Hair Thinning
Hair thinning often develops gradually and benefits from early, informed attention. The scalp environment matters more than most people realise.
Hair thinning is a gradual reduction in hair density or thickness, common in both men and women. Pattern hair loss, shedding after a trigger such as illness or childbirth, and hormonal change during perimenopause are the most common causes. Scalp Rejuvenation with Heather Holbrook may help support the scalp environment and follicle health, and women whose thinning may be hormonal can see Meg MacDonald RN at our Women's Hormonal Health Clinic.
Reviewed by Heather Holbrook, Dermal Clinician, and Meg MacDonald, Registered Nurse. Last reviewed October 2026.
Understanding hair thinning
Hair thinning describes a reduction in hair density, calibre, or growth rate that results in visibly less volume over time. It is common in both men and women, though the pattern, cause, and progression differ considerably between individuals.
For many clients, the change is gradual enough that it becomes undeniable only when they look at photographs from a few years ago, notice more shedding than usual, or find a familiar hairstyle sitting differently.
The underlying cause matters for determining the most appropriate approach. Hair thinning is a symptom with a range of possible drivers, and the right response depends on understanding which is dominant.
Signs to be aware of
Different causes of hair thinning
Androgenetic (Pattern) Hair Loss
The most common type in both men and women. In women it typically presents as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp with a widening part. Driven by follicle sensitivity to DHT. Genetic in origin, but influenced by hormonal shifts, including menopause.
Telogen Effluvium
A shedding pattern where a significant proportion of hairs shift to the resting phase simultaneously. Triggered by illness, surgery, childbirth, significant stress or rapid dietary changes. Often resolves with time, but can become chronic if the trigger persists.
Hormonal Hair Thinning
Fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones can all affect the hair growth cycle. The perimenopause and menopause transition is a particularly significant period, when declining oestrogen can shift the balance toward increased shedding and slower, finer regrowth. Our Menopausal Skin Changes page covers the wider changes.
Medication-Related and Other Causes
Certain medications can trigger hair shedding as a side effect. Low iron stores and vitamin D are also commonly overlooked contributors. A GP assessment can identify these factors before treatment begins.
Hair grows in a cycle: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting and shedding). The length and robustness of the anagen phase determines hair density and calibre. Earlier assessment matters because treatment relies on active follicles. Dormant or scarred follicles are unlikely to respond.
How we can support you
For clients noticing hair thinning, we offer two complementary pathways, and for many clients both are relevant.
Our Scalp Rejuvenation treatment combines skin needling with advanced growth factor therapy, designed to support the scalp environment and follicle health. A course of 4-6 sessions is recommended, spaced 3-4 weeks apart, with maintenance every 3-6 months. Performed by Heather Holbrook at Largs Bay. Suitable for both men and women.
For women whose thinning may be linked to hormonal changes, our Women's Hormonal Health Clinic offers an informed, private consultation with Meg MacDonald RN on Tuesdays at Largs Bay.
Scalp treatment
Scalp RejuvenationSkin needling with Advanced Growth Factor Therapy, designed to support the scalp environment. Performed by Heather Holbrook at Largs Bay. Suitable for men and women.
4-6
Sessions, 3-4 weeks apart
Hormonal health
Women's Hormonal Health ClinicFor women whose thinning may be linked to hormonal changes. Meg MacDonald RN, a Women's Wellness RN with 32 years' experience, consults on Tuesdays at Largs Bay.
Frequently asked questions
What causes hair thinning in women?
The most common causes in women are pattern hair loss, which is genetic and influenced by hormones, and shedding after a trigger such as illness, stress or childbirth. Hormonal change during perimenopause and menopause, thyroid changes and low iron stores can also play a part. Often more than one factor is involved.
Is hair loss after having a baby normal?
Yes. Many women notice increased shedding a few months after giving birth, as hairs that stayed in the growth phase during pregnancy shift to the resting phase together. It usually settles within several months to a year. If shedding continues beyond that, or the hair looks thinner overall, an assessment can help find out why.
Should I see my GP about hair thinning?
It is worth seeing your GP for blood tests if your thinning came on suddenly or you feel unwell. Iron, thyroid and vitamin D levels can all affect hair growth. Your GP can also refer you to a dermatologist for a diagnosed hair loss condition.
How long before I might notice a change?
Hair grows slowly, so changes are usually assessed over several months rather than weeks. Scalp Rejuvenation is recommended as a course of 4 to 6 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Heather will outline a likely plan at your consultation. Individual results vary.
Talk to us about hair thinning
Book online, or call us on 0403 292 292 if you would like to talk it through first.
Book a ConsultationHeather Holbrook consults at Largs Bay. Meg MacDonald RN consults on Tuesdays at Largs Bay.