Hair loss

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.

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
Oncologists

Articles related to Hair loss

Hair loss: is it possible for hair to grow back?

By Dr Aleksandar Godic
2022-07-07

Hair loss can happen to all of us and it can be rather upsetting when it does! Have you wondered if lost hair can grow back? We've asked a leading London dermatologist Dr Aleksander Godic whether it's possible and if so, how? See more

Mother and son with red, curly hair sat at a table

The role of genetics in determining hair colour

By Dr Nilofer Farjo
2022-07-07

Hair colour is well-known to be an inherited trait from our parents. However, did you know that there's more to it than just 'dominant' and 'submissive' genes? Here to provide a detailed look at hair colour and genetics, is respected hair transplant specialist Dr Nilofer Farjo. See more

Beautiful bald young woman who could have alopecia

Alopecia areata: What is it and how can it be treated?

By Dr Nilofer Farjo
2022-07-07

Alopecia areata, which is when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss, can be distressing for people who have it. They may have questions about its nature and how it's treated. Here to address some of the most commonly-asked questions about alopecia areata is leading hair transplant specialist Dr Nilofer Farjo. See more

Hair loss: an expert’s guide

By Dr Greg Williams
2022-07-06

The prospect of losing hair is worrying to many people, especially since it is a common problem. Hair loss can affect both sexes and can begin at any time of life. There are a number of types of hair loss and a range of causes, but all can result in a significant impact on self-esteem. Luckily, there are treatment options – leading plastic surgeon and hair transplant specialist Dr Greg Williams explains. See more

Experts in Hair loss