Female Hair loss at 24 Years Old - Is a Hair Transplant Right For Me?

Written by Raymond J. Konior, MD on September 23, 2008

I am a 24 year old African American female. I noticed approximately 3 years ago that my hair was thinning at my temples (more so on the left than right). Approximately 2 years ago I notice that my hair line (top-middle) is receding and has now gotten to the point were it is noticeable to others (it is still pretty minor, but has progressively gotten worse). I initially thought that the thinning around my temples was due to traction alopecia and immediately changed my hair styling routine. I didn’t expect the thinning to get better but, as it continues to progress I am more convinced that this is genetic (even though no females in my family this problem). I was recently informed by a dermatologist that my loss is not consistent with female pattern hair loss and that Rogaine probably would not help.

If my hair loss is not of female pattern loss, can it still be considered genetic? And, as I’ve described my loss, do you think I could be a candidate for a hair transplant?

Please know that this has caused and is causing severe emotional distress and I need to know if there is anything I can do about it.

Thank you.
A. Smith
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Hair loss at a young age can be very devastating for anyone. This is especially true for women who never expect hair loss to be a problem for them. The genetics of hair loss is anything but straight forward. With that in mind it is possible for you to have a genetic component influencing your hair loss despite the lack of significant familial history. Although your dermatologist suggested that you do not have a typical “female patterned hair loss”, you very well may have a less common variety of genetic hair loss. It is very important, however, that other potential causes of hair loss be ruled out prior to you even beginning to consider a surgical option for restoring your lost hair.

There are a variety of non-genetic alopecias that need to be considered at this time. A comprehensive physical examination is needed to eliminate the possibility of a non-genetic scarring or non-scarring alopecia being the cause of your problem. A very thorough physical examination, which may include a biopsy of the affected area, is clearly indicated to help delineate the nature of your hair loss process. Additionally, women often have other contributing factors influencing hair growth and hair loss. Thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency anemia, collagen-vascular disorder and hormonal dysfunction are only a few of the possible causes that need to be screened for.

A complete diagnostic evaluation is critical prior to considering any surgical intervention at this time. Grafting very well may be an excellent option for you; however, surgical intervention has the potential to create greater disappointment if the precise nature of your alopecia is not identified first. Accurate evaluation of female hair loss requires the skills of a highly experienced specialist. It is important for you to seek consultation with someone who specializes in female hair disorders rather than someone who deals with hair loss on a more casual basis.

Raymond J. Konior, M.D.
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Member, American Hair Loss Association