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General health information

Hair loss

Hair loss is common and has many possible causes. Inherited hair loss is the most common, but stress, illness, childbirth, deficiencies, thyroid problems, autoimmune disease, pulling on the hair and scalp inflammation may also contribute. Not every form is harmless: rapid or scarring hair loss, bald patches with redness or scaling, and hair loss with other physical symptoms need timely assessment. Do not expect miracles from supplements or oils.

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  • Losing a few hairs each day is normal. Hair loss becomes a problem when clearly less hair grows back, the pattern changes or the scalp looks unhealthy.
  • The most common type is inherited hair loss. It usually develops gradually without signs of inflammation.
  • Suddenly shedding more hairs after stress, fever, surgery, childbirth or weight loss often suggests telogen effluvium. Recovery is possible, but often takes months.
  • Bald patches, scarring, itching, scaling, spots or scalp pain need assessment because lasting damage can occur.
  • Do not use supplements or miracle cures hoping they always help. Understanding the cause first gives the best chance of useful treatment.

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Bald patchesBald patches are a pattern, not a diagnosis. Causes include alopecia areata, scalp fungal infection, hair pulling, scarring or other skin disease. Distinguishing them matters: fungal infection may spread to others and scarring may cause permanent damage.
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Hair loss in womenHair loss in women often causes a gradually widening parting and less volume on top rather than a bald crown like men. Not all loss is hereditary: diffuse shedding, scarring, severe itching, deficiencies, thyroid or hormonal problems and loss after pregnancy or illness need different approaches.
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Hair loss in menHair loss in men is often hereditary and hormone-sensitive, usually causing a gradually receding hairline and thinning crown. Rapid shedding, scarring, scales, pain or whole-body hair loss are less consistent with ordinary male-pattern loss and need assessment.