What is hair loss? 

Hair loss, to an extent, is normal and we lose up to 100 strands of hair a day, usually without noticing. There are different types of hair loss, some are permanent, whilst others are temporary. Hair loss can also be hereditary, such as male and female pattern baldness. Dermatologists usually treat patients with hair loss. 

There are other types of hair loss, also called alopecia, including:

• Alopecia areata (AA) – a very common form of hair loss, causing patchy hair loss, sometimes leading to total hair loss.
• Involutional alopecia – natural thinning of the hair with age.
• Androgenic alopecia – is male and female pattern baldness. Often this starts in the 20s in men, and the 40s or later in women.
• Alopecia universalis – total hair loss from all over the body (including facial and pubic hair).
• Trichotillomania – a psychological disorder, common in children, characterised by the pulling out of one’s own hair.
• Traction alopecia – hair loss caused by having the hair styled in tight braids.
• Scarring alopecia – skin conditions, such as acne and cellulitis, can cause scarring which destroys the hair’s ability to regenerate. What is the prognosis of hair loss?

What are the symptoms of hair loss?

The signs of hair loss can differ between men and women, but commonly, you might notice more hair than usual collecting in the plug hole of your shower, and in your hair brush.

Hair loss in men can happen in the following ways:

• A receding hair line
• Thinning hair over the scalp
• A horseshoe shape is exposed, leaving the crown of the head bald.

Hair loss in women is usually more of a gradual, all-over thinning, concentrated on the crown of the head.

How is hair loss diagnosed?

When visiting your doctor for hair loss, they will first complete a physical examination and ask you about your medical and family history. The following may also be carried out to determine the cause of your hair loss:

• A blood test
• Light microscopy – a special instrument examines hair at their base.
• Scalp biopsy – skin samples are tested.

What are the causes of hair loss?

Whilst some forms of hair loss are hereditary, others can be caused by:

• An illness
• Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy
• Weight loss
• Hormone changes
• Skin conditions (e.g. infection)
• Mental health (e.g. stress)

Can hair loss be prevented?

Certain types of hair loss cannot be prevented, but there are steps you can take to take better care of your hair, such as avoiding tightly pulled back hair styles, avoiding stiff hair curlers, brushing your hair gently and not pulling through tangles.

How is hair loss treated?

Some forms of hair loss are temporary, and with time, the hair will grow back. Such cases do not require treatment. Other forms of hair loss are part of the natural ageing process, and also won’t need treatment.

There are certain medications that can be taken to treat male and female pattern baldness. These include Finasteride and Minoxidil. However, these can be costly, not always effective and include some side-effects.

Other treatments include:

• Hair transplant surgery
• Steroid injections
• Steroid creams
• Light treatment (UV light applied to bald patches)
• Tattooing can help disguise hair loss on the eyebrows
• Wigs

Which type of specialist treats hair loss?

The different specialists that might diagnose or treat hair loss include aesthetic medicine specialists, plastic surgeons, psychiatrists and oncologists.