,800
-
6000-15000 USD
Initial 4-6 session course at premium clinics
- Premium: $6,000-$15,000
-
500-1600 USD/year
Ongoing PRP maintenance, 1-2 sessions a year, budget clinics
- Budget: $500-$1,600/year
-
1500-5000 USD/year
Ongoing PRP maintenance, 1-2 sessions a year, premium clinics
- Premium: $1,500-$5,000/year
-
500-2500 USD/session
PRP per session, and how many sessions the initial course runs to
Treatment involves 4-6 initial sessions ($500-$2,500 each) spaced 4-6 weeks apart
-
300-600 USD/year
What our PRP guide budgets for topical treatment across a year, as a cross-check
- Topical treatments: $300-$600/year (ongoing, less effective for some)
-
1-2 sessions/year
How many maintenance sessions a year our PRP guide budgets for
**Ongoing maintenance** (1-2 sessions annually):
-
ongoing
How our PRP guide frames the commitment, which is why years 2-5 carry a maintenance cost at all
Think of PRP as ongoing therapy rather than a one-time fix.
-
82.7 / 73.3 / 39.6%
Pooled graft survival at 7-12, 13-24 and 49-72 months, drawn as three bars on a full 0-100% scale
found 82.7% survival at 7-12 months, 73.3% at 13-24 months and 39.6% at 49-72 months, regardless of technique
-
7-10 days
FUE initial recovery
7-10 days initial recovery, 3 weeks to full activity
-
10-14 days
FUT initial recovery
10-14 days initial recovery, 4 weeks to full activity
-
FUE 6-8, FUT 4-6 hours
Operating time for a 2,000-graft procedure, by technique
A 2,000-graft FUE procedure takes 6-8 hours; FUT with the same graft count takes 4-6 hours
-
0.8-1.0 mm
Diameter of the punch used for each FUE extraction
Individual follicular units are extracted one-by-one using small punches (0.8-1.0mm diameter)
-
2-3 cm
Hair length needed to conceal the FUT scar
Hair required to hide: 2-3cm minimum
-
15-30 cm
Length of the FUT linear scar
Length: 15-30cm depending on graft needs
-
0.8-1.0 mm
Size of each FUE dot scar
Size: 0.8-1.0mm diameter each
-
1-3 mm
Width of the FUT linear scar
Width: 1-3mm (typically 1-2mm with good technique)
-
$6-$10 per graft
FUE cost per graft
Per graft: $6-$10
-
$4-$6 per graft
FUT cost per graft
Per graft: $4-$6
-
4,000+ grafts
Grafts possible in a single FUT session
4,000+ grafts possible
-
2,500-3,000 grafts
Maximum grafts in a single FUE session
2,500-3,000 grafts maximum
-
8 studies
Size of the systematic review the survival figures come from
8 studies, 123 patients, all with scarring alopecia
-
none / day 10-14
Suture removal: none for FUE, day 10 to 14 for FUT
| Suture removal | None needed | Day 10-14 |
-
0.5-1.5 cm wide, 15-30 cm long
The strip of scalp FUT removes — the dashed gap across the FUT donor panel
A strip of scalp (0.5-1.5cm wide, 15-30cm long) is surgically removed
-
minimal, even buzz cut
How visible FUE dot scars are at very short hair length
Visibility: Minimal, even with very short hair (buzz cut)
-
neither is universally better
The framing the plate closes on, in place of a recommendation
Neither technique is universally better
-
punctate dot scars
What FUE leaves in the donor area
Punctate (dot) scars at each extraction site
-
single linear scar
What FUT leaves in the donor area
Single linear scar
-
back and sides
Where both techniques harvest from — the shaded band on the head at the top of the plate
move permanent hair from donor areas (typically the back and sides of the head) to balding areas
-
hair grows through
Why a few hairs are drawn crossing the linear scar rather than stopping at it
trichophytic closure technique, hair can grow through the scar, minimizing visibility
-
scattered
Why the dot scars are drawn spread over the whole donor panel
Distribution: Scattered across donor area
-
no scalpel
Why the FUE donor panel is drawn as scattered holes and never as an incision
No scalpel incision, no linear scar.
-
overharvesting risk
Why the FUE donor panel is drawn densely perforated rather than lightly sampled
Limited grafts per session (donor overharvesting risk)
-
within hair-bearing scalp
Why the linear scar is drawn inside the hair-bearing donor band
Location: Concealed within hair-bearing scalp
-
the extraction method
Why the plate is built around harvest and scar rather than around outcomes
The extraction method defines everything else
-
dissected into units
Why the removed strip is drawn subdivided rather than as a solid block
dissected under microscopes into individual follicular units
-
50-80%
Saving the guide attributes to Turkey
Turkey offers 50-80% savings ($2,000-$5,000 all-inclusive vs $10,000+ USA).
-
8000-15000 USD one-off
A typical US hair transplant procedure
- **Typical procedure**: $8,000-$15,000
-
6000-15000 USD
Cost, Norwood 2
| Norwood 2 | 1,000-1,500 | $6,000-$15,000 |
-
9000-25000 USD
Cost, Norwood 3
| Norwood 3 | 1,500-2,500 | $9,000-$25,000 |
-
12000-30000 USD
Cost, Norwood 4
| Norwood 4 | 2,000-3,000 | $12,000-$30,000 |
-
18000-40000 USD
Cost, Norwood 5
| Norwood 5 | 3,000-4,000 | $18,000-$40,000 |
-
24000-60000 USD
Cost, Norwood 6-7 (open-ended)
| Norwood 6-7 | 4,000-6,000+ | $24,000-$60,000+ |
-
100-500 USD
Extended consultations, charged separately by many clinics
- Extended consultations: $100-$500
-
8000-10000 USD
Female average cost
- **Female average (1,400-1,700 grafts)**: $8,000-$10,000
-
4-10 USD per graft
FUE price per graft
FUE costs $4-$10 per graft (average $6-$8), FUT costs $2-$6 per graft.
-
2-6 USD per graft
FUT price per graft
FUE costs $4-$10 per graft (average $6-$8), FUT costs $2-$6 per graft.
-
10000-12000 USD
Male average cost, at 2,000 grafts
- **Male average (2,000 grafts)**: $10,000-$12,000
-
5000-15000+ USD
Possible future procedures, which this tool does not add in
- Potential future procedures: $5,000-$15,000+
-
100-300 USD
Pre-operative blood work, charged separately by many clinics
- Blood work: $100-$300
-
4000-15000+ USD one-off
The full published US range, low end included
- **Range**: $4,000-$15,000+
-
2000-5000 USD
Turkey, all-inclusive, as the guide publishes it
Turkey offers 50-80% savings ($2,000-$5,000 all-inclusive vs $10,000+ USA).
-
1800-5000 USD one-off
Turkey, all-inclusive, before travel costs
**Cost**: $1,800-$5,000 (typically all-inclusive)
-
10,000 USD
US median procedure cost, and the graft count it is quoted for
with a median around $10,000 for 2,000-3,000 grafts
-
300-600 USD/year
What our transplant-cost guide budgets for ongoing medication after surgery
- Ongoing minoxidil/finasteride: $300-$600/year
-
1400-1700 grafts
Graft count behind the female average
- **Female average (1,400-1,700 grafts)**: $8,000-$10,000
-
2000-3000 grafts
Graft count the median is quoted for
with a median around $10,000 for 2,000-3,000 grafts
-
1000-1500 grafts
Grafts, Norwood 2
| Norwood 2 | 1,000-1,500 | $6,000-$15,000 |
-
1500-2500 grafts
Grafts, Norwood 3
| Norwood 3 | 1,500-2,500 | $9,000-$25,000 |
-
2000-3000 grafts
Grafts, Norwood 4
| Norwood 4 | 2,000-3,000 | $12,000-$30,000 |
-
3000-4000 grafts
Grafts, Norwood 5
| Norwood 5 | 3,000-4,000 | $18,000-$40,000 |
-
4000-6000 grafts
Grafts, Norwood 6-7 (open-ended)
| Norwood 6-7 | 4,000-6,000+ | $24,000-$60,000+ |
-
1-4 hairs
What a graft is
A "graft" is a follicular unit containing 1-4 hairs.
-
consultation with measurements
What gives an accurate estimate, which this tool is not
A consultation with measurements provides accurate
-
none
Why nothing here assumes reimbursement
Insurance doesn't cover hair transplants.
-
15-300 USD one-off
At-home microneedling device, bought once
- Cost: $15-$300 for device (multiple uses)
-
200-700 USD/session
Professional microneedling, per session
- Cost: $200-$700 per session
-
699-2499 USD one-off
Helmets and caps
Prices range from $699 to $2,499 depending on diode count and technology.
DP09Best LLLT Devices Compared: Helmet vs Comb vs Cap (2026 Buyer's Guide)
-
395-899 USD one-off
Laser combs and bands
They're more affordable ($395-$899) but require active participation.
DP09Best LLLT Devices Compared: Helmet vs Comb vs Cap (2026 Buyer's Guide)
-
395-2499 USD one-off
The whole FDA-cleared home-device market, cheapest comb to premium helmet
budget ($395-$2,499)
DP09Best LLLT Devices Compared: Helmet vs Comb vs Cap (2026 Buyer's Guide)
-
5 year warranty
The longest warranty our device guide lists
- **Kiierr**: 5-year warranty (longest in market)
DP09Best LLLT Devices Compared: Helmet vs Comb vs Cap (2026 Buyer's Guide)
-
2 year warranty
The shorter warranty the same guide lists for the other named brands
- **HairMax**: 2-year warranty
DP09Best LLLT Devices Compared: Helmet vs Comb vs Cap (2026 Buyer's Guide)
-
10,000 hours
What the guide says about diode lifespan — the closest thing to a replacement interval anyone publishes
Most devices rate their diodes at 10,000+ hours of use.
DP09Best LLLT Devices Compared: Helmet vs Comb vs Cap (2026 Buyer's Guide)
-
ongoing
A device is a purchase; the result is not
Stop treatment and you'll gradually lose the gains.
DP09Best LLLT Devices Compared: Helmet vs Comb vs Cap (2026 Buyer's Guide)
-
continues
Why a transplant is rarely the last cost
your non-transplanted native hair continues to thin without medication
DP10When Is Hair Transplant Worth It? The Complete Decision Guide (2026)
-
seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis
Inflammatory scalp conditions the scalp-inflammation guide places on the non-scarring side
Non-scarring inflammatory conditions (seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis) don't typically cause permanent loss
-
no regrowth
The same point as the scalp-inflammation guide states it
once follicles are destroyed, regrowth isn't possible
-
66%
Finasteride: men showing regrowth by 48 months
66% of men show regrowth by 48 months
-
48%
Finasteride: men with visible regrowth by the 12-month mark
Studies show that 48% of men experience visible regrowth by the 12-month mark.
-
4.2%
had any sexual adverse event, against 2.2% on placebo
sexual adverse events occurred in 4.2% of finasteride users versus 2.2% on placebo
-
80–90%
of men see further loss slowed (AAD)
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that finasteride slows down further hair loss in approximately 80-90% of men who take it
-
48%
of men showed hair regrowth at 12 months (66% at 48 months)
finasteride promotes actual hair regrowth in about 48% of men at 12 months and 66% at 48 months
-
80–90%
of men taking it have further loss slowed, per the AAD
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that finasteride slows down further hair loss in approximately 80-90% of men who take it.
-
68%
reduction in serum DHT on finasteride 1 mg daily (scalp DHT down about 64%)
finasteride 1 mg daily reduces scalp DHT levels by approximately 64% and serum DHT levels by 68%
-
64%
Scalp DHT reduction on finasteride 1 mg daily
finasteride 1 mg daily reduces scalp DHT levels by approximately 64% and serum DHT levels by 68%
-
80-90%
Share of men in whom FINASTERIDE slows further loss — the payoff line
finasteride slows down further hair loss in approximately 80-90% of men who take it
-
48%
show actual regrowth at 12 months
finasteride promotes actual hair regrowth in about 48% of men at 12 months
-
68%
The finasteride guide's own serum DHT figure, which is not T02's
serum DHT levels by 68%
-
70-90+ USD/month
Brand-name Propecia, monthly, in our finasteride guide
- Brand-name Propecia: Often $70-90+ per month
-
10-30 USD/month
Generic finasteride 1mg, monthly, in our finasteride guide
- Generic finasteride: Typically $10-30 per month
-
4 months
before improvement is typically noticed, per the AAD
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that it typically takes about 4 months to notice any improvement.
-
24 months
Finasteride: maximum benefit typically occurs around two years
Maximum benefit from finasteride typically occurs around the two-year mark.
-
1-3 months
Finasteride: months 1-3 are a waiting period, when an initial shed can occur
Months 1-3: The Waiting Period
-
6-12 months
Finasteride: the guide asks readers not to judge results before this window
Don't judge results before 6-12 months of consistent use
-
4 months
Finasteride: typical time before any improvement is noticed (AAD)
it typically takes about 4 months to notice any improvement
-
12 months
What happens to finasteride gains after stopping
Hair loss typically resumes within 12 months of stopping, and any gains made while on the medication are gradually lost.
-
1 mg daily
Finasteride dose printed under the drug name
The FDA-approved dose for male pattern hair loss is 1 mg taken orally once daily
-
1 mg daily
Finasteride: the FDA-approved dose for male pattern hair loss
The FDA-approved dose for male pattern hair loss is 1 mg taken orally once daily.
-
1 mg daily
The finasteride dose these DHT reductions were measured at
finasteride 1 mg daily reduces scalp DHT levels by approximately 64% and serum DHT levels by 68%
-
over 1,500 men
enrolled in the pivotal trials
The pivotal clinical trials involved over 1,500 men with mild to moderate hair loss at the vertex (crown) and anterior mid-scalp regions.
-
1,997
FDA approved finasteride 1 mg for androgenetic alopecia in men
The FDA approved finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) on December 19, 1997, specifically for treating androgenetic alopecia in men.
-
4.2% vs 2.2%
sexual adverse events, drug versus placebo
sexual adverse events occurred in 4.2% of finasteride users versus 2.2% on placebo
-
Not approved for women
finasteride is not FDA-approved for female hair loss
Women (finasteride is not FDA-approved for female hair loss)
-
expected
Finasteride: an early shed is described as normal, not as failure
this is normal and not a sign the medication isn't working
-
Causes birth defects
must not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant
Finasteride is not approved for women and should never be taken by women who are or may become pregnant.
-
terminal to vellus
The end state of the sequence
gradually become vellus-like hairs: thin, short, and barely visible
-
type II and type III
Which isoenzymes finasteride inhibits
Finasteride works by inhibiting Type II and Type III 5-alpha reductase enzymes, which are highly concentrated in hair follicles.
-
Type II and Type III
Why finasteride's bar extends over Type III at all
Finasteride works by inhibiting Type II and Type III 5-alpha reductase enzymes
-
not-yet-dormant follicles can recover
Why the window matters
Follicles that haven't been completely dormant can begin producing thicker, longer hairs again
-
1–3%
decreased libido, listed for both dutasteride and finasteride
Decreased libido: 1-3%
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
35%
reached moderate-to-marked improvement on thrice-weekly dutasteride
Thrice-weekly dutasteride: 35% achieved moderate-to-marked improvement
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
21%
reached the same mark on daily finasteride in that trial
Daily finasteride: 21% achieved moderate-to-marked improvement
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
90-98%
Serum DHT reduction on dutasteride — the lower bar
Serum DHT reduction: 90-98%
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
70-71%
Serum DHT reduction on finasteride — the upper bar
Serum DHT reduction: 70-71%
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
60-80+ USD/month
Brand dutasteride (Avodart), monthly — our two guides disagree sharply here
| Brand Monthly | $70-90+ (Propecia) | $60-80+ (Avodart) |
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
15-50 USD/month
Generic dutasteride, monthly, in our dutasteride guide (second column)
| Generic Monthly | $10-30 | $15-50 |
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
6-12 months
Dutasteride: consistent use expected before results are assessed
Expect 6-12 months of consistent use before assessing results.
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
3-6 months
Dutasteride: when added benefit typically becomes apparent after switching from finasteride
the additional benefits of dutasteride typically become apparent after 3-6 months
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
5 weeks
half-life, so the drug takes weeks to reach steady state and weeks to clear
Dutasteride's 5-week half-life means it takes several weeks of consistent dosing for serum levels to reach steady state.
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
4-6 months
How long the block lasts after dutasteride is stopped
DHT remains suppressed for 4-6 months
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
6–12 months
of consistent use before results are assessed
Expect 6-12 months of consistent use before assessing results.
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
2–3 doses per week
an alternative schedule the long half-life allows
dutasteride's long half-life allows effective treatment with 2-3 doses per week
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
0.5 mg daily
Dutasteride: the dose used for hair loss
dutasteride is used at a dose of 0.5 mg daily
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
0.5 mg
the daily dose used for hair loss
For hair loss treatment, dutasteride is used at a dose of 0.5 mg daily
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
60 men
in the 2025 randomised, investigator-blinded trial
60 men with androgenetic alopecia
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
12.81 hairs/cm2
Terminal hair count change on daily finasteride
Finasteride daily | +12.81
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
17.43 hairs/cm2
Terminal hair count change on thrice-weekly dutasteride
Dutasteride thrice weekly | +17.43
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
7.74 hairs/cm2
Terminal hair count change on twice-weekly dutasteride
Dutasteride twice weekly | +7.74
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
18.75 hairs
The lower bound of the 95% confidence interval
Mean difference in total hair count: +28.57 hairs favoring dutasteride (95% CI 18.75 to 38.39)
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
28.57 hairs
The meta-analysis mean difference in total hair count, favouring dutasteride
Mean difference in total hair count: +28.57 hairs favoring dutasteride (95% CI 18.75 to 38.39)
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
38.39 hairs
The upper bound of the 95% confidence interval
Mean difference in total hair count: +28.57 hairs favoring dutasteride (95% CI 18.75 to 38.39)
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
year 1-2
Dutasteride: when peak results are achieved
Year 1-2**: Peak results achieved
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
2,025
randomised, investigator-blinded trial the dutasteride figures come from
A 2025 randomized, investigator-blinded trial provides some of the most recent comparative data between dutasteride and finasteride
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
Off-label in the US
approved for enlarged prostate in 2001, not for hair loss
FDA-approved for BPH (2001), NOT for hair loss in the US
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
several weeks
Dutasteride: dosing time needed before serum levels reach steady state
it takes several weeks of consistent dosing for serum levels to reach steady state
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
off-label
Dutasteride: regulatory status for hair loss in the United States
dutasteride isn't FDA-approved for hair loss in the US
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
Approved
for hair loss in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan
Approved specifically for hair loss in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
No significant difference
in sexual side-effect rates between the two drugs
Clinical trials comparing the two have not found significant differences in sexual side effect rates.
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
Causes birth defects
neither dutasteride nor finasteride is approved for female hair loss
Women (neither medication is approved for female hair loss, and both cause birth defects)
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
Types I, II and III
Why dutasteride's bar spans all three channels
dutasteride inhibits all three isoenzymes (Types I, II, and III)
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
Type II
Why finasteride's bar is drawn solid across the Type II channel
Finasteride selectively inhibits Type II 5-alpha reductase
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
not blocked
Why the Type I channel is drawn open under finasteride's bar
The Type I isoenzyme, which finasteride doesn't block
T02Dutasteride vs Finasteride: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
-
15.1%
get hypertrichosis in the largest series — hair growth elsewhere on the body, rising steeply with dose
The main side effect is hypertrichosis (excess hair growth elsewhere on the body), reported in 15.1% of patients in the largest series and rising steeply with dose.
-
27%
had some form of adverse event
Meta-analysis data shows approximately 27% of patients experience some form of adverse event.
-
93%
Hypertrichosis at the 5 mg dose
Higher doses (5 mg) cause hypertrichosis in up to 93% of patients
-
15.1%
Hypertrichosis in the largest published series
15.1% of patients in the largest published series
-
35–47%
of patients had meaningful improvement
with about 35-47% of patients experiencing meaningful improvement
-
16-22%
Oral minoxidil: patients with transient shedding in the early weeks
Between 16-22% of patients experience transient shedding in the early weeks of treatment.
-
16-22%
Patients reporting transient early shedding
Between 16-22% of patients experience transient shedding
-
35-47%
The reported range of patients seeing meaningful improvement on oral minoxidil
about 35-47% of patients experiencing meaningful improvement
-
6–12 months
before response can be assessed
Most patients need 6-12 months to assess whether oral minoxidil is working.
-
beyond 12 months
Oral minoxidil: some patients keep improving past the first year
Some patients see ongoing improvement beyond 12 months
-
3-6 months
Oral minoxidil: the development phase
Months 3-6: Development Phase
-
1-3 months
Oral minoxidil: the early phase, when shedding may occur
Months 1-3: Early Phase
-
6-12 months
Oral minoxidil: time most patients need before a response can be assessed
Most patients need 6-12 months to assess whether oral minoxidil is working.
-
0.625–5 mg daily
the low-dose range used for hair loss, against 10–40 mg for blood pressure
typically 0.625 mg to 5 mg daily for hair loss, compared to 10-40 mg or more for hypertension
-
2,933 patients
across 27 studies in the 2025 meta-analysis
2025 Meta-Analysis (27 Studies, 2,933 Patients)
-
−24.98 hairs
The lower bound of the 95% confidence interval, below zero
in hair density improvement (mean difference 0.95, 95% CI −24.98 to 26.87)
-
0.95 hairs
The mean difference in hair density between oral and topical
in hair density improvement (mean difference 0.95, 95% CI −24.98 to 26.87)
-
26.87 hairs
The upper bound of the 95% confidence interval
in hair density improvement (mean difference 0.95, 95% CI −24.98 to 26.87)
-
year 1+
Oral minoxidil: results typically stabilise from year one
Year 1+: Maintenance Phase
-
first signs
Oral minoxidil: what the development phase looks like
First signs of improvement may become visible
-
Off-label
the oral drug is approved only for severe refractory hypertension
Oral minoxidil is FDA-approved only for treating severe refractory hypertension
-
Contraception required
women of childbearing potential need reliable contraception
Women of childbearing potential need reliable contraception
-
15–30%
menstrual irregularity, the most common side effect
The main side effect is menstrual irregularity (15-30%), which is manageable.
-
2.8–3.8%
of women stop taking it because of side effects
Studies show only 2.8-3.8% of women discontinue spironolactone due to side effects
-
56.6%
overall improvement rate; 65.8% when combined with another treatment
A 2023 meta-analysis found an overall improvement rate of 56.6%, with combination therapy (such as adding minoxidil) showing better results at 65.8%.
-
6–12 months
to results; best outcomes at one year or longer
Results typically take 6-12 months to appear, with best outcomes at one year or longer.
-
100–200 mg daily
what most women take; the published range starts at 50 mg
Spironolactone dosing for hair loss typically ranges from 50-200 mg daily, with most women taking 100-200 mg.
-
48 women
in the 2025 randomised placebo-controlled trial (all also using minoxidil)
48 women randomized to spironolactone 100 mg or placebo (all using minoxidil)
-
2,025
randomised controlled trial in premenopausal women
The most recent high-quality evidence comes from a 2025 RCT in premenopausal women
-
Not used in men
antiandrogen effects cause feminization
Spironolactone is generally not recommended for men because its antiandrogen effects cause feminization, including breast enlargement and sexual dysfunction.
-
Contraindicated in pregnancy
risk of feminization of male fetuses
Spironolactone is contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk of feminization of male fetuses.
-
Not FDA-approved
spironolactone has no FDA approval for hair loss
No, spironolactone is not FDA-approved for hair loss.
-
3.5 mg/week
Every-other-day dosing is half the standard weekly exposure — the pill-stretching lever T05 describes
- Weekly exposure of 3.5mg (1mg EOD) is half the standard
T05Low-Dose Finasteride for Hair Loss: Does It Actually Work?
-
cost
Cost is one of the reasons T05 lists for asking about a lower or less frequent dose
4. **Cost**: Stretching prescriptions longer
T05Low-Dose Finasteride for Hair Loss: Does It Actually Work?
-
2.8%
had sexual adverse events, against 3.3% on placebo
In the Phase III trial, sexual adverse events occurred in 2.8% of topical users versus 3.3% on placebo.
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
12 weeks
to initial results; more by 24 weeks
Expect initial results around 12 weeks, with more significant improvement by 24 weeks.
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
+20.2 hairs
hair count at 24 weeks, against +21.1 for oral finasteride 1 mg
+20.2 hairs with topical versus +21.1 hairs with oral at 24 weeks
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
458 men
in the Phase III trial, over 24 weeks
A landmark Phase III trial compared topical finasteride 0.25% spray, oral finasteride 1mg, and placebo in 458 men over 24 weeks
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
December 2022
Germany approved a topical formulation
Germany approved a topical formulation in December 2022.
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
>100× lower
plasma concentration than oral; serum DHT down 34.5% vs 55.6%
Plasma concentrations are over 100 times lower than oral, and serum DHT reduction is 34.5% versus 55.6%
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
Teratogenic
contraindicated in women of childbearing potential
Topical finasteride is still contraindicated in women of childbearing potential due to teratogenic risk.
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
Not FDA approved
topical finasteride has no FDA approval for hair loss
No, topical finasteride is not FDA approved for hair loss.
T06Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Expect
-
94.1%
Combination: 12-month improvement rate, against 80.5% and 59% for the single treatments
94.1% improvement rate versus 80.5% with finasteride only and 59% with minoxidil only
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
94.1%
improvement at 12 months, against 80.5% and 59% for each alone
A randomized 12-month comparison of 450 men showed 94.1% improvement with the combination versus 80.5% with finasteride alone and 59% with minoxidil alone
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
59%
improvement with minoxidil alone at 12 months
A randomized 12-month comparison of 450 men showed 94.1% improvement with the combination versus 80.5% with finasteride alone and 59% with minoxidil alone
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
92.4%
of those men were stable or improved over 12 months
A large retrospective study (N=502) found 92.4% of men achieved stable or improved hair over 12 months
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
2–4%
sexual side effects, the same rate as finasteride on its own
Sexual side effects: 2-4% (same as monotherapy)
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
24 weeks
Combination: one study reported no initial hair-loss phase across 24 weeks
Combining finasteride with minoxidil showed sustained improvement throughout the 24-week study period without the initial phase of hair loss.
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
3 and 6 months
Combination: one study showed improvement at both 3 and 6 months
One study found combination therapy showed improvement at both 3 and 6 months
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
2-6 weeks
Combination: possible increased shedding in weeks 2-6
Expect: Possible increased shedding weeks 2-6
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
3-4 months
Combination: shedding stops and stabilisation begins
By month 3-4: Shedding stops, stabilization begins
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
12-24 months
Combination: time to full results
full results still take 12-24 months
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
3 months
improvement seen at 3 and 6 months in one study, earlier than monotherapy
One study found combination therapy showed improvement at both 3 and 6 months, while monotherapy showed later results.
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
502 men
in a 12-month retrospective study of oral minoxidil 2.5 mg plus finasteride 1 mg
A study of 502 men using combined oral minoxidil (2.5mg) and finasteride (1mg) for 12 months found
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
7 RCTs
in the 2025 meta-analysis this card also draws on
Meta-Analysis of 7 RCTs (2025)
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
Off-label together
both components are FDA-approved, the combination is not
FDA-approved components (used off-label together)
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
Written for men
the guide states different considerations apply for women
You're a woman (different considerations apply)
T07Combining Finasteride and Minoxidil: The Complete Protocol Guide
-
70-90 USD/month
Brand finasteride (Propecia), monthly, in our medications comparison
| Finasteride 1mg oral | $5-15 | $70-90 |
-
15-30 USD/month
Generic dutasteride 0.5mg, monthly, in our medications comparison
| Dutasteride 0.5mg oral | $15-30 | $180+ |
-
5-15 USD/month
Generic finasteride 1mg, monthly, in our medications comparison
| Finasteride 1mg oral | $5-15 | $70-90 |
-
15-25 USD/month
Generic oral minoxidil 2.5mg, monthly (brand runs $40-60)
| Oral minoxidil 2.5mg | $15-25 | $40-60 |
-
15-30 USD/month
Generic topical minoxidil 5%, monthly (brand runs $45-60)
| Minoxidil 5% topical | $15-30 | $45-60 |
-
generic then brand
Which column is which in T08’s price table: the first price is the generic, the second the brand
| Treatment | Generic | Brand |
-
65%
How far DHT falls, marked at the origin of the axis
DHT levels drop 65% within 24 hours
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
94%
improve on combination therapy at 12 months
At 12 months, combination therapy achieves 94% improvement
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
65%
The proportion who regrow some hair, printed at the twelve-month column
**65%** regrow some hair
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
83%
The proportion who stop losing hair, printed at the twelve-month column
**83%** of men stop losing hair
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
3–6 months
before results are visible
expect 3-6 months for visible results and 12-24 months for maximum improvement
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
24 hours
How quickly that fall happens
DHT levels drop 65% within 24 hours
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
12-24 months
The band where results reach their maximum
Full results are seen at 12-24 months
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
3-6 months
The band where the first visible change appears
visible results take 3-6 months
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
6 months
The earliest point the draft says a judgement is worth making
Don't assess effectiveness until at least 6 months of consistent use.
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
2-8 weeks
The shedding window, drawn inside the first band
occurs 2-8 weeks after starting treatment
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
3-4 months
When the shedding resolves
resolves by 3-4 months
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
ongoing
Exogen, the shedding phase, is ongoing rather than timed
| Shedding | Exogen | Ongoing | Old hair falls out |
T10How Long Until Hair Loss Treatment Works? The Complete Timeline
-
13.8%
get scalp irritation, usually from propylene glycol
Common side effects include scalp irritation (13.8%)
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
45%
more regrowth from the 5% solution than the 2% at 48 weeks
5% solution produces 45% more hair regrowth than 2% at 48 weeks
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
52.3%
of responders first notice results in month two
about half (52.3%) first notice results in month 2
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
13.8%
scalp irritation, usually from the propylene glycol in the solution
Common side effects include scalp irritation (13.8%), usually from propylene glycol
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
52.3%
Topical minoxidil: of the users who respond, the share whose response first shows in month 2
Among users who respond, about half (52.3%) first notice results in month 2, with full assessment at 4-6 months.
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
2 months
the month in which 52.3% of responders first notice results; full assessment at 4–6 months
Among users who respond, about half (52.3%) first notice results in month 2, with full assessment at 4-6 months.
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
2-8 weeks
The shed window as the application guide states it
Many users experience increased hair fall in the first 2-8 weeks
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
6-12 months
Topical minoxidil: peak improvement, full assessment possible
6-12 | Peak improvement | Full assessment possible
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
4-6 months
Topical minoxidil: reduced shedding and early density improvement
By 4-6 months, you should see reduced shedding and early density improvements.
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
6 months
Where minoxidil gains stand six months after stopping
| 6 months | Return to baseline or worse |
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
69.7 to 33.8 hairs
Hairs lost during washing, before and with effective treatment
shedding during washing drops from an average of 69.7 hairs to 33.8 with effective treatment
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
5%
Topical minoxidil: the concentration this guide covers, which is FDA-approved
Minoxidil 5% is FDA-approved
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
month 3-4
When the application guide reports the phase resolving
Usually resolves by month 3-4
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
FDA-approved
minoxidil 5% is approved and available over the counter
Minoxidil 5% is FDA-approved and clinically proven
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
A substantial minority
of users are partial or non-responders
A substantial minority of users are partial or non-responders.
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
lifelong
What our minoxidil guide says the commitment is
- Plan for lifelong use if you want to keep gains
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
weak telogen hairs
What the shed hair is: a finished telogen hair, not a growing one
Minoxidil pushes weak telogen hairs out to make room for stronger anagen hairs.
TO01Minoxidil 5% Complete Guide: How to Apply for Best Results
-
1.4%
of the applied dose reaches the bloodstream
only about 1.4% of the applied dose reaches your bloodstream
-
15%
unwanted hair growth; 0.5% stop treatment because of it
Hypertrichosis (unwanted hair growth) affects about 15% of users but causes only 0.5% to stop treatment
-
15-20 USD/bottle
Ketoconazole shampoo: 1% over-the-counter per bottle, 2% prescription $25-40
| Cost | ~$15-20 | ~$25-40 |
TO04Ketoconazole Shampoo for Hair Loss: Evidence-Based Guide
-
2-3 uses/week
How often the guide says to use it — but it never says how long a bottle lasts
| Frequency | 2-3 times per week |
TO04Ketoconazole Shampoo for Hair Loss: Evidence-Based Guide
-
1%/2%
Which column is which in TO04’s cost table: the first price is the 1% over-the-counter bottle, the second the 2% prescription one
| Factor | 1% Nizoral A-D | 2% Nizoral RX |
TO04Ketoconazole Shampoo for Hair Loss: Evidence-Based Guide
-
15-150 USD one-off
The same at-home device in our microneedling protocol guide, plus unpriced replacements
| Cost | $15-150 device + replacements |
-
monthly
How often professional microneedling is typically done — the figure that turns a session price into a year
| Frequency | Monthly typically |
-
17-55%
Share of users reported to experience minoxidil shedding
affects 17-55% of users
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
17-55%
Topical minoxidil: users who report a shedding phase
Minoxidil shedding affects 17-55% of users
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
1.5 to 2 months
Average duration of the shed
the average duration of minoxidil shedding is 1.5 to 2 months
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
2-4 months
How long a hair sits finished in the follicle before it sheds — panel 1
Dormant period of 2-4 months before hair sheds
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
12-16 weeks
Topical minoxidil: most users see improvement by weeks 12-16
Most users see improvement by weeks 12-16.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
3-4 months
Topical minoxidil: shedding continuing past this point is outside the normal range and warrants evaluation by a dermatologist
if you're still experiencing significant shedding beyond 3-4 months, this is outside the normal range and warrants evaluation by a dermatologist
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
12-16 weeks
Topical minoxidil: shedding gradually decreases and hair fall returns toward baseline
Weeks 12-16**: Shedding gradually decreases
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
2-4 weeks
Topical minoxidil: shedding typically starts 2-4 weeks in and lasts 4-8 weeks
typically starting 2-4 weeks after beginning treatment and lasting 4-8 weeks
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
6-12 weeks
Topical minoxidil: when shedding typically peaks
Weeks 6-12**: This is when shedding typically peaks
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
beyond 3-4 months
The point past which the guides no longer describe shedding as the normal shed
if you're still experiencing significant shedding beyond 3-4 months, this is outside the normal range and warrants evaluation by a dermatologist
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
weeks 1-2
Window 1 on the timeline
**Weeks 1-2**: Most users notice no significant changes.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
weeks 2-4
Window 2 on the timeline — where the curve starts to rise
**Weeks 2-4**: Shedding typically begins during this window.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
weeks 6-12
Window 3 on the timeline — where the curve peaks
**Weeks 6-12**: This is when shedding typically peaks.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
weeks 12-16
Window 4 on the timeline — where the curve falls back toward baseline
**Weeks 12-16**: Shedding gradually decreases. New hair growth may become visible, and hair fall returns toward baseline levels.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
months 4-6
Window 5 on the timeline — where the curve is flat again
**Months 4-6**: For most users, shedding has stopped completely and new growth is established.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
greater shedding, better outcome
The association reported between how much someone sheds and how well they do
greater shedding predicts better treatment outcomes
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
the same hairs, earlier
The callout under the mechanism panels: the shed is acceleration, not addition
You're not losing additional hairs; you're losing the same hairs on an accelerated timeline.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
immediate telogen release
The name the literature gives the mechanism
a specific mechanism called "immediate telogen release,"
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
expected
Topical minoxidil: shedding is documented as a sign the medication is acting, not failing
this phenomenon is well-documented in clinical research and is actually a sign that the medication is working
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
telogen shortened
What minoxidil does to the resting phase — the reason panel 2 is drawn as a follicle re-entering growth
Minoxidil works by shortening the telogen phase and promoting the transition of dormant hair follicles into the anagen (growth) phase.
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
pushed out prematurely
Why panel 3 draws the old hair leaving rather than falling — it is displaced by the new one
the old telogen hairs are pushed out prematurely to make room for new growth
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
below baseline
Why the curve is drawn ending below the line it started on
hair shedding eventually fell below baseline levels
TO07How to Stop Minoxidil Shedding Phase: Complete Guide (2026)
-
rare
Complete baldness is rare in this pattern, printed as a closing note
Complete baldness is rare
-
see-through
Grade III described without a crown qualifier in the overview guide
Severe thinning, see-through appearance
-
three grades
The Ludwig scale grades female pattern hair loss into three grades
The Ludwig scale classifies severity into three grades
-
Olsen pattern
The other name the overview guide gives the Christmas tree shape
Christmas tree pattern when viewed from above (Olsen pattern)
-
first sign
The overview guide names part widening as the first sign too
Widening of the part line (often first sign)
-
most cases
The overview guide states the same preserved hairline
Preserved frontal hairline in most cases
-
concealable
Why grade I is drawn as concealable rather than as visible loss
Mild thinning, may be covered by styling
-
progressively thinner
Why the remaining hairs are drawn finer at each successive grade
In FPHL, hair progressively miniaturizes (becomes thinner)
-
crown
Why the thinning zone covers the crown and central scalp rather than an edge
Diffuse thinning over the crown
-
40 / 45 / 15%
Ludwig I / II / III split among the women in the transplant series
40% were Ludwig I, 45% Ludwig II, 15% Ludwig III
-
31 years
How long the transplant series ran, printed alongside its size
A 31-year study of 751 women with FPHL who underwent follicular unit transplantation (FUT) found
-
751 women
Size of the series the split comes from, and what kind of series it is
A 31-year study of 751 women with FPHL who underwent follicular unit transplantation (FUT) found
-
I
Grade I drawn with the part barely widened and the scalp only occasionally showing
Mild thinning, perceptible but concealable
-
II
Grade II drawn with clearly more scalp visible either side of the part
Moderate thinning, noticeable decrease in density
-
III
Grade III drawn with the gaps running together so the scalp shows through
Severe thinning, see-through appearance at crown
-
crown and part
The treatment guide places the same thinning over crown and part
Diffuse thinning primarily over crown/part area
-
rarely
The treatment guide states the same about complete baldness
Rarely leads to complete baldness
-
preserved
Why a solid band of hair is drawn at the front of every grade
Usually preserves the frontal hairline
-
first sign
Why the drawing is centred on the part line rather than the hairline
Widening of the part line (often the first sign)
-
Christmas tree
Why the thinning zone is drawn as a triangle widening toward the front
"Christmas tree" pattern when viewed from above
-
40-50%
Share of new mothers affected by postpartum hair loss
Postpartum hair loss affects 40-50% of new mothers
-
40-50%
Share of new mothers affected noticeably
Postpartum hair loss affects 40-50% of new mothers, with up to 91.8% reporting some degree of shedding.
-
91.8%
Share of new mothers reporting at least some increased shedding in a 2024 study
91.8% of new mothers reported at least some degree of increased hair shedding
-
2.9 months postpartum
Average onset of shedding, with the range reported
**Onset**: Average 2.9 months postpartum (range: 2-4 months)
-
2.9 months
Average onset, 2.9 months postpartum
Average 2.9 months postpartum (range: 2-4 months)
-
5.1 months postpartum
Average peak of shedding, with the range reported
**Peak**: Average 5.1 months postpartum (range: 4-6 months)
-
5.1 months
Average peak, 5.1 months postpartum
Average 5.1 months postpartum (range: 4-6 months)
-
8.1 months postpartum
Average resolution of shedding, with the range reported
**Resolution**: Average 8.1 months postpartum (range: 6-12 months)
-
8.1 months
Average resolution, 8.1 months postpartum
Average 8.1 months postpartum (range: 6-12 months)
-
12-18 months
Cosmetically significant regrowth may take 12-18 months
Most women regain full hair density by their baby's first birthday, though cosmetically significant regrowth may take 12-18 months.
-
2-3 months
How long after delivery the held hairs fall
About 2-3 months later, these hairs fall out.
-
12-18 months
How long cosmetically significant regrowth may take. A range only: no average is stated, which is why that bar carries no dot
cosmetically significant regrowth may take 12-18 months
-
9 months
How much held-back hair the synchronised shed releases
the accumulation of 9 months
-
4-6 months
Peak shedding at 4-6 months postpartum
Average 5.1 months postpartum (range: 4-6 months)
-
6-12 months
Shedding resolves 6-12 months postpartum
Average 8.1 months postpartum (range: 6-12 months)
-
2-4 months
Shedding starts 2-4 months postpartum
Average 2.9 months postpartum (range: 2-4 months)
-
200-400 hairs/day
Daily shedding reported during the peak
May lose 200-400 hairs daily (versus normal 50-100)
-
50-100 hairs a day
Normal daily shedding, the baseline band on the curve
Normal shedding of 50-100 hairs daily
-
months 0-2
What the guide describes for months 0 to 2
Hair may still look fuller than usual
-
months 12-18
What the guide describes for months 12 to 18
Cosmetically significant regrowth complete
-
months 2-4
What the guide describes for months 2 to 4
Shedding begins, often suddenly
-
months 4-6
What the guide describes for months 4 to 6
Peak shedding period
-
months 6-9
What the guide describes for months 6 to 9
Shedding begins to slow
-
months 9-12
What the guide describes for months 9 to 12
Shedding returns to normal (50-100 hairs daily)
-
density improving
Density through months 9 to 12
Hair density improving
-
short hairs at the hairline
How new growth first appears
New growth appears as short hairs, often at the hairline
-
fewer hairs fall
The consequence panel 1 states
This means fewer hairs fall out during pregnancy
-
self-limiting
The course of the condition, which is the point the whole plate makes
postpartum hair loss is usually normal and self-limiting
-
onset phase
The name the guide gives months 2 to 4
This is the onset phase
-
first birthday
The point by which the guide says most women have recovered
first birthday, most women have recovered
-
volume returning
What months 6 to 9 bring back
Volume slowly begins to return
-
time
What the guide lists first for pure postpartum shedding
Time (primary treatment
-
temples and part line
Where thinning may become visible at the peak
Thinning may become visible, especially at temples and part line
-
together
Why every follicle in panel 2 changes at once rather than a few of them
shift to the resting phase (telogen) simultaneously
-
estrogen extends anagen
Why panel 1 draws every follicle in growth, bulb attached
high levels of estrogen from the placenta extend the growth phase (anagen)
-
estrogen drops rapidly
Why panel 2 is the moment the follicles change state
After delivery, estrogen levels drop rapidly
-
synchronized
Why panel 3 shows several hairs leaving at the same instant
This synchronized shedding is why it can seem so dramatic
-
11-13%
Women affected by PCOS globally
PCOS affects 11-13% of women globally
-
60-80%
Women with PCOS who have hyperandrogenism
This affects 60-80% of women with PCOS
-
17-OHP
What 17-hydroxyprogesterone rules out
17-hydroxyprogesterone**: To rule out congenital adrenal hyperplasia
-
AMH
What AMH can stand in for
AMH**: Can replace ultrasound for diagnosis
-
Fasting insulin + glucose
What fasting insulin and glucose assess
Fasting insulin and glucose**: To assess insulin resistance
-
45%
more regrowth on 5% than on 2% in the trial
Women using 5% experienced 45% more hair regrowth than those using 2%
-
61–86%
of women improve on low-dose oral minoxidil
61-86% of women show improvement with LDOM
-
4%
report facial hair growth on topical; the same sentence gives 15% for oral
About 4% of women using topical minoxidil report facial hair growth; the rate is higher with 5% than 2% and highest with oral (15%).
-
4–6 months
to visible improvement; maximum benefit at 12 months
Most women see visible improvement at 4-6 months, with maximum benefit at 12 months.
-
381 women
aged 18–49, in a 48-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial
A 48-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 381 women (ages 18-49) compared 5% solution, 2% solution, and placebo applied twice daily.
-
FDA-approved
5% foam has been approved for women since 2014
FDA-approved for women (since 2014)
-
Not in pregnancy
minoxidil is not for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy
Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should not use minoxidil.
-
Stop if pregnant
our guide says to stop minoxidil and consult a doctor if you become pregnant
If you become pregnant while using minoxidil, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
-
70.3%
Share of female hair loss attributed to iron deficiency in one study
iron deficiency was the most prevalent etiology of female hair loss, accounting for 70.3% of cases
-
17.3%
Women with female pattern hair loss carrying raised anti-TPO antibodies
17.3% of women with female pattern hair loss had elevated anti-TPO antibodies
-
6.8%
Women with female pattern hair loss who had raised free testosterone
Only 6.8% of women with female pattern hair loss had elevated free testosterone
-
2-3 days
How long to hold biotin before thyroid tests
Biotin supplements can interfere—stop 2-3 days before
-
24-48 hours
How long to hold iron supplements before testing
Iron supplements can falsely elevate; stop 24-48 hours before testing
-
2-5 day of cycle
The same window in the women’s guide
Best: Day 2-5 of menstrual cycle (follicular phase)
-
>400 pg/mL
B12: lab range and hair-optimal range
| B12 | 200-900 pg/mL | >400 pg/mL |
-
70-120 µg/dL
Laboratory reference range for serum zinc, the wide bar on the zinc row
**Normal lab range**: 70-120 µg/dL
-
14.7 ng/mL
Mean ferritin in telogen effluvium vs controls
Women with telogen effluvium had mean ferritin of 14.7 ng/mL vs 43.5 ng/mL in controls
-
97.9 µg/dL
Mean serum zinc reported in controls
Hair loss patients had significantly lower zinc (84.3 µg/dL) vs controls (97.9 µg/dL)
-
84.3 µg/dL
Mean serum zinc reported in hair loss patients
Hair loss patients had significantly lower zinc (84.3 µg/dL) vs controls (97.9 µg/dL)
-
80-100 µg/dL
The serum zinc range the guide gives as optimal for hair
**Optimal for hair**: 80-100 µg/dL
-
40-60 ng/mL
W08’s optimal range
Optimal: 40-60 ng/mL
-
3.5-4.5 mIU/L
What W08 says about a high-normal TSH
"High-normal" (3.5-4.5): May indicate subclinical hypothyroidism
-
80-100 µg/dL
Zinc: lab range and hair-optimal range
| Zinc | 70-120 µg/dL | 80-100 µg/dL |
-
>2:1 ratio
The LH/FSH ratio the guide flags
LH/FSH ratio**: >2:1 suggests PCOS
-
2 hours
When to draw ferritin and iron studies
Best: Fasting or at least 2 hours after eating
-
no anaemia needed
Iron can affect hair long before a CBC turns abnormal
You can have iron deficiency hair loss WITHOUT anemia.
-
any time
Preparation needed for vitamin D
Any time, no special preparation
-
normal vs optimal
The column headings of W08’s comparison table
| Test | "Normal" Range | Optimal for Hair |
-
bring a list
The guide’s first preparation tip
Bring a list**: Know exactly which tests you want
-
clinical context
What a number on its own cannot settle
Blood test interpretation requires clinical context.
-
needs a biopsy
What no blood test can answer
Whether scarring alopecia is present (needs scalp biopsy)
-
Transferrin saturation
What transferrin saturation shows
Transferrin Saturation**: Percentage of iron-carrying capacity being used
-
not during a period
When not to draw ferritin
Avoid: Testing during or right after menstruation (ferritin drops)
-
morning, fasting
When to draw thyroid tests
Best: Morning, fasting