Losing around 50–100 hairs a day is normal. Hair fall becomes a concern when shedding increases suddenly, the parting widens, the hairline recedes or patches appear.
Common causes
- Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men and women, often hereditary
- Telogen effluvium: heavy shedding 2–3 months after fever, illness, surgery, childbirth, crash dieting or stress
- Thyroid problems, iron or vitamin deficiencies, PCOS
- Alopecia areata: round, smooth bald patches
- Tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments and heat styling
- Scalp conditions such as dandruff or fungal infection
Helpful habits
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein
- Be gentle: avoid tight braids, frequent heat styling and harsh chemicals
- Wash your hair regularly; washing does not cause hair loss
- Avoid self-medicating with supplements or tablets without advice
- Be patient: hair grows about 1 cm a month, so treatments take 3–6 months to show results
Treatment options
After finding the cause, which may include blood tests, a dermatologist may suggest medicines, PRP therapy or, for established pattern hair loss, hair transplantation (FUE). Treating early helps keep more of your own hair.
When to see a dermatologist
- Shedding has lasted more than 3 months
- You see a widening parting, a receding hairline or bald patches
- Hair loss comes with itching, scaling, pain or redness of the scalp
- Hair loss comes with irregular periods, acne or weight changes
Related treatments at the clinic
This page is for general information and is not a diagnosis. Please consult a dermatologist for advice about your own skin, hair or nails.