Hair grows and eventually falls out as part of its normal cycle. It can build up on hair brushes, pillows, or shower drains.
Most people will not notice the natural hair loss that occurs daily. Hair thickness and the hairline usually remain the same.
People are more likely to notice excessive hair loss, which may be due to an underlying condition. Symptoms of excessive hair loss can include:
- sudden loss of hair
- losing patches of hair
- noticeable thinning
Several possible factors may cause excessive hair loss.
One of the most common causes involves genetics. According to a 2019 review, pattern baldness affects up to 50%Trusted Source of men and women.
Commercial products could help to slow and treat this type of balding. This includes products like minoxidil (Rogaine).
Pattern baldness occurs slowly with aging. Some more immediate causes of hair loss can include:
- chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- hormonal changes, such as those caused by thyroid issues or menopause
- emotional or physical stress
- some tightly pulled hairstyles, such as cornrows or ponytails
- medications for blood pressure or cancer
Whether hair growth can return depends on the cause of the hair loss. A dermatologist can determine whether a person’s hair may regrow on its own.
Hair loss may be temporary and reversed for the following conditions:
- If medications are causing hair loss, hair may start growing back once the person stops taking the medication. It can take up to 18 months for complete regrowth.
- During pregnancy, hair loss may occur due to decreased estrogen levels. Many people also experience temporary hair loss about 3 months after childbirth.
- In mild cases of the autoimmune disease alopecia areata, hair loss may be reversed after treatment.
- Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause hair loss that may be reversed when the treatment is completed.
- People may experience significant hair loss due to stress for weeks to monthsTrusted Source after a major surgery or after having a major illness.
- People may experience hair loss if they lose over 20 pounds.
To help hair grow again, a dermatologist may perform a procedure such as the following:
- Corticosteroid injections into bald or thinning areas every 4 to 8 weeks. The AAD says this is the most effective treatment for alopecia areata.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves a doctor drawing a small amount of blood and injecting the plasma into bald areas. The 10-minute procedure is necessary once monthly for 3 months, then once each 3 to 6 months.
A dermatologist may also prescribe finasteride (Propecia) to slow hair loss and boost hair growth.
Here are some frequently asked questions about hair loss.
What is the best treatment for hair falling out?
As hair can fall out for a number of reasons, there is no individual best treatment. Depending on the cause, a doctor may recommend medication, dietary changes, applying certain products to the scalp or hair, and protecting the hair.
Can hair grow back after thinning?
A person’s hair may grow back after thinning or hair loss, depending on the cause. For example, if medication is causing hair loss, then stopping taking medication can help encourage regrowth.
How can I stop hair loss naturally?
For some people, dietary changes can help reduce or prevent hair loss. This might includeTrusted Source consuming more protein, following the Mediterranean diet, and avoidingTrusted Source crash diets.
What does a dermatologist do for hair loss?
A dermatologist can assess a person’s hair and advise on whether a person’s hair can regrow. They may then recommend and perform treatments such as corticosteroid injections and PRP therapy.
People looking for a treatment to help prevent or regrow hair have several potential options. The effectiveness of each option will vary from person to person and may depend on the cause of the hair loss.
People should talk with a doctor before starting a new hair loss treatment or taking supplements.
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