How to Prevent Hair Loss in Women

Hair thinning in women is common—and often preventable or treatable when you act early. Below we share evidence-based habits, when to see a specialist, and how two options we offer at Mint Med—oral minoxidil and a minoxidil shampoo—can fit into a comprehensive plan.

Why Women Lose Hair

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause: gradual thinning at the crown or part line due to genetics and hormones. Other drivers include thyroid or iron issues, postpartum or illness-related shedding (telogen effluvium), traction from tight styles, and scalp conditions. Early evaluation helps tailor treatment and protect follicles. ¹

Daily Habits That Protect Your Hair

• Nourish from within: Adequate protein plus screening/correcting iron, vitamin D, zinc as indicated.
• Be gentle: Minimize tight styles/extension tension, harsh chemical processes, and high-heat tools.
• Scalp health: Wash regularly with a gentle cleanser; massage lightly to support micro-circulation.
• Stress & sleep: Manage chronic stressors and prioritize restorative sleep—both influence shedding cycles.

Medical Options with Strong Evidence

Topical Minoxidil (the gold standard)

Topical minoxidil has decades of randomized clinical trial data in women, with 5% formulations outperforming 2% and placebo over ~48 weeks. Consistent daily application and ongoing use are critical. ^{3, 4, 2}

Oral Minoxidil (low-dose, prescription-only)

Oral minoxidil (LDOM) is an off-label option supported by growing studies in women with FPHL. Low doses (e.g., 0.25–1 mg/day in studies) have shown meaningful improvement for many patients, with the most common side effect being increased body hair; less commonly, fluid retention or faster heartbeat can occur and are dose-managed. It requires medical screening and monitoring. ^{5, 6, 7}

Where Mint Med Fits In

1) Oral Minoxidil — available at Mint Med

For appropriate candidates, our clinicians may prescribe low-dose oral minoxidil with individualized titration and follow-up (blood pressure/side-effect checks). This route can help patients who prefer a once-daily pill or who’ve struggled with topical adherence. ^{5, 7}

2) Minoxidil Shampoo — available at Mint Med

We also offer a minoxidil shampoo as a convenient, gentle way to establish a daily scalp-care habit and deliver minoxidil exposure during cleansing. Classic trials for minoxidil used leave-on solutions/foams, which have the most robust evidence; shampoos provide shorter contact time, so we position them as an adjunct for sensitive scalps or as an on-ramp to a fuller regimen. Our team can help you pair shampoo use with an evening leave-on topical or with oral therapy, depending on your goals and tolerance. ^{8, 3,} 

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and isn’t medical advice. Oral minoxidil is an off-label treatment for hair loss and requires clinical evaluation and monitoring.