Q4. What causes hair loss?

A4. Hair loss is caused by a number of reasons which include:

  • Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. This is a condition which develops in men, often in their thirties, in which they start to lose hair from the front to the back of the scalp. Usually caused by genetics and the male hormone testosterone.
  • Telogen effluvium: this condition mainly affects women after childbirth and is where hair thins and falls out as a result of a hormonal imbalance.
  • Stress: extreme physical or mental stress can affect the hair growth/loss cycle and cause hair to fall out.
  • Side effects of certain medications.
  • Medical conditions: certain conditions such as thyroid disorders can result in hair loss.
  • Poor diet: a lack of essential nutrients can weaken hair follicles and lead to eventual loss.
  • Damage caused by overstyling or hair products: overuse of hair products such as gels, mousses or sprays can damage hair follicles.

There are two forms of hair loss: permanent and temporary. Many are temporary and once the cause is resolved, new hair will grow. But others such as androgenetic alopecia are hereditary which means that they are also permanent.

Hair loss affects women as well as men.

Find out more in our hair loss guide.

FAQS Index:


FAQs Intro

  1. What is hair transplant surgery?
  2. Am I suitable candidate for hair transplant surgery?
  3. I am a woman who has some hair loss; can I have ahair transplant?
  4. What causes hair loss?
  5. What is male pattern baldness?
  6. Is there a lower age limit for a hair transplant?
  7. How long does hair transplant surgery take?
  8. Do I need to cut my hair or shave my head before surgery?
  9. Will I lose hair after a hair transplant?
  10. Which is the best procedure for me?
  11. Will I need more than one session?
  12. Will there be much scarring?
  13. Are there complications of hair transplantation?
  1. What is the recovery after hair transplant surgery?
  2. Will other people notice that I have had a hair transplant?
  3. When will my new hair grow?
  4. What is a ‘hair graft?’
  5. What is a ‘Follicular Unit?’
  6. What is ‘Follicular Unit Transplantation?’
  7. What is the ‘Fox Test?’
  8. What is ‘Follicular Unit Extraction?’
  9. What is ‘Micrografting?’
  10. Does a hair transplant hurt?
  11. What is the aftercare following hair transplant surgery?
  12. What can I expect from hair transplant surgery?
  13. How much does hair transplant surgery cost?

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