Hair Loss
Learn about hair loss causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment options. Understand why your hair is thinning and what you can do about it at Lovina Clinic.
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Disclaimer: All information and images are for educational purposes. Please consult a certified doctor for medical advice.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) refers to the thinning or loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. When more hair is shed than replaced, or when hair growth is disrupted, noticeable thinning or baldness occurs.
Hair loss can be temporary or permanent and has many causes, including genetics, hormones, medical conditions, medications, stress, and ageing. The most common type is androgenetic alopecia — male or female pattern baldness — which affects millions of people worldwide.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary by type of hair loss:
- Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness): Gradual thinning at the crown and temples in men. Diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp in women.
- Telogen effluvium: Sudden, diffuse shedding of hair 2 to 3 months after a stressful event, illness, or childbirth.
- Alopecia areata: Sudden patchy hair loss in round spots. May progress to complete scalp or body hair loss.
- Traction alopecia: Hair loss along the hairline from tight hairstyles (ponytails, braids, extensions).
- Scalp conditions: Itching, flaking, or redness accompanying hair loss may indicate a scalp infection or psoriasis.
How Hair Loss Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will examine your scalp and hair, review your medical history, and ask about your diet, medications, stress levels, and hair care routine. A pull test may be performed to assess the amount of shedding. Blood tests may be recommended to check for nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, zinc), thyroid function, hormone levels, and autoimmune markers. This comprehensive approach helps identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.
Hair Loss Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Topical minoxidil: Applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and slow thinning. Available over the counter.
- Oral finasteride: For men — reduces the hormone DHT that causes hair follicle shrinkage. Prescription only.
- Nutritional supplements: Iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin if deficiencies are found.
- Treating underlying conditions: Thyroid medication, antifungal treatment for scalp infections, or addressing autoimmune conditions.
- Stress management: For telogen effluvium, hair usually regrows once the triggering stress is resolved.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Injectable treatment that may stimulate hair growth.
Common Hair Loss Medications
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Topical solution or foam applied twice daily. Available over the counter for men and women.
- Finasteride (Propecia): Oral medication for men. Prevents conversion of testosterone to DHT.
- Spironolactone: Oral medication for women with hormonal hair loss.
- Dutasteride: Similar to finasteride, blocks more DHT. Used off-label for hair loss.
- Iron supplements: For hair loss caused by iron deficiency anaemia.
- Vitamin D supplements: For those with vitamin D deficiency-linked hair loss.
Lifestyle & Hair Care Tips
- Gentle handling: Avoid harsh brushing, tight hairstyles, and heat styling tools.
- Balanced diet: Ensure adequate protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin D. Include eggs, fish, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.
- Scalp care: Keep your scalp clean and healthy. Treat dandruff or scalp conditions promptly.
- Stress reduction: Chronic stress can worsen hair loss. Incorporate exercise, meditation, or other stress management techniques.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking impairs blood circulation to the scalp and can worsen hair loss.
- Early treatment: Hair loss treatment is most effective when started early, before follicles shrink completely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Loss
How much hair loss is normal?
+Can stress cause hair loss?
+Is hair loss treatment permanent?
+Will my hair grow back?
+Worried About Hair Loss?
Take action early. Book a consultation at Lovina Clinic and find out what is causing your hair loss.
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