FAGA Treatment
Female Hair Loss Treatment in Tokyo
FAGA · Omotesando · Female Hair Loss, Thinning & Parting Concerns
5-minute walk from Omotesando Station Exit A2 · By appointment only
Key points
- FAGA (female androgenetic alopecia) is a pattern of hair loss in women in which hair thins overall, most noticeably along the parting and at the crown. Other causes, such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency or postpartum shedding, need to be ruled out.
- At AFRODE CLINIC in Tokyo (Omotesando), a physician combines oral or topical minoxidil, scalp mesotherapy, stem cell supernatant scalp injections and nutritional support after examination. Finasteride and similar medications for men are not used in women.
- As a guide: initial shedding around month one, first changes from about three months, clearer changes around six months, and maintenance from one year. Results vary between individuals.
- Self-pay care (not covered by Japanese public insurance). A 5-minute walk from Omotesando Station, Exit A2, by appointment only.
Female Androgenetic Alopecia
Have you noticed a widening parting, or an overall loss of volume? If you are looking for female hair loss treatment in Tokyo, AFRODE CLINIC in Omotesando is here to help. FAGA (Female Androgenetic Alopecia) is a hair loss pattern specific to women, in which hair thins overall, most noticeably around the parting and crown.
At AFRODE CLINIC in Omotesando, we ask about the condition of your scalp and hair and your lifestyle, and based on the physician’s examination, combine oral medication, topical treatment, mesotherapy (scalp injection treatment) and nutritional support into an individual treatment plan. Because the medications used differ from those used in men’s AGA treatment, a plan suited to a woman’s body is needed.
* The way effects appear and the time needed to notice them vary between individuals. No specific result is guaranteed for everyone.
Concerns
Who May Benefit From FAGA Treatment
- Your scalp has become more visible at the parting or crown
- Your hair feels thinner and has lost its body compared with before
- You have noticed more hair coming out when brushing or washing your hair
- Hair loss has become noticeable after childbirth or around menopause
- Over-the-counter hair growth products have not produced a change
- You would like to consult a physician before starting any treatment on your own
* Suitability for treatment is determined by the physician at consultation. Not everyone is a candidate for treatment.
What is FAGA
What Is FAGA?
Unlike men’s AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia), in which the hairline recedes significantly, FAGA is characterised by diffuse thinning: individual hairs become finer and shorter, mainly around the parting and crown, so the scalp becomes more visible overall. Multiple factors are thought to be involved, including age-related hormonal change, genetic factors, lifestyle and stress.
At the same time, diffuse hair thinning can also arise from causes other than FAGA. At consultation, we consider it important to distinguish FAGA from other factors such as the following.
- Temporary hair loss after childbirth (postpartum effluvium)
- Thyroid dysfunction (underactive or overactive)
- Iron-deficiency anaemia or nutritional deficiency
- Alopecia areata and other forms of hair loss distinct from FAGA
- Traction alopecia caused by hairstyles that place strong tension on the hair
- Telogen effluvium associated with severe stress or rapid weight change
* The above does not cover every possible cause. A physician’s examination is needed to identify the underlying cause.
Our Philosophy
Our Approach to FAGA Treatment
AFRODE CLINIC is built around preventive medicine. For FAGA treatment as well, rather than simply offering hair growth products or procedures, we place importance on the physician first asking about the condition of your scalp and hair, when the hair loss began, your menstrual and pregnancy status, and your lifestyle, and distinguishing FAGA from other possible causes.
Diffuse hair thinning can sometimes involve factors beyond the scalp itself, such as thyroid dysfunction or iron-deficiency anaemia. When we judge it necessary, we suggest a blood test, and propose an individual treatment plan — combining oral medication, topical treatment, mesotherapy and nutritional support — based on your nutritional status and hormonal balance.
Treatment Options
Treatment Approaches
We may propose the following treatments alone or in combination. Which treatment is used, and to what extent, is decided individually by the physician based on the examination.
ORAL
Oral Minoxidil
An oral medication reported to promote blood flow to the hair follicles through vasodilation and to extend the growth phase of the hair cycle. It has not been approved in Japan as a hair loss treatment, so this is elective (self-pay) care using a medication not approved in Japan.
TOPICAL
Topical Minoxidil
A topical medication applied directly to the scalp. Products approved in Japan as over-the-counter medications for women are available, and we generally use these approved products as our basis, though the physician may, depending on your condition, recommend a topical formulation with adjusted composition or concentration.
MESOTHERAPY
Mesotherapy (Scalp Injection Treatment)
A treatment in which a preparation containing growth factors and other ingredients is injected directly into the scalp, with the aim of acting on the cellular environment around the hair follicles. This is elective (self-pay) care using a medication not approved in Japan.
NUTRITION
Nutritional Support
Deficiencies in iron, protein, zinc and other nutrients are thought to be capable of affecting hair growth. Based on your blood test results, we provide dietary guidance and nutritional advice as needed.
We also offer stem cell supernatant injection into the scalp at this clinic (see our Stem Cell Supernatant IV Therapy page for details). In addition, oral medications used in men’s AGA treatment, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are not used in women, particularly women of childbearing age.
Procedure Data
Treatment at a Glance
| Treatment time | Approximately 10–30 minutes when mesotherapy is performed. Oral and topical treatment mainly involves consultation and prescription. |
| Pain | Minimal to none |
| Downtime | None |
| Washing your face | Permitted from the same day |
| Make-up | Permitted immediately after treatment |
| Alcohol | Permitted from the same day |
Important Notice: Treatment Using a Medication Not Approved in Japan
Among our FAGA treatments, oral minoxidil, the preparations used in mesotherapy, and stem cell supernatant are all elective care (not covered by public health insurance) using medications that have not received approval under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. In accordance with the Japanese medical advertising guidelines, we provide the following information.
Oral Minoxidil
- Unapproved status: Oral minoxidil has not received pharmaceutical approval in Japan as a treatment for hair loss.
- Route of acquisition: The product is obtained under the physician’s responsibility, following the procedures required under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
- Availability of approved equivalents in Japan: There is no oral minoxidil product approved in Japan as a hair loss treatment. (Topical minoxidil products approved as over-the-counter medications for women are available.)
- Safety information from other countries: Minoxidil was originally developed as an antihypertensive medication. It has a history of use for hair loss treatment overseas, but temporary initial shedding after starting oral use, swelling (of the face or legs), and excess hair growth on areas other than the scalp have been reported.
Mesotherapy Preparations (Scalp Injection)
- Unapproved status: The preparations used in mesotherapy have not received pharmaceutical approval in Japan.
- Route of acquisition: The product is obtained under the physician’s responsibility, following the procedures required under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
- Availability of approved equivalents in Japan: No medication with the same ingredients and the same intended effect has been approved in Japan.
- Safety information from other countries: This has been used overseas as a scalp injection treatment for hair, but risks such as swelling, bruising and infection at the injection site have been reported.
Stem Cell Supernatant (Scalp Injection)
- Unapproved status: Stem cell supernatant has not received approval under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
- Route of acquisition: The product is obtained under the physician’s responsibility from a partner cell-processing facility in Japan.
- Availability of approved equivalents in Japan: No medication with the same ingredients and the same intended effect has received approval in Japan.
- Safety information from other countries: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that no exosome product has been approved, and that it has received reports of adverse events, including serious infections, following administration of unapproved preparations.
- Main risks / side effects: Pain, swelling, bruising and redness at the injection site; rarely, infection or an allergic reaction may occur.
* This treatment is elective (self-pay) care and is not covered by Japanese public health insurance; the full cost is borne by the patient.
* The expected treatment period and number of sessions vary: oral and topical treatment generally continues over a period of several months, and mesotherapy may require multiple sessions. Individual guidance is given at consultation.
* Before using an unapproved medication, the physician provides an individual explanation, and treatment proceeds only with your consent.
Side Effects & Risks
Possible Side Effects and Risks
The following side effects and risks have been reported in association with our FAGA treatments. The physician explains them in detail before treatment.
- Temporary initial shedding after starting oral minoxidil
- Swelling (of the face or legs) associated with oral minoxidil
- Excess hair growth on areas other than the scalp
- Scalp itching or irritation (with topical use)
- Swelling, redness, bruising or pain at mesotherapy injection sites
- Infection (a general risk associated with injection procedures)
- Allergic reaction
If you experience a severe symptom, or any change that differs from the expected course after treatment, please contact the clinic promptly.
* The above lists the principal risks and is not exhaustive. Full details are explained by the physician at consultation.
Contraindications
Who Should Not Receive This Treatment
If any of the following applies to you, treatment may not be possible, or particularly careful judgement may be required. Please tell us at consultation if you think any of these may apply.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- You have a history of allergy to this medication or its components
- You have cardiac disease, severe hypotension or another circulatory condition
- There is infection or inflammation at the intended injection site (scalp)
- You are a minor (consent from a guardian is required)
Finasteride, dutasteride and other oral medications used in men’s AGA treatment are not used in women, particularly women of childbearing age. Because pregnant women should avoid even contact with these medications, please also let us know if your partner is currently taking them.
* Even if none of the above applies, we may advise against treatment based on the findings at consultation.
Timeline
What to Expect: A Typical Timeline
Treatment for female hair loss also works gradually, following the hair growth cycle. After starting treatment, the typical course looks like this:
- Up to 1 monthInitial sheddingAs the hair cycle resets, some people notice a temporary increase in shedding (initial shedding). This is usually temporary. Please do not stop treatment on your own; talk to your physician instead. We check in at your one-month visit.
- Around 2 monthsMore body and firmnessSome people start to notice more body and firmness in individual hairs, for example that their hair is easier to style.
- Around 3 monthsFirst visible changesMany people begin to notice changes in hair volume or in how much scalp shows. We review your progress together.
- Around 6 monthsChanges become clearerThis is when many people find the changes easier to see. The Japanese Dermatological Association guideline also uses about six months as the point for assessing oral medication. Treatment is adjusted according to your progress.
- 1 year onwardMaintenance phaseTreatment moves into a maintenance phase to keep what has been achieved. Because pattern hair loss is progressive, stopping treatment may allow it to return. We plan a regimen you can realistically continue.
This timeline is a general guide only. The timing and degree of change vary between individuals, and not everyone will experience the same changes.
Start with a consultation: a physician will assess your hair and scalp and explain what you can realistically expect.
When We Recommend Scalp Injections
Alongside oral or topical treatment, we may suggest scalp injections (growth factor injections or stem cell supernatant scalp injections) if you:
- want to focus on encouraging growth in a specific area, such as the hairline or crown
- would like a more active approach to the scalp in addition to medication
- want to broaden your options while monitoring your progress on oral treatment
The formulations used for scalp injections are not approved in Japan. Please read the Important Notice above for details and risks. Suitability is decided by the physician at consultation.
Flow
Your Treatment Journey
- 01EnquireSend us a message through the enquiry form, by email or via Instagram DM. No referral is needed.
- 02ConsultationA physician reviews your history and examines your scalp and hair, orders blood tests where needed, and explains the expected course, side effects, risks and costs.
- 03Start treatmentOnce you are comfortable, treatment begins. Oral or topical medication is prescribed, and scalp injections can be given the same day or later if suitable.
- 04One-month visitWe check for initial shedding and side effects, and answer any concerns you have.
- 053- and 6-month visitsWe review your progress together and adjust treatment, including whether to add injections.
- 06From one yearWe plan your maintenance treatment and agree a visit schedule that suits you, including if you live overseas.
Why AFRODE CLINIC
Why Choose AFRODE CLINIC for FAGA Treatment in Omotesando
A physician identifies the cause at examination
Rather than judging by appearance alone, the physician asks about the pattern and course of your hair loss and your medical history, and proposes a treatment plan after considering hair loss conditions other than AGA or FAGA.
A preventive medicine perspective, beyond the scalp itself
As a preventive medicine clinic, we consider whether treatment is needed at all, together with you — including blood tests where appropriate and a review of your sleep, nutrition and lifestyle.
Options beyond oral medication, including injection treatment
In addition to oral and topical treatment, we offer options such as growth factor injection into the scalp and stem cell supernatant injection into the scalp, depending on your condition. We also provide Stem Cell Supernatant IV Therapy.
5 minutes from Omotesando Station, by appointment only
A 5-minute walk from Exit A2 of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro. In a private, by-appointment-only setting, you can discuss your concerns without worrying about those around you. No referral is required to book.
Consultation
What We Check at Consultation
- Medical interview: We ask when you first noticed thinning or hair loss and how it has progressed, your family history, medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors such as sleep and diet. For women, we also ask about childbirth and menstrual history.
- Checking the condition of your scalp and hair: The physician examines the pattern and extent of hair loss (hairline, crown, parting, etc.) and the condition of the scalp.
- Blood test where needed: Performed when thyroid function, anaemia (iron) or another factor beyond the scalp is suspected, or when the physician judges it necessary before starting oral treatment.
- Explanation of treatment: We explain what can be expected from each treatment option, the side effects and risks, the expected treatment period, and the cost, and begin treatment only once you are satisfied.
Access
Access from Omotesando Station
AFRODE CLINIC
BASE Jingumae B1F, 3-5-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
5-minute walk from Exit A2 of Omotesando Station, Tokyo Metro / By appointment only
Located in the Omotesando/Aoyama area, easily reached from Harajuku, Meiji-Jingumae and Shibuya. Please check Clinic Information for our hours.
Medical Supervision
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Shotaro Michishita (Representative Physician, AFRODE CLINIC; neurosurgeon)
2015 Graduated, The Jikei University School of Medicine
2017 Department of Neurosurgery, The Jikei University Hospital
2021 Founded AFRODE CLINIC
The medical content of this page has been reviewed by Dr. Shotaro Michishita. Last reviewed: September 2026
Our team
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About FAGA Treatment
Q1. What is FAGA (female hair loss)?
FAGA (Female Androgenetic Alopecia) is a hair loss condition in women characterised by diffuse thinning, mainly around the parting and crown. Unlike men’s AGA, the hairline rarely recedes significantly; instead, individual hairs become finer and shorter, and the scalp becomes more visible. Multiple factors are thought to be involved, including age, hormonal changes, genetic factors and lifestyle.
Q2. How does it differ from men’s AGA treatment?
Finasteride, dutasteride and other oral medications widely used in men’s AGA treatment are not used in women, particularly women of childbearing age, because of concerns about effects on a fetus. FAGA treatment differs in that it combines oral and topical minoxidil, scalp mesotherapy and nutritional support, tailored to a woman’s body.
Q3. What kind of examination and testing do you carry out?
The physician first examines the condition of your scalp and hair, and asks about when the hair loss began, your lifestyle, medical history, and menstrual and pregnancy status. Because diffuse hair thinning can sometimes involve factors such as thyroid dysfunction or iron-deficiency anaemia, we may suggest a blood test where needed.
Q4. What treatment options are available?
We combine oral and topical minoxidil, mesotherapy (an injection treatment using a preparation containing growth factors for the scalp), stem cell supernatant injection into the scalp, and nutritional support. The physician determines the treatment content individually according to your condition and lifestyle.
Q5. When can I expect to notice a result?
As a general guide, some people notice temporary initial shedding in the first month; more body and firmness from around two months; first visible changes in volume from around three months; and clearer changes by around six months. From about one year, treatment moves into a maintenance phase. Results vary between individuals, and not everyone will experience the same changes.
Q6. Is there pain or downtime during treatment?
Oral and topical treatment involve no pain. When mesotherapy is performed, pain is reported to be minimal. There is essentially no downtime: you may wash your face and consume alcohol from the day of treatment, and apply make-up immediately afterwards.
Q7. Are there side effects or risks?
With oral minoxidil, temporary initial shedding can occur after starting the medication. Swelling (of the face or legs) and excess hair growth on areas other than the scalp have also been reported. With mesotherapy, swelling or bruising at the injection site may occur. The physician explains these in detail before treatment.
Q8. Can I be treated if I am pregnant or considering pregnancy?
Some treatments, including oral minoxidil and mesotherapy, cannot be offered to those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. Oral medications for men, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are not prescribed to women. Please be sure to tell us at consultation if any of this may apply to you.
Q9. How long does the first visit take?
The first visit includes a medical interview, an examination of your scalp and hair, and an explanation of treatment, so the time required varies according to the content of the consultation. A blood test may also be performed, so please allow extra time.
Q10. How often will I need to visit?
Oral and topical treatment is monitored through regular consultation and prescription. Mesotherapy (scalp injection) is generally performed in multiple sessions spaced a few weeks to a month apart. Specific frequency is advised at consultation.
Q11. Can I consult you about postpartum hair loss?
Yes. Because postpartum hair loss (telogen effluvium) is considered differently from FAGA, the physician asks about the time since childbirth, whether you are breastfeeding, and the course of the hair loss, before judging whether treatment is needed. Some treatments cannot be used while breastfeeding.
Q12. How do I get to the clinic from Omotesando Station?
It is a 5-minute walk from Exit A2 of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro, at BASE Jingumae B1F. As we operate by appointment only, please book in advance before visiting.
Evidence
References
- Japanese Dermatological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss 2017. Japanese Journal of Dermatology. 2017;127(13):2763-2777.
- Blume-Peytavi U, Blumeyer A, Tosti A, et al. S1 guideline for diagnostic evaluation in androgenetic alopecia in men, women and adolescents. Br J Dermatol. 2011;164(1):5-15.
- van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Carter B. Interventions for female pattern hair loss. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(5):CD007628.
Related Pages
Related Pages
Hair Loss Treatment (General) | AGA Treatment (Men) | Stem Cell Supernatant IV Therapy
Enquire
Ask Us About FAGA Treatment
FAGA treatment may be booked without a referral. Tell us about your concern and roughly when you would like to visit — a short message is enough. We reply by email, and a physician’s examination and explanation of suitability and risk always take place before any treatment begins.
You can also reach us by email at procurement@mwp.work or by Instagram DM at @afrode_clinic.
AFRODE CLINIC — BASE Jingumae B1F, 3-5-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (5-minute walk from Omotesando Station, Exit A2)
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