When is hair shedding normal and when is it a warning sign?
Some daily hair loss is normal. An evident increase in shedding, visible thinning or a widening crown, or patchy loss on the scalp deserves assessment.
Hair follicles work in a cycle of growth, transition and rest, and a certain number of hairs shed every day after the resting phase. The amount varies between people and with washing habits; there is no single number that applies to everyone.
It is sensible to see a doctor if shedding has clearly increased over a few weeks, the hairline is receding, the crown or parting is thinning, there are round bald patches, or the scalp is painful, red or itchy. The linked pages give more detail.
What are the main causes of hair loss?
Common causes are genetic predisposition, temporary triggers (stress, childbirth, febrile illness, rapid weight loss), health problems such as iron deficiency or thyroid disease, and some medicines. Often more than one factor is involved.
Genetic and hormonal predisposition causes gradual thinning over years. Temporary triggers usually lead to diffuse shedding a few months later, and hair generally recovers once the trigger has passed. Thyroid disease, iron deficiency, autoimmune conditions and scalp infections can also cause loss.
So the question “why is it falling?” should come before “which product should I use?”. Causes and the tests a doctor may request are covered on the causes page.
Why are hair loss in men and in women approached differently?
Genetic predisposition is common in both, but the pattern of thinning, hormonal factors and treatment precautions differ. In women, pregnancy and the postpartum period also matter.
In men, loss usually starts at the temples and crown. In women, the frontal hairline is usually preserved and there is diffuse thinning around the parting. In women, hormonal imbalance, irregular periods or excess hair growth may call for further investigation.
Some medicines cannot be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so treatment plans in women take these situations into account. The male and female pattern pages give the details.
Where do PRP and mesotherapy fit in hair loss?
PRP and mesotherapy are supportive scalp treatments. The level of scientific evidence differs by method and condition, and they do not replace a medical assessment of the cause.
PRP is the injection of platelet-rich plasma, prepared from the person’s own blood, into the scalp. Some studies report favourable changes in hair density, but protocols and results differ between studies, and the same response should not be expected in everyone. Mesotherapy delivers various ingredients by micro-injection into the scalp and has more limited evidence.
These methods are usually considered in addition to other approaches such as medicines, not instead of them. The doctor decides suitability at consultation.
How is the right approach chosen?
The choice depends on the type and duration of loss, the state of the follicles, your general health and your expectations. A diagnosis comes first, then options are weighed together.
In temporary shedding, removing the trigger and waiting is often enough. In genetic loss there are medical options that need long-term, regular follow-up, and surgical options such as hair transplantation may come into play beyond a certain stage. The outcome of no method can be stated in advance.
At the first visit your history is taken, the scalp is examined and tests are requested if needed. Referral to another specialist, when necessary, is part of the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Which department should I visit for hair loss?
For most people the first stop is a dermatologist or a doctor who deals with hair disorders. If a hormonal or general illness is suspected, internal medicine, endocrinology or gynaecology may also be involved.
Will the hair grow back?
In temporary shedding, hair usually grows back over time. In genetic loss the follicles gradually miniaturise, so treatment mostly aims to preserve existing hair and strengthen it to some extent.
Do vitamins and supplements stop hair loss?
Supplements may help only when there is a true deficiency. Taking supplements at random without a blood test is not recommended; some can be harmful in excess.
When will I see results?
Because the hair cycle is slow, changes are usually assessed over several months. The timeframe varies with the person and the method.
Does the information on this page replace treatment?
No. This content is general information; you need to be examined by a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Sources (4)
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment
- British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflet: Hair Loss - Female Pattern (Androgenetic Alopecia) (2024)
- European Dermatology Forum: S3 - European Dermatology Forum Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and in Men (2018)
- NHS (United Kingdom): Hair loss
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.