Hair Loss: Causes, Diagnosis & What Actually Works

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and can have many causes—from genetics and hormones to stress, nutrition, and medical conditions. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. This comprehensive guide covers the most common types of hair loss, how they're diagnosed, and evidence-backed treatment options.

Understanding Hair Loss

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, can manifest in different ways: gradual thinning, patchy bald spots, or sudden shedding. The most common types include:

  • Androgenetic Alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss) - Genetic and hormonal
  • Telogen Effluvium - Stress or shock-induced shedding
  • Alopecia Areata - Autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss
  • Traction Alopecia - Caused by tight hairstyles
  • Medical Condition-Related - Thyroid issues, PCOS, nutritional deficiencies

Common Causes

Hair loss can result from multiple factors, often working in combination:

  • Genetics: Family history is a major factor in pattern hair loss
  • Hormones: DHT sensitivity, thyroid imbalances, PCOS
  • Nutrition: Iron, vitamin D, B12, zinc deficiencies
  • Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium
  • Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, scalp conditions, medications
  • Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of sleep, excessive styling

Diagnosis & Testing

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Our AI Hair Scan combined with dermatologist review helps identify patterns, but comprehensive diagnosis may include:

  • Scalp examination and pattern analysis
  • Blood tests (thyroid, ferritin, vitamin D, hormones)
  • Pull test and hair count analysis
  • Scalp biopsy (in some cases)
  • Medical history review

Evidence-Backed Treatments

Treatment effectiveness depends on identifying and addressing the root cause:

  • Topical Treatments: Minoxidil (FDA-approved for pattern hair loss)
  • Oral Medications: Finasteride (for men), spironolactone (for women)
  • Nutritional Correction: Addressing deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, etc.)
  • Lifestyle Changes: Stress management, improved diet, better sleep
  • Hair Transplant: FUE/FUT procedures for advanced cases
  • PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma injections

Get Personalized Diagnosis

Our AI Hair Scan analyzes your scalp photos and a licensed dermatologist reviews the findings to provide a personalized treatment plan.

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Essential Guides

Deep-dive articles covering every aspect of hair loss diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Hair Loss 101

Comprehensive guide to causes, when to worry, and what tests to run

TE vs AGA: How to Tell the Difference

Learn to distinguish between temporary shedding and pattern hair loss

Lab Tests for Hair Thinning

Essential diagnostic tests and how to interpret results

At-Home Plan After AI Scan

Your 12-month roadmap: what to expect in months 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12

Hair Transplant Guide

Complete guide to procedures, timelines, and realistic expectations

Supplements & Topicals: Evidence

What clinical trials say about treatments and what actually works

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