Hair loss is common, distressing, and frequently dismissed. Causes range from genetic (the commonest) to medical (thyroid, iron, autoimmune) to lifestyle-related. The right treatment depends on the right diagnosis — and the right diagnosis depends on a proper assessment, not a 5-minute checkbox.
Educational information — not a substitute for clinical assessment
This page describes hair loss in general terms to help you decide whether assessment may be helpful. It is not a diagnostic tool. If you recognise yourself in what follows, please book a consultation.
"Hair loss" covers several different conditions with different causes and treatments. Telling them apart is the first step.
The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Genetic, with hormonal contribution. In men: temples and crown. In women: diffuse thinning across the top of the head with maintained hairline. Progressive but treatable. See dedicated section below.
Diffuse shedding 2–4 months after a "trigger" event: childbirth, surgery, severe illness, significant weight loss, severe psychological stress, medication change, or other physiological stress. Usually self-limiting; hair grows back over months, but can be alarming.
Autoimmune patchy hair loss. Round bald patches appear, often suddenly. Can affect any hair on the body. Variable course — many people experience regrowth, some have repeated episodes, a small number progress to extensive (alopecia totalis/universalis) loss. Treatable.
A group of conditions where hair follicles are permanently destroyed by inflammation. The bald area shows signs of scarring on close examination. Needs prompt dermatology assessment because permanent hair loss can be prevented if caught early.
From repeated pulling on hair — tight ponytails, braids, weaves, extensions. Often at the front edge of the hairline. Reversible if caught early; permanent if longstanding.
A behaviour-related condition where hair is repeatedly pulled out. Common in adolescents, sometimes adults. Often associated with anxiety. Treatable with behavioural therapy.
Receding hairline at temples (the "M" shape) and thinning at the crown. The bald area at the top widens over years. The hair around the sides and back is typically preserved (because it’s genetically resistant to the hormonal changes). Most men with significant family history will experience some degree of pattern hair loss.
Diffuse thinning across the top of the head with a wider parting. The hairline is usually preserved — an important distinguishing feature from male-pattern loss. Often noticed when ponytail thickness reduces. Onset can be from 20s through 50s and beyond.
Genetic susceptibility means hair follicles in the affected areas respond to normal levels of androgenic hormones (particularly dihydrotestosterone, DHT) by gradually miniaturising — producing finer, shorter hairs with each cycle until eventually producing no visible hair.
Beyond pattern hair loss and the specific conditions above:
Pattern and duration of loss, family history, dietary history, menstrual history (women), medical conditions, medications, recent stressful events or illnesses, hair care practices.
From the above, we usually identify the type of hair loss and any contributing medical conditions. Some patients need scalp biopsy for definitive diagnosis — we refer to dermatology for this where indicated.
Treatment depends entirely on the cause:
Several evidence-based treatments exist. The general approach: start treatment early (preserving existing hair is much easier than regrowing lost hair), combine multiple treatments where appropriate, and commit to long-term use (most treatments work only as long as they’re used).
Options include topical treatments, oral medications, scalp treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), low-level laser therapy, and ultimately hair transplant. The choice and combination depend on extent, pattern, age, sex, response to previous treatment, and preferences. UK law prevents naming specific prescription medications on this website — specific options are discussed in clinic.
Iron replacement, ideally pushing ferritin above 70 ng/mL. Hair regrowth takes 4–6 months from when iron levels normalise.
Treatment of the underlying thyroid condition usually resolves the hair loss within months.
Identification and treatment of the underlying trigger; reassurance. Most cases resolve spontaneously over 6–9 months.
Several treatment options exist including topical, intralesional, and oral approaches. Specialist dermatology input is often appropriate for extensive disease.
Urgent dermatology referral — treatment aims to halt progression and salvage remaining hair.
For established pattern hair loss not adequately addressed by medical treatment, hair transplant can produce excellent cosmetic results. MHW Clinic offers hair transplant services (see our hair transplant page). Important considerations:
Hair transplant consultation includes detailed planning, photography, density measurement, and honest discussion of expected outcomes.
Consider booking if:
Hair grows slowly (about 1cm per month). Most treatments take 3–6 months to show visible effect; full effect can take 12 months. Early treatment is more effective than delayed treatment.
For pattern hair loss, treatments work only while you’re using them. Stopping treatment leads to gradual loss of the gains made. Many people choose to continue indefinitely.
Supplements only help if you’re actually deficient. If your iron, vitamin D, zinc, and B vitamins are normal, taking more won’t help hair growth. We test before supplementing.
Medical assessment for hair loss may be covered when there’s suspicion of underlying medical cause. Cosmetic treatments (including transplant) are generally not covered. Coverage varies.
Current prices are on our Fees page. Blood tests and treatments quoted separately.
Common causes in this group: female pattern hair loss, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, postpartum shedding, PCOS, telogen effluvium from stress or illness. Worth a full assessment with blood tests.
Realistic expectations matter. Treatment can usually maintain existing hair and produce some regrowth, but completely restoring hair density to a younger state isn’t generally achievable with medical treatment alone. Hair transplant can produce dramatic cosmetic improvement for suitable candidates.
Lifestyle measures, low-level laser therapy, PRP injections, and hair transplant are options outside of standard medical treatment. We discuss what fits your situation.
Care at MHW Clinic is delivered by a small clinical team, with Dr Haydar Bolat as Clinical Director. The specific clinicians involved in your care depend on the plan agreed with you at consultation.
UK-registered GP and Clinical Director at MHW. Conducts hair loss assessments including history, scalp examination, blood tests for medical causes, and discussion of treatment options including medical management and referral for hair transplant evaluation.
View profileLanguages spoken across the team: English, Turkish, Bulgarian, Bengali, Hindi, Albanian, Azerbaijani, German, Romanian. We can also arrange professional telephone interpreters in most other languages at no extra cost. More on languages and interpreters →
This page was reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director at MHW Clinic. Content is based on NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries on male and female pattern hair loss, British Association of Dermatologists guidance, and current UK clinical practice and current UK clinical practice. It is updated when guidance changes. Educational information only — not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Hair loss has many causes — and treatment depends on getting the diagnosis right. Book a consultation to know what you’re dealing with.