What to Do If You're Losing Your Hair

Hair loss can feel alarming, whether you notice widening partings, thinning ponytails or more hair than usual in the shower. It’s common — roughly half of women and many men experience noticeable hair thinning at some point — but causes and effective treatments vary. This guide explains common types of hair loss, sensible tests your GP may order, evidence-based treatments and practical steps you can take at home while you seek professional advice.

Understanding the common types of hair loss

Getting the cause right is essential because treatments differ. The most frequent patterns are:

• Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss): A genetic, progressive thinning that typically causes a receding hairline and crown thinning in men and diffuse thinning across the crown and widening part in women.
• Telogen effluvium: A temporary surge in shedding that follows a trigger such as severe stress, surgery, infection, childbirth or a change in medication. Hair usually regrows over months when the trigger resolves.
• Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition that produces sudden, patchy hair loss. It can be unpredictable and sometimes resolves on its own; treatments aim to reduce inflammation.
• Traction alopecia and hair-damage related thinning: Continuous pulling from tight hairstyles, chemical damage or excessive heat can cause localised loss; early change in styling can reverse it before permanent scarring occurs.

When to see your GP or a specialist

Start with your GP if you notice sudden shedding, rapidly widening partings, bald patches, or other symptoms such as scalp soreness, broken hairs or weight changes. Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist or a trichologist (a hair and scalp specialist) if needed. Early assessment improves treatment choices and outcomes.

• Seek urgent review for sudden, patchy loss or if hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms (eg. unexplained weight change, fatigue, signs of infection).
• If your hair loss began after childbirth, illness or a major life stressor, it may be telogen effluvium — still worth checking bloods to rule out iron deficiency or thyroid problems.

Evidence-backed treatments and tests

There is no single cure-all, but several well-researched options exist. Tests commonly requested include ferritin (iron stores), thyroid function tests, full blood count and, occasionally, hormonal profiles in women. Results guide treatment choices.

• Topical minoxidil: The most widely used first-line option for male and female pattern hair loss. Applied daily, it can slow thinning and help regrow hair over months; consistent use is required to maintain benefit.
• Oral medications: In men, finasteride reduces androgen-driven hair loss. In women, options such as spironolactone or low-dose anti-androgens may be considered after specialist review and with contraception advice where relevant. These medications should be managed by a clinician.
• Steroid treatments: For alopecia areata, corticosteroid injections into affected patches or topical steroids may reduce autoimmune activity and prompt regrowth.
• Correction of underlying deficiencies: Iron supplementation if ferritin is low, and treatment for thyroid disorders can reduce shedding when these are the cause.
• Procedural options: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hair transplantation are available but vary in evidence and suitability. Discuss risks, costs and realistic outcomes with a dermatologist or reputable clinic.

Day-to-day care and camouflage strategies

While you wait for test results or treatment effects (which can take several months), practical steps can help protect your hair and your confidence.

• Switch to gentle hair care: low heat, minimal chemical processing, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioned ends reduce breakage.
• Avoid tight styles that pull on the hairline; opt for loose, protective styles and use soft hair ties.
• Consider volumising cuts and layering to create the appearance of fullness; a skilled stylist can help.
• Use camouflage products such as coloured powders, fibres or root touch-up sprays for temporary concealment.
• Look after your general health: balanced diet, adequate protein, sleep and stress management support hair growth cycles.

Key Takeaways

• Hair loss has many causes — genetic pattern loss, temporary shedding (telogen effluvium), autoimmune patchy loss and traction-related damage are common.
• See your GP for tests (ferritin, thyroid, blood count) and referral if needed; early assessment guides better outcomes.
• Topical minoxidil is an evidence-based first-line treatment for many people; oral medications and procedural options are specialist decisions.
• Gentle styling, avoiding traction and using concealer products can protect hair and boost confidence while you seek care.
• Be wary of miracle cures. Discuss supplements and treatments with a clinician to avoid wasted time, expense or harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly should I expect results from treatment?
A: Most medical treatments take time. With topical minoxidil, look for stabilisation or early regrowth after about three to six months, and clearer improvement by nine to 12 months. If there’s no improvement after an appropriate trial, follow up with your clinician.

Q: Can vitamins or supplements help?
A: If you have a confirmed deficiency (for example low ferritin), correcting it can reduce shedding. However, taking supplements without testing is usually unnecessary and high doses of certain nutrients can be harmful. Speak to your GP before starting supplements.

Q: Are hair transplants suitable for women?
A: Hair transplants can work for women with stable, localised hair loss and adequate donor hair. Women with diffuse thinning may not be good candidates. A specialist assessment is essential to set realistic expectations.

Q: Is stress causing my hair loss?
A: Severe stress can trigger telogen effluvium, producing increased shedding several months after the event. Reducing stress and treating any medical causes usually leads to recovery over months.

Q: Should I stop using hair dye?
A: Chemical colouring doesn’t necessarily cause permanent hair loss, but frequent harsh treatments can weaken hair and lead to breakage. If you’re noticing thinning, consider reducing chemical processing and discuss gentler colouring techniques with a stylist.

Q: How do I choose a specialist?
A: For persistent or unexplained hair loss, a dermatologist with an interest in hair disorders is usually the best option. Look for clinicians with NHS or private clinic experience and check reviews or professional affiliations.