Hair loss

    Hair loss can involve increased shedding, gradual thinning, broken hairs or bald patches. Some causes are temporary; others need treatment to prevent progression or permanent follicle damage. The pattern, timing and scalp findings help establish the cause.

    Last reviewed: November 20265 sources

    What you may notice

    • Increased shedding
    • A widening part or reduced density
    • A receding hairline
    • Patches of missing or broken hair
    • Scalp pain, redness, scaling or pustules

    Why it can happen

    Inherited pattern loss is common. Illness, childbirth, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiency, thyroid disease and medicines can cause shedding. Autoimmune conditions, infection, traction and inflammatory scalp disorders cause other forms. More than one cause can coexist.

    What may help

    Treatment should follow diagnosis. Addressing a trigger or confirmed deficiency may help some forms of shedding; other conditions need specific medicines. Supplements should not be assumed beneficial without an identified need. Hair transplantation suits selected diagnoses and does not treat the underlying disease. Hairpieces and concealers are additional options.

    When to consult

    Seek medical assessment for sudden, patchy or progressive loss, scalp inflammation, eyebrow or eyelash loss, or associated illness. Pain, pustules or possible scarring warrant prompt review. Discuss prescribed medicines with the prescriber before changing them.

    Related options

    10 options

    Treatments

    Surgical procedures

    Evidence and sources

    1. DermNet. Hair loss [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hair-loss
    2. National Health Service. Hair loss [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/hair-loss/
    3. American Academy of Dermatology. Types of hair loss [Internet]. Rosemont (IL): American Academy of Dermatology; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types
    4. American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss: diagnosis and treatment [Internet]. Rosemont (IL): American Academy of Dermatology; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat/
    5. National Health Service. Hair transplant [Internet]. London: National Health Service; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/hair-transplant/