hairloss"Hair loss" is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The right treatment depends entirely on the cause, and the most common mistake I've seen in 30-plus years is people spending a year on the wrong fix. Here are the main causes and a sensible place to start.
Key points
- Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is by far the most common cause in both men and women.
- Sudden diffuse shedding is often telogen effluvium after illness, stress, childbirth or rapid weight loss.
- Patchy loss, scarring or scalp symptoms need a dermatologist.
- Earlier treatment usually means better results for pattern hair loss.
The most common causes
The American Academy of Dermatology lists many causes of hair loss (AAD). The ones I see most:
- Male and female pattern hair loss. Inherited sensitivity to DHT gradually miniaturises follicles. In men it follows the Norwood pattern; in women, a widening part (female hair loss). Read more in DHT and hair loss.
- Telogen effluvium. A temporary shed two to three months after a trigger. It usually recovers.
- Alopecia areata. An autoimmune condition that causes round bald patches.
- Medicines and medical conditions. Thyroid disease, iron deficiency, some medicines and treatments such as chemotherapy.
- Traction and hair damage. Tight styles and harsh chemical or heat treatment.
- Scalp conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and scarring alopecias.
How to tell them apart
- Gradual thinning at the temples, crown or part points to pattern hair loss.
- Lots of hair in the shower over weeks, all over the scalp suggests shedding (telogen effluvium).
- Smooth round patches suggest alopecia areata.
- Itching, pain, redness or scarring needs a dermatologist promptly.
Where to start
- Take baseline photos of your hairline, crown and part in the same light.
- See a doctor or dermatologist to confirm the cause. Blood tests are often used for shedding (AAD).
- Fix what's fixable: deficiencies, thyroid problems, tight hairstyles and scalp inflammation (vitamins, shampoos and scalp care).
- For pattern hair loss, ask about proven treatments, such as minoxidil and prescription options (AAD).
- Consider devices and procedures with your doctor: low-level laser devices, PRP, and, for stable loss, hair restoration.
Be sceptical of "cures"
Every few years a headline promises a baldness cure, often based on a mouse study. Lab findings are exciting, but most never become treatments. Stick with options that have human evidence and a doctor's input.
When to see a doctor or dermatologist
- Sudden or heavy shedding, or shedding lasting longer than about six months
- Bald patches, broken hairs, or loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
- Scalp pain, burning, redness or scaling
- Hair loss together with fatigue, weight changes you can't explain, or irregular periods
FAQ
What is the number one cause of hair loss?
Androgenetic (pattern) hair loss, in both men and women.
Is hair loss reversible?
Shedding and deficiency-related loss often are. Pattern hair loss can be slowed and sometimes partly improved, especially when treated early.
Which doctor treats hair loss?
A dermatologist is the usual starting point. For surgery, a hair restoration surgeon. You can find a specialist here.
Have a question about your own hair? Ask Hairloss AI, browse the hair loss FAQ, or read more in Hairloss Labs.