Understanding Hair Loss: Causes, Triggers, and What You Can Do

Hair loss can be a distressing experience, affecting both men and women of all ages. Whether it’s gradual thinning, sudden shedding, or patchy hair loss, the causes behind it are varied and sometimes complex. At mySkinDoc, we often see patients worried about their changing hair, and the good news is that many causes of hair loss are treatable once correctly identified.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for hair loss, how they are diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, or alopecia, refers to a reduction in the density or number of hair strands on the scalp or body. While it’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, anything more than that may suggest an underlying problem.

Thinning hair on the scalp indicates possible hair loss issues.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

1. Genetic Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Key Terms: Male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss, hereditary hair loss

This is the most common cause of hair loss, influenced by genetics and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In men, this leads to a receding hairline and balding at the crown. Women typically experience general thinning over the crown with preservation of the frontal hairline.

When it starts: Can begin as early as the late teens in men, and post-menopause in women.

Treatment options:

• Minoxidil (topical solution)

• Finasteride (oral, for men only)

• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy

• Hair transplant surgery

  
  

2. Telogen Effluvium

Key Terms: Stress-related hair loss, temporary shedding, post-illness hair loss

Telogen effluvium is diffuse hair shedding that typically occurs 2-3 months after a triggering event. It’s one of the most common forms of reversible hair loss.

Triggers:

• Major surgery

• Illness (including COVID-19)

• Severe stress

• Childbirth (postpartum hair loss)

• Crash dieting or nutritional deficiencies

• Stopping hormonal contraceptives

  
  

Treatment:

• Usually self-resolving within 6–9 months

• Address underlying cause

• Nutritional support (iron, B12, vitamin D)

  
  

3. Alopecia Areata

Key Terms: Autoimmune hair loss, patchy bald spots

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to smooth, round patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard, eyebrows, or body.

Who it affects: Often starts in young adults or children but can happen at any age.

Treatment options:

• Topical steroids

• Intralesional steroid injections

• Immunotherapy

• JAK inhibitors (emerging treatments under dermatological care)

  
  

4. Hormonal Imbalance

Key Terms: PCOS, thyroid hair loss, menopause-related hair loss

Hormonal changes can significantly affect hair health. In women, hair thinning is common during menopause or due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Thyroid conditions (both underactive and overactive) can also cause hair shedding.

Tests we may do:

• Thyroid function test (TSH, T3, T4)

• Androgen levels (testosterone, DHEAS)

• Estrogen and progesterone

• Prolactin

  
  

Treatment:

• Treat underlying hormonal disorder

• Manage symptoms with medical support

• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise)

  
  

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Key Terms: Iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, poor diet hair loss

A poor diet or malabsorption can lead to deficiencies that impair hair growth.

Key nutrients for healthy hair:

• Iron (especially in menstruating women)

• Vitamin D

• Zinc

• Vitamin B12

• Protein

  
  

Diagnosis:

• Blood tests for nutrient levels

  
  

Treatment:

• Supplements (under medical guidance)

• Improve diet (protein-rich, iron-rich foods)

• Address underlying absorption issues

  
  

6. Scalp Conditions

Key Terms: Fungal infections, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis

Scalp conditions can cause inflammation and damage to hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Common scalp conditions:

• Tinea capitis (fungal infection)

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff-like inflammation)

• Scalp psoriasis

• Lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia)

  
  

Treatment:

• Antifungal treatments

• Medicated shampoos

• Topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors

• Dermatology referral for complex or scarring types

  
  

Scalp condition leading to hair loss in affected areas.

7. Traction Alopecia

Key Terms: Hairstyle-related hair loss, tight braids, ponytails

This is caused by persistent tension on the hair shafts, often due to hairstyles like tight braids, buns, or hair extensions.

Signs:

• Hair loss around the hairline or temples

• Broken hairs and thinning in affected areas

  
  

Treatment:

• Stop wearing tight hairstyles

• Allow scalp to rest

• Topical treatments to support regrowth

  
  

When to See a Dermatologist

While some types of hair loss are temporary or self-limiting, others can be progressive or even permanent if left untreated. You should consider seeking specialist help if:

• Hair loss is sudden or severe

• You notice bald patches or scalp inflammation

• Your hair is not growing back after shedding

• There’s a family history of baldness

• You have other symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, or menstrual irregularities

  
  

At mySkinDoc, our dermatologists can assess your scalp and hair health via online consultations and, if needed, arrange blood tests, imaging, or even a biopsy to get to the root cause.

FAQs

Q: Is hair loss always permanent?

A: No. Many types of hair loss—such as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata—are often reversible, especially when treated early.

Q: Can stress really make your hair fall out?

A: Yes, high levels of physical or emotional stress can push hair into the resting phase, causing shedding (telogen effluvium) after a delay.

Q: Do hair vitamins really work?

A: Supplements can help if you’re deficient in specific nutrients. However, they won’t help if hair loss is due to hormonal or genetic factors.

Q: Is hair loss preventable?

A: While you can’t prevent genetic hair loss, you can minimize shedding by maintaining good scalp health, a balanced diet, and avoiding harsh styling practices.

Hair restoration products that can aid in treating hair loss.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss can feel overwhelming, but understanding the cause is the first step toward finding the right solution. From hormonal shifts to genetic predisposition, each case is unique—and so is the treatment plan.

At mySkinDoc, we offer expert dermatological care tailored to your needs. Whether you need a diagnosis, blood tests, or treatment guidance, our online dermatology clinic is here to help you restore your confidence and hair health.

For further information about hair loss, visit our site.