Hair loss usually isn't anything to worry about, though it can occasionally signal an underlying condition
Male and female pattern baldness is usually permanent and often runs in families
Other types of hair loss can be temporary, linked to illness, stress, or treatment
See a GP if hair loss is worrying you, before considering a commercial hair clinic
About Hair Loss
It's entirely normal to lose hair — most people shed somewhere between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without even noticing. Hair loss usually isn't a cause for concern, though occasionally it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition worth investigating.
Some types of hair loss, such as male and female pattern baldness, tend to be permanent and often run in families. Other types can be temporary, triggered by things like illness, stress, cancer treatment, significant weight loss, or iron deficiency, and often improve once the underlying cause is addressed or resolves on its own.
Seeing a GP
See a GP if you're worried about your hair loss. They may be able to identify the likely cause simply by examining your hair, and can talk through the treatment options available — it's worth letting them know if your hair loss is affecting your wellbeing. It's a good idea to see a GP for an initial assessment before considering a commercial hair clinic.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Hair Loss · Treatment
Treatment Options
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
When Treatment Isn't Needed
Most hair loss doesn't need treatment, since it's either temporary and will grow back, or simply a normal part of getting older. Hair loss linked to a medical condition usually stops, or the hair regrows, once you've recovered. That said, if hair loss is causing you distress, there are options worth considering, though not everything is available free on the NHS, and no treatment works completely reliably for everyone.
Medicines
Finasteride and minoxidil are the main treatments for male pattern baldness, while minoxidil (but not finasteride) can also be used for female pattern baldness. These don't work for everyone, only remain effective for as long as they're used, and aren't always available on the NHS, meaning you may need to pay privately.
Wigs
Some wigs are available on the NHS, though you may need to pay unless you qualify for financial help. Synthetic wigs typically last 6 to 9 months, are easier to look after, though can feel itchy or hot, and cost less than real-hair wigs. Real-hair wigs last longer — around 3 to 4 years — look more natural, but need more care and cost more.
Other Options
Depending on the type of hair loss, other treatments include steroid injections or creams applied to bald patches, immunotherapy (either applied to the scalp or taken as daily tablets), light treatment using ultraviolet light, permanent make-up (micropigmentation) to mimic short hair or eyebrows, hair transplant surgery, scalp reduction surgery, or artificial hair implants. Availability on the NHS varies by treatment, so it's worth discussing options with a GP or specialist.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Hair Loss · Support
Getting Emotional Support
? 3 min readReviewed: March 2024
Coping with Hair Loss
Losing hair can be genuinely upsetting, since for many people it's closely tied to their sense of identity. If your hair loss is affecting you emotionally, your GP may be able to arrange counselling, and joining a support group or speaking to others in a similar situation — whether in person or through an online forum — can also help.
Organisations such as Alopecia UK offer support groups, and further information and support specifically for hair loss linked to cancer treatment is available through charities like Cancer Research UK and Macmillan.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
