A dermatologist who specialises in hair has explained that your hair loss could be caused by a number of different factors, and outlined the right treatment for each
Many of us are protective of our hair, and it can be scary when it seems like it’s falling out faster than it grows. Most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day as part of the body’s natural hair growth cycle, but if you feel as though you’re losing more than that, you might need to take a look at what’s causing your hair loss.
According to a dermatologist specialising in hair, there are several different types of hair loss, each characterised by different signs. Doctor Aamna Adel shared a video on TikTok in which she highlighted the different types of hair loss and the signs to look out for.
1. Androgenic alopecia
Dr Adel started by saying if your hair parting is getting wider, your ponytail is getting thinner, and your hairline is receding, then you may have hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia. This is also known as hormonal hair loss, or pattern baldness.
In men, androgenic alopecia is known as male pattern baldness and often progresses to partial or complete baldness. In women, it is known as female pattern baldness and is more common in those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which causes hormone imbalances which can lead to hair thinning.
There is no known cure for androgenic alopecia, but some medicinal treatments like finasteride and minoxidil can help slow the process and promote hair regrowth. In the UK, these treatments must be prescribed by a GP, or by consultation with a registered pharmacist at shops like Boots.
2. Telogen effluvium
If your temples are balding and your hair is “literally falling out by the handful”, Dr Adel said that this could be caused by factors such as stress, poor nutrition, or vitamin deficiencies. Hair loss caused by these factors is called telogen effluvium.
Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that affects people after they experience severe stress or a change in their body. It is one of the most common causes of rapid hair loss among women.
Treatments for telogen effluvium include taking a multivitamin that contains iron or an iron supplement to help promote hair growth, as well as making dietary changes to make sure you’re getting enough protein. Telogen effluvium usually gets better on its own within three to six months.
3. Traction alopecia
Finally, if you feel as though your hairline is “running away from your forehead” but you still have a few hairs around your hairline, then it could be a sign of traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia is caused by excessive pulling or tension on the hair follicles. It is often the result of wearing tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, and slicked-back buns for too long.
The condition can be reversed if you stop pulling your hair back, but if you don’t intervene early, the hair loss may be permanent.
HealthLine recommends switching up your hairstyle between up and down styles every couple of weeks, and switching to a satin scrunchie when your hair is up to prevent pulling on the strands.
If you are worried about your hair loss, make an appointment with your NHS GP to discuss your concerns. They may be able to tell you what’s causing your hair loss by looking at your hair, or they can refer you for blood tests that can confirm whether you have any vitamin deficiencies that may be causing it.
For more information, visit the NHS website.