Hair fall
Updated · SkinWise Clinic
Hair fall describes a change rather than one diagnosis. Increased shedding, gradual thinning, patchy loss and scalp inflammation have different causes. A history and scalp examination help determine whether observation, selected testing or treatment is appropriate.
A change in the amount of hair seen during washing does not identify its cause. More useful details include the pattern, how quickly it changed and whether the scalp has symptoms.
Recent illness, childbirth, medicines, dietary changes and inherited pattern loss may be relevant. Patchy or inflamed areas should not automatically be treated with a generic hair-growth product.
What hair fall looks like
- Diffuse shedding or reduced density
- Widening parting, crown thinning or a changing hairline
- Localised patches of loss
- Itching, scaling, pain or other scalp changes
Common causes of hair fall
- Inherited pattern hair loss
- Shedding associated with a trigger such as illness or childbirth
- Autoimmune, inflammatory or infectious scalp conditions
- Nutritional or medical problems in selected patients
- Traction or repeated hair damage
When to see a dermatologist
Arrange assessment for persistent or distressing change. Pain, inflamed or scarred areas, sudden patchy loss or scalp discharge should be assessed promptly.
How hair fall is treated at SkinWise
SkinWise begins with history and examination. Blood tests or other investigations are selected when they can answer a clinical question. Treatment depends on the diagnosis; medicines or PRP for pattern loss should not be assumed appropriate for every cause.
Services that treat hair fall
Evidence behind these choices
- Hair loss: diagnosis and treatment — AAD
History and scalp examination guide treatment and selected tests. Supplements are appropriate for identified needs, not a substitute for finding the cause of hair loss.
- PRP for androgenetic alopecia: systematic review (2024)
Studies in men with pattern hair loss suggest possible benefit, but bias and differing preparations limit confidence. This evidence does not establish the same effects for GFC, mesotherapy or other hair-loss diagnoses.
- Medicines for male pattern hair loss: network meta-analysis (2022)
Compared specific medicines and routes in men with androgenetic alopecia. Some comparisons were indirect; rankings do not determine an individual's prescription or establish effects in other populations.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I order a hair-loss blood panel?
Bring existing reports first. The need for tests depends on the history, examination and possible causes; one panel is not appropriate for everyone.
Does PRP help all hair fall?
Evidence discussed here concerns selected pattern hair loss, especially studies in men. It does not establish benefit for every form of shedding or patchy loss.
Do supplements always help?
They are useful for identified needs, not as a universal solution. Excess supplementation can be harmful.
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