Hair Loss FAQ

Hair loss is something which affects both men and women at various stages of their lives. Hair loss may show itself as gradual thinning, excessive shedding, or decreased hair density. The reasons for hair loss can include genetics; hormones (hormonal changes); stress; and/or nutrition. Because hair loss will not have one cause or solution to it, learning about the fundamental aspects of hair loss is the first critical step in addressing this issue. Each answer below has been written with medically accurate data and is intended to give you a better idea of what may be occurring and what factors could potentially be causing your hair to fall out.

Hair loss can be caused by many different factors. However, genetics is the primary cause of hair loss, and it is generally referred to as androgenetic alopecia. As your body produces hormones sensitive to DHT (a product of testosterone), your hair follicles can gradually shrink. This can lead to short or thin hair and less hair on your scalp over time. For some people, the onset of hair loss can develop very gradually. Hair loss may first occur when you notice your hair falling out in small amounts or perhaps your hairline receding slightly at first.

Many other things could potentially contribute to your hair loss. Some examples include:

• Hormonal fluctuations
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Other medical issues
• Stress-related hair loss

As such, it is usually the result of more than one of these possible contributors.

Hair loss is caused by a variety of factors which may be linked to genetics, hormones or an individual’s way of life. What triggers hair loss can vary significantly from one individual to another.

The common reasons for hair loss are:

• Pattern Hair Loss due to Genetic Predisposition
  
• Changes in Hormones; i.e., Thyroid Imbalance or Menopause
• Lack of Proper Nutrition, such as Iron Deficiency or Vitamin D Deficiency
• Excessive Stress leading to Shedding of Hair
• Autoimmune Disorders/Conditions of the Scalp
• Use of Certain Medications

Hair loss occurs due to a disruption of the normal hair growth cycle or weakening of the hair follicle. As such, excessive hair loss (shedding) may occur, as well as decreased hair regrowth. In addition, hair thinning will occur over time. The cause of the disruption may include hormonal causes, genetic components, illness/inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, and physical/mental stressors.

Certain illnesses may disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss. Illnesses that have an impact on either the scalp, the body’s immune response or overall metabolism may be considered causes of hair loss.

Some examples of these types of diseases/illnesses include:

• Autoimmune conditions (such as alopecia areata)
• Thyroid disorders
• Chronic inflammation
• Nutrient malabsorption

Hair loss can occur as a result of issues related to the thyroid system. The thyroid regulates metabolism through hormone production and affects hair growth cycles when it is out of balance. There are also other body systems (hormone regulatory systems, nutrient absorption systems) which impact overall hair health. Therefore, most hair-related symptoms can indicate an imbalance within one or multiple body systems.

Hair loss can also be a symptom of a serious overall (systemic) condition, such as kidney failure or severe metabolic disorder. When the body has to direct all its resources toward maintaining vital processes, it may cause hair to stop growing. The primary reason for this kind of hair loss is a prior disease process. It should be evaluated by a physician.

Hair loss is typically due to an imbalance in many hormones as opposed to one or two hormone deficiencies. A major reason for this would be how sensitive you are to DHT, which can have effects over a long period of time on your hair follicles’ ability to grow new hair.

Some other factors that could influence hormones and hair include:

• Estrogen levels decreasing (more so in females)
• Hormone imbalances related to the thyroid

Women most commonly lose their hair due to female pattern hair loss. Female Pattern Hair Loss is a hereditary condition that progresses over time. Women who experience female pattern hair loss will generally notice thinning throughout their scalp instead of losing hair at the front of the head like male pattern baldness.

There are other conditions that could also be a factor for women experiencing excessive hair loss, including iron deficiency; hormonal fluctuation (like postpartum); stress related to excessive hair loss; and hair loss during the menopause years. Identifying it early on can also allow you to do something about preserving your current amount of hair density.

Hair loss happens because you are losing the battle with your body’s hair growth cycle. When your body loses this battle, it results in visible thinning of your hair, or a decrease in overall hair density over time. Common causes of this imbalance may be genetics, hormonal changes, stress/illness, or nutritional deficiency. The rate at which your hair loss will occur depends on what caused the loss to begin with.

Women tend to experience hair loss from a combination of hormonal changes and hereditary (genetic) influences. Hair loss tends to be diffuse thinning rather than localised balding patterns.

Other possible contributors that may influence the onset or course of hair loss are:

• Deficiency in Iron
• Dysfunction of Thyroid Function
•  Stress-Induced Shedding
• Changes in hormone levels due to life stages

Hair loss in men is primarily caused by genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to male-pattern baldness.

Male-pattern baldness typically affects the hairline and crown.

• The hair will become thinner and shorter over time.
• The cycles of growth of the hair will become shorter and shorter.
•  Eventually, the follicle’s production of visible hair may eventually stop.

Progression of male-pattern baldness can vary from person to person.

Hair loss in pregnant women is less frequent than that in menopausal women but does occur for a variety of reasons, including stress, nutritional insufficiency (i.e., insufficient protein, etc.) or other medical conditions. In addition, the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy can potentially affect the normal growth and shedding cycles of hair. Assessing nutritional status, iron levels and overall health if hair loss occurs while a woman is pregnant may help identify possible contributing factors.

Hair loss that occurs as a result of childbirth is typically short-term in nature. The changes in hormone levels associated with pregnancy are often the primary cause of this type of hair loss. At one point, many hair follicles enter the shedding stage at the same time. This excessive hair loss will become apparent due to the sheer volume of hair being lost.

Typically, hair loss from the shedding process begins several months post-delivery. As the hair growth cycles begin to normalise, an increase in density of the hair will occur. The length of time it takes for the body to recover and restore its original hair production may be dependent upon various factors, including each individual’s health status. 

Yes, hair loss due to increased shedding of hair (telogen effluvium) may be caused by prolonged periods of stress. Stress can cause more hair follicles to go into the shedding phase before they normally should.

Typically, this type of hair loss has these characteristics:

• More hair falls out than usual.
• Hair appears thinner over most of your scalp.
• You lose your hair within several weeks or months after experiencing an unusual amount of stress.

In many instances, when you address the underlying reason for stress and it subsides, hair grows back.

Hair loss is typically first noticed with an increase in the amount of hair shed and a gradual thinning that occurs in the area(s) of the scalp where it is occurring. Hair loss can occur over time and is often times not immediately apparent.

Some typical indicators of early hair loss include:

• Excessive amounts of hair are found in your pillow, brush, etc.
• Thinness occurs at the top centre of your head (crown), or from side to side along your parting line.
• A receding hairline (much more common in men).
• Less dense or less voluminous hair than you had previously.
• Slowing down of new hair growth in particular areas.

Early identification of hair loss generally gives greater opportunity for controlling progression of the condition.

Hair loss red flag signs are patterns or types of hair loss which might be indicative of an even more serious, possibly progressing form of hair loss; therefore these should be assessed further in order to establish what is causing the hair loss.

Red flag signs include:

• Excessive shedding or sudden hair loss
•  Patchy/uneven hair loss
•  Rapidly thinning (over time) within a relatively short time frame
•  The visible presence of a scalp in an area of the head with previously dense hair.
  Itching/redness/irritation of the scalp and its possible association with hair loss.

Stress-related hair loss usually appears as general shedding from all over your head, not in a specific pattern. Stress-related hair loss may appear immediately or up to many months after a stressful experience (physical or emotional).

Characteristics of this type of hair loss are:

• Hair loss occurring throughout the whole of your scalp area.
• Visible hair loss during washing and brushing.
• The hair loss began several weeks to months after the initial event that triggered it.
• There is no noticeable recession of the hairline and/or the top of the head. 

Hair loss that occurs suddenly, rapidly, progressively (over a short period), or as part of another symptom may be considered to have greater significance than hair loss occurring gradually. The rate at which hair loss changes can provide significant information regarding how the patient should proceed with treatment.
Some examples of potential red flags (warning signs) to look for include:

• Hair loss occurs quickly or without a known explanation
  
• There are patches where all hair has been lost
  
• Hair loss accompanies some type of discomfort such as itchiness, inflammation, or pain
  
• After a prolonged amount of time, there is no evidence of new hair growth.

In those instances, additional testing/evaluation may be necessary to establish if there is some form of medical/inflammatory process causing the hair loss. 

When female hair loss persists, progresses, significantly decreases the overall amount of your hair, or you notice a noticeable difference from the way your hair has looked previously, then it may be time for professional intervention. The most typical form of hair loss for women is gradual thinning; however, there are some changes that you should have evaluated by a medical doctor to ensure they do not develop into something more serious.

The situations listed below could benefit from an evaluation:

• A widening of the area on top of your head where your hair grows.
• Excessive hair loss during the course of several months.
• Hair loss which results in reduced volume.
• Hormonal changes causing hair loss. (Example: Postpartum; Menopause).

Evaluating early will allow you to establish if the hair loss you are experiencing is temporary or if it will continue.

Hair Loss – Stage 4
Stage four hair loss is an example of a much later phase of hair loss, as it shows noticeable thinning on the top (hairline) and back (crown) of your head. This type of hair loss has been classified using the Norwood scale for male pattern baldness.

Characteristics are typically:

• More pronounced recessions or indentations at the temples.
• Thinning around the crown area.
• Lowered hair density between the forehead and crown area.
• The severity and rate of progression will differ from individual to individual.

Early pattern hair loss (stages one through three) is characterised by a general progression of the hair thinning pattern in accordance with the Norwood Classification. The hair loss described in each of these stages represents a general progression, as opposed to rapid hair loss. The typical progression of hair loss through these stages will be based on both genetic and hormonal influences.

Hair loss may be expressed by thinning, shedding, or a visible decrease in hair density depending on the reason for the hair loss. Patterns provide important information regarding the possible reason for the hair loss.

Examples of common patterns include:

• A receding hairline or thinning of the top area of the head (characteristic of male/female pattern hair loss).
• Diffused thinning of the entire scalp.
• Patchy loss of hair in distinct regions.
• Increased visibility of the scalp.

Blood tests can be a helpful way of identifying what is causing your hair loss by assessing overall health, hormone balance, and nutritional status.

Some examples of blood tests you may have to check for common causes of hair loss include:

• A full blood count, which can give an indication of your general health and if you have anaemia.
  
• Iron and ferritin levels, which can indicate iron deficiency.
  
• Thyroid function tests, which can determine how well your thyroid gland is working.
  
• Levels of vitamins such as B12 and Vitamin D.

Depending upon your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will decide which blood test(s) would best help them diagnose why you are losing your hair.

Normal daily hair loss (shedding) typically happens to some degree because it is a common process in the overall life cycle of hair. The hair development process involves three stages: active growth, inactive rest phase, and shedding.

Typically:

• Hair falls out daily due to replacement by new hairs.
  
• Daily amounts will be influenced by hair thickness and length.
  
• Stress and/or changes that happen with the seasons may temporarily increase shedding.

Typical daily hair loss is usually within the expected range for the hair cycle. Hair grows from separate follicles that operate independently, so it is acceptable to lose some hairs each day.

Normal observations can be made based on general patterns:

• A relatively large number of hairs are lost when you wash your hair or brush.
  
• The degree of hair loss will vary with how often and what types of styles you perform on your hair.
  
• Hair with more length may show more hair loss than shorter lengths due to the greater amount of exposed root.

While increased short-term hair loss may indicate no long-term problem, this should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Hair loss is normal for most people as an ongoing process. Your body naturally cycles through growth, rest, and shedding; the natural replacement of old hairs by new ones is a sign that everything is going well.

You might see:

• The hair you lose when brushing or styling your hair
  
• More visible hair loss after shampooing
• A lot of hair can be lost from one day to another

Typically, it’s more helpful to pay attention to what happens consistently from day to day rather than worrying about just one day.

Men usually lose a certain number of hairs on an average day because they go through a hair growth cycle. The amount of loss may be influenced by genetics and the individual’s hair density.

• It is common for men to have an increased appearance of losing their hair loss when they are experiencing some form of male pattern baldness in that area of their head.
  
• Hair thinning occurs at the front and/or top of the head (hairline/crown) simultaneously with the average daily hair loss.
  
•  Daily hair loss rates fluctuate from time to time.

Women lose their hair in regular amounts each day through normal hair cycles. Hair loss varies by the individual based on how long and thick her hair is and what effects her hormones have.

Common observations are:

• Shedding occurs more often with combing and shampooing.
  
• Changes in hormone levels result in temporary hair loss.
  
• Hair loss becomes more obvious when women have longer hair that sheds.

Women who shed hair consistently or at an alarming rate may require professional evaluation.

Hair loss could be viewed as outside of the norm if you’re experiencing excessive, ongoing, or obviously greater amounts of shedding than you have in the past. The extent of the amount (i.e. the actual number) may be less important than the fact that it has changed from what was typical for you.

Some examples of possible indications of abnormal shedding are:

• Clumps of hair falling off while washing or combing.
• A noticeable and obvious increase in the amount of hair lost compared to your normal pattern.
• Obvious thinning or decreased density in a specific area.
• Ongoing shedding over a period of multiple weeks or months.

Children will typically lose a little bit of their hair during the normal hair growth cycle, but this will normally be very minor. Hair loss that is noticeable or persists is generally rare in children and will likely require an evaluation of the possible causes.

Some factors that could potentially contribute to hair loss in children include:

• A lack of nutrition
  
• Skin problems on the scalp
  
• Illness or stress

Hair can grow back in some cases if it has thinned down to a point; this will depend on the root of the problem that caused your hair to thin and what shape your hair follicles are in. Regrowth is likely if you still have active follicles.

Regrowth is dependent upon how severe the cause was (for example, due to either stress or lack of nutrients) and how long the hair thinning has been going on, as well as how much the follicle has shrunk. The potential for your hair to grow back again is typically better when there is less time passed since the hair thinning began, whereas the longer the hair thinning goes on, the more difficult it will be to manage and the more structure you may need to put into managing it. 

Many forms of hair loss are reversible if it is caused by a temporary or easily treated condition (e.g., due to stress, illness, or diet).

Therefore:

• Temporary hair loss will often stop as soon as you deal with the original cause
  
• If there is an early stage of male/female type hair loss, then the rate of this can be slowed down and potentially improved

However, if you have been losing hair for a long time, then the chances of your hair growing again are limited.

Hair may regrow depending on how well your hair follicle is functioning and the type and length of time you have experienced hair loss. There are several common situations that can lead to hair loss that may result in its potential to regrow, including:

1. Temporary shedding, which generally has a natural recovery after a period of time.
2. Gradually improving (although at an increased rate) as long as the contributing factors that led to the loss of your hair are resolved or eliminated.
3. Slowing down the potential for regrowth in those areas where you experienced a greater amount of hair loss over a longer period of time.

Because each case of hair loss behaves differently, there is no way to accurately predict what results one person may experience compared to another. 

Temporary/reversible causes of hair loss are often reversible as well. In general, conditions with actively growing/active follicles will typically recover.

More common reversible examples include:

• Stress-Induced Shedding (Telogen Effluvium)
• Nutrient Deficiency Related Hair Loss
• Hormone Imbalance related hair loss after hormone levels stabilize.

Hair follicles cannot create new ones; however, the ability of existing follicles to grow again may sometimes be supported when they remain viable. Typically, instead of generating new follicles, the focus is on enhancing the function of the existing ones.

Some possible ways to approach this could involve:

• Supporting a normal hair growth cycle
• Addressing any potential underlying hormonal issues or deficiencies in nutrition
• Enhancing the overall health of the scalp

Hair typically grows back slowly. The rate at which hair grows back varies with each person’s type of hair loss and other contributing factors to their condition. Typically, there are no quick fixes for growing new hair in most cases. The ability to grow new hair will depend upon how quickly you address the cause of your hair loss and the quality of support you provide to the normal cycle of hair replacement. Consistent long-term management also affects your potential for hair growth.

Hair growth happens at a biological rate, so there is no significant way to grow hair faster than what your body can naturally do. However, you can create an environment that will promote optimal hair growth.

• Nutrition
  
• Hormone balance
  
• Scalp health

The goal of most people is not to grow their hair faster but to maintain steady, healthy hair growth.

Hair loss can be treated with a variety of options using medical, supportive, and Lifestyle approaches depending on the cause of hair loss. Each individual may require different treatment based on their unique situation. Some common approaches include:

• Medical treatments that are prescribed to help promote a healthy hair growth cycle
  
• Hormonal or nutritional deficiencies that contribute to hair loss
  
• Therapies that focus on the Scalp
• Lifestyle changes such as stress management

The best option to treat hair loss will depend upon the cause of hair loss and individual case factors. In some instances, an oral or topical solution may be used with the direction of a healthcare provider.

In addition to these solutions, additional options may also be available.

• Medications (oral/topical) to help manage the hair growth cycle
  
• Nutritional supplements as needed if a deficiency is identified
  
• Therapies supportive of the overall health of the client based on initial assessments by a licensed therapist.

Hair loss treatments are chosen by the type of hair loss (or alopecia), what caused it, and how much of your hair has been lost. Since there isn’t one single hair loss treatment for every case of hair loss, different types of hair loss treatments fall into three general categories:

• Medical treatments which either help stimulate or help control/stop hair loss.
• Surgical procedures that will replace hair in certain parts of the body.
  
• Supportive treatments which will aid in healing the scalp and/or help improve the overall function of your follicles.

Most likely, you will have better results when using a treatment plan that was specifically developed for you after an accurate diagnosis has been made.

Hair loss treatment success depends on what caused hair loss and when you start treatment. A method of treatment that works for one person may not be suitable for another individual. Often, early-stage conditions are more predictable in their response than ongoing management is required for progressive hair loss. Results from hair loss treatment often develop gradually over time.

A man’s best course of action will depend largely upon how quickly his hair loss has progressed and what type of hair loss he is experiencing. Men typically experience a certain level of hair loss (male-pattern) which can be treated using methods to minimise further hair loss due to hormones and damage to the hair follicles.

Men have several options for managing their male hair loss:

• Medications that treat hair loss caused by DHT
  
• Methods used to preserve or support remaining hair
  
• Surgical procedures that are often needed when the degree of hair loss becomes severe enough to require surgical intervention

When determining the best option(s), a person’s specific objectives, the current status of their hair loss and whether or not they would be a good candidate for one or both types of treatments will need to be evaluated. Finasteride is currently considered to be the treatment of choice for male hair loss.

Treatment for women who are losing their hair will depend upon what is causing the hair loss. Some causes can be hormone-related, some related to nutrition and others due to genetics.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for all women experiencing hair loss. A variety of treatment methods have been used to treat hair loss in women. These include:

• Topically applied (directly onto the scalp) and/or medically administered hair loss remedies
  
• Correction of a deficiency in the diet
  
• Hormone evaluation when applicable

For most women, earlier intervention with medical treatment results in better long-term outcomes for hair loss.

The rate at which thinning hair regrows will depend upon the length of time that the hair was thinning. Therefore, an essential part of managing the condition is determining the cause of the thinning and treating it appropriately. Treatment usually includes promoting and maintaining a healthy environment for hair follicles to grow by optimising the hair cycle as much as possible through one or all of the approaches mentioned below.

These include:

• Medication if applicable
• Optimising diet.
• Managing hormone-related issues
• Treating scalp conditions.

Treatments have different success rates based on whether the hair loss has developed over a long period of time.

Hair loss in women is generally treated with gradual methods because it doesn’t take a long period of time for the hair development (hair growth) cycle to react to treatment.

• The majority of treatments help address the cause(s), but recovery is rarely instantaneous.
  
• Stabilising hair loss is often achieved by eliminating/controlling the root cause of excessive hair loss.
  
• Regrowth of hair will develop over a period of several months.

It’s essential to follow consistently so you can maintain your best results. 

Managing female hair loss and thinning requires two distinct approaches. The first addresses the causes of hair shedding; the second promotes overall hair follicle health. These approaches are typically taken in combination.

The methods of supporting follicular health and treating the causes of shedding include:

• Assessment of the medical condition to identify those factors that have contributed to the loss or thinning of the hair
• Supportive treatments for maintaining healthy follicle function
• Optimising nutritional and hormonal status

There isn’t a specific treatment called “a miracle” for restoring your hair, because results will vary depending on why you lost it to begin with.

• A treatment can work very well for someone else but might not produce the same result for you.
  
• While many treatments have an element of consistency required from the patient (over time)
  
• There is still a lot of variability regarding how each individual responds to the treatment
  
• The focus of the majority of these types of treatments is to help support your own hair’s ability to grow naturally.

It is also very important to understand what realistic results are based on the type of treatment being used.

Certain oral drugs including Minoxidil and Finasteride may help promote hair growth in some cases of hair loss when taken properly. Oral medication is usually prescribed with the guidance of a physician. Oral drugs can impact various hair loss pathways that involve hormones and also affect the hair development cycle. Not everyone will benefit from this treatment option. 

Oral treatments to stimulate hair growth depend upon the type of hair loss and its causative factors. There is no one oral treatment that will be the best for everyone with hair loss. Depending upon the specific diagnosis or medical condition, individual medical histories (suitability) and desired outcomes/expectations, a personalised recommendation for an oral treatment would generally be recommended. Medical Hair Restoration recommends Minoxidil for females and Finasteride for males as their first-line treatments. 

The most effective treatment for hair loss will depend on the cause and current stage of your hair loss. Each hair loss medication works differently to achieve results.

Some considerations that may influence your decision include:

• How hormonal issues affect you
• Your pattern of hair loss
• Response to treatments at different points in time

In general, the best method of treating hair loss can vary widely depending upon your medical history as determined through clinical evaluation, and there is no one “best” universally applicable method. 

Hair loss treatments can be safe to use provided that they are taken as directed by a physician. Treatment will depend upon the individual patient.

Key considerations prior to starting treatment for hair loss will include:

• Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your hair loss.
• Tracking how you react to the medication (tolerance).
• Complying with instructions from the prescriber.

Because many different types of medications have been developed to treat hair loss, it may not be safe for every person.

Many times it is a case of:

• Treatment that has medical aspects will have to be used for as long as results are wanted
• Procedures often produce longer-lasting effects than those achieved through medical treatment in the area where procedures were done
• Ongoing care is usually required with progressive conditions.

Knowing what your future treatment options are should help you make better treatment choices.

Most hair loss treatments will have little to no insurance coverage, as they are considered either electively performed (not medically necessary) or cosmetic in nature. Insurance coverage will vary depending on what insurance you carry and your medical history. Insurance companies may cover diagnostic testing. If there is a medical condition that needs to be treated and hair loss treatment is indicated, then it may be partially covered. In general, most cosmetic procedures are excluded from insurance coverage. 

Insurance companies vary in their coverage of hair loss treatments depending on the cause of the hair loss as well as the specific insurance policy. Hair loss treatments are often not covered under a typical insurance plan.

Influencing factors when considering whether an insurance company will cover your hair loss treatment include:

• Whether there is a direct link between the hair loss and a serious medical problem (e.g. alopecia caused by lupus).
  
• The type of hair loss treatment you are looking into.
  
• The specifics of your insurance policy.

When people refer to the “Big 3,” they often are referring to a group of treatments (topical treatment for hair growth; hormone-related hair loss medication; and either a scalp-based treatment or an additional treatment to help with overall follicular health) that may be used together to promote hair regrowth in certain forms of hair loss.

It’s worth noting that while this is a common informal reference, it has no universal definition and therefore is not always a definitive method.

The typical Big 3 would be a topical treatment that promotes the normal functioning of your hair growth cycle. A second type of treatment would be a medication designed to treat hormone-related hair loss. A third type of treatment could be a scalp-based treatment or another form of treatment that can enhance the follicles’ ability to produce healthy hair.

While most people use one or more of the Big 3 together as part of their comprehensive plan, which type(s), if any, you will need will depend upon:

• Type of hair loss
• Your individual medical history
• How far along your hair loss process has progressed

A combination of common treatments for thinning hair, often called the “big three”, is typically intended to support all phases of hair growth by targeting several factors in hair loss. These do not have to be followed as a specific protocol and may or may not be suitable for each individual.

The main purpose of these treatments is to:

• Maintain healthy hair follicle function
• Provide medical therapy to address hormone-related thinning
• Create an optimal scalp environment

Most people find that in most cases:

• Thin hair will grow back sooner when it is in the early stage.
• Management of continued thinning may be needed.
• Each person’s response may change over time.

As such, individuals usually need customised programs rather than following some standardised combinations.

No single supplement will solve hair loss problems for everyone; however, some deficiencies could potentially increase hair loss, and correcting them would be helpful in supporting healthy hair growth.

Some of the most common vitamins that are associated with hair health include:

• D3 Vitamin
• B Vitamins (especially B-12)
• Iron (which technically qualifies as a mineral and is very close to being a part of hair loss/health issues)

For the majority of people, supplements are useful only when an actual deficiency exists.

Hair loss can occur due to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals in an individual’s diet, as these nutrients play an important role within each phase of the hair growth cycle. Each person is affected by different nutrient deficiencies.

The most common nutritional deficiencies that affect hair loss include:

• Iron
•  Vitamin D3
• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Biotin

Typically, a deficiency needs to be confirmed through a blood test for identification purposes (versus simply assuming).

Hair loss could possibly result from a variety of other nutritional or biochemical deficits that affect either the delivery of oxygen (e.g., iron) or the function of the hair follicles themselves (e.g., Vitamin B). However, many people experience some degree of hair thinning without having a clear biochemical deficit; this seems to be primarily due to genetics. 

Vitamin B-12 can help your body grow healthy hair in some cases by helping prevent deficiencies from occurring; however, there is no direct connection or relationship between Vitamin B-12 and Hair Loss. The primary function of vitamin B-12 is to assist in producing red blood cells, which will carry oxygen through the bloodstream throughout the body.

Most of the time, supplementation with Vitamin B-12 will be helpful (and effective) only when you have an actual deficiency. If you do have a Vitamin B-12 deficiency and start supplementing, it should correct the deficiency, and your hair loss should begin to improve.

However, it’s highly unlikely that taking Vitamin B-12 supplements will positively impact or reverse genetically caused hair loss. 

Certain supplements have been shown to help promote hair growth if a person has a certain deficiency; they are not usually given for this reason alone.

The most common supplements associated with promoting hair growth include:

– Biotin
– Iron
– Vitamin D3
– Zinc

Supplementation for these reasons will often be based on lab testing as opposed to just using them regularly.

Hair Growth Supplements for each person are based upon a combination of factors, which include that person’s overall nutrition level as well as what caused them to have a problem in the first place. There isn’t one product that will be better than all others for everyone.

Typically, you would select the products (supplements) based on:

• Deficiencies identified through testing
• General Health Status
• Assessment by a professional. 

There isn’t a single supplement that can be used as the “best” treatment option for women experiencing hair loss in every case. It’s likely based on what specific nutritional deficiency is causing the woman’s hair loss.

Some of the most commonly recognised areas to consider when looking at nutritional deficiencies that might lead to hair loss include:

• The iron level.
• The vitamin D level.
• Hormone imbalances

The best treatment for your hair loss will depend upon what is causing it and if you have an actual nutritional deficit. Most supplements won’t work if you don’t really have a deficiency.

Some of the things that could influence which supplement to choose would be:

• Your individual nutritional needs
• The type of hair loss you have
• Your overall health profile 

Some vitamins may help promote hair health for some women who have vitamin deficiencies. The role these vitamins play is to maintain the body’s natural hair development cycle.

These are typically:

• Vitamin d3
• B vitamins (all B vitamins, but especially B12)
• Vitamin C (helps your body absorb iron)

They will all vary, as they do with each woman and their reasons.

The right tablet to help your hair grow will depend upon what caused you to lose your hair and which other medications or treatments would be best for you; both over-the-counter and prescribed tablets may be used under certain circumstances.

Generally speaking, decisions are made about selecting a tablet(s) to promote hair growth by:

• Why you lost your hair
  • Your medical background
  • What you want to achieve with treatment

This generalized method is generally less productive than creating an individually-based plan.

The most effective way to achieve healthy hair is through a well-balanced diet with sufficient amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Keratin, which is the primary material from which hair is formed, requires proper nutrient intake in order to promote regular hair growth.

Many essential ingredients are required to maintain strong hair, including:

• Protein (eggs; fish; beans/legumes)
  
• Iron (eggs; green vegetables; lean red meat)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish; seeds)
  
• Vitamins B-complex and D

Although there is no one particular type of food that will stop your hair from thinning by itself, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet does support the functioning of your hair. A nutrient-balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients does help you maintain healthy hair; however, your hair will likely continue to thin if the cause of this thinning is based on genetics or hormone imbalances.

Some examples of foods you may want to include in your diet when trying to support the health of your hair are:

• Iron (iron-rich foods)
• Proteins (protein sources)
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Antioxidants (fruits, vegetables)

Overall, while a diet of foods with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals can provide the body with the tools it needs to produce and sustain healthy hair, it will not be enough as a sole source of support to prevent hair loss.

Hair thickness is determined by genetics, but adequate nutrition provides support for optimal hair growth and hair structure. Nutrients help support follicle function when you eat a well-rounded diet.

Adequate intake of the following dietary components is important to hair health:

• Protein supports hair’s structural needs
• Iron helps deliver oxygen to the follicles.
• Healthy fats help support the scalp.
• Other Vitamins involved in the hair cycle will also contribute to hair thickness.

The degree to which your hair thickness changes can be influenced by many factors that may not just include what you eat.

Certain food items will help promote a healthy natural hair growth cycle through their nutrient value; however, no food item has been scientifically proven to stimulate an increase in the rate of growth past its biological limits. Hair-promoting nutrition includes protein-rich foods, iron-containing foods, and vitamin (A, C, B) complex-containing foods, as well as omega-3-rich foods. Dietary effects are very gradual and depend upon the total nutritional status.

A balanced diet in balance to address possible nutritional deficiencies can be helpful and may assist in supporting hair which has thinned. The goal of this type of food plan would be to maintain adequate levels of nutrients, not specifically target certain “key” or “focus” foods.

Possible foods to consider include:

• Iron-rich foods.
• Protein sources.
• Foods with vitamins and minerals important for Hair Health.

If thinning is due to factors other than those related to nutrition, changing your diet could have minimal benefits.

Protein is very important in helping to maintain your hair in good health; however, there are no individual protein foods that can be said to have an advantage over one another. A constant flow of amino acids to your hair will help it grow.

Common sources of this protein (amino acids) are:

• Eggs
• Fish
• Lean meat
• Legume plant-based protein 

Hair health may be supported by a variety of fruits by supplying the body with vitamins and antioxidants, which are important in maintaining normal hair follicle function. Fruits will provide beneficial nutrients and antioxidants to aid hair health, but they do not have corrective properties.

Examples of such fruits include:

• Citrus fruits (vitamin C provides collagen support)
• Antioxidant-rich fruits
• Folate and other nutrient-dense fruits

The contribution of fruit to supporting hair health can depend on how balanced your diet is 

Although there are no fruits which will help stop hair loss on their own, some fruits will help with your general hair health by providing you with the nutrients needed for healthy hair.

Hair loss is caused by many different things. Fruits are good sources of:

1. Vitamin C
2. Antioxidants
3. Hydration support

When using fruits, they should be seen as just one part of an entire, well-rounded diet.

Yes, vegetables will assist with your hair’s overall health by supplying you with essential vitamins and minerals that are also important for antioxidant protection. The scalp is maintained at its best when these nutrients are consumed consistently, which supports hair growth.

There are many vegetables, but some common ones are as follows:

• Leafy green vegetables contain high levels of iron
• Vegetables with high amounts of Vitamin C
• Vegetables containing Beta-Carotene

Hair can be supported by yogurt because it contains both some vitamins (and) protein; however, one particular type of yogurt is not needed to help with hair. The role that yogurt plays in supporting your hair will depend upon your overall nutrient consumption.

Yogurt may also contribute to:

• Structure of the hair via protein
• Some B vitamins
• Nutrients that assist in maintaining healthy skin on your scalp

The degree to which yogurt affects your hair will be dependent upon your overall food choices, along with other aspects unique to you.

Bananas will help with overall hair health by providing the body with essential vitamins and natural substances which can provide support to both the scalp and the hair itself. In order for bananas to be effective in this manner, you need to have an overall balanced diet and the underlying reason for your hair loss needs to be addressed. 

While no single beverage is capable of halting hair loss, there are a variety of ways that drinking fluids and consuming nutrient-rich beverages can help promote overall hair health. The body needs sufficient amounts of water in order to maintain normal physiological functions, which includes the process of hair growth.

Some supportive beverage choices include:

• Fluids (i.e., water)
  
• Beverages with high nutritional value (e.g., drinks that contain vitamins and/or minerals)

Hair loss usually results from one or more factors unrelated to fluid consumption

Although there are many oils to choose from when it comes to promoting hair growth, no one oil has a reliable history of stimulating hair growth. Most oils have been reported to improve the health and appearance of your hair by improving the overall condition of your scalp.

Some commonly used oils for this purpose include:

• Rosemary oil
• Peppermint oil
• Coconut oil (carrier)
• Jojoba oil (carrier)

These oils may benefit you in terms of:

• Improving moisture content within your scalp
• Conditioning your hair shaft
• Providing better manageability for your hair

The success of these oils in relation to growing hair also depends upon why you lost hair in the first place.

Hair follicles don’t really have an opening to close (they just exist); however, there is some evidence that certain oils promote better scalp circulation and therefore may provide a better environment for natural hair growth to occur.

Oils can be applied in order to:

• Provide mild conditioning properties to the scalp.
• Gently stimulate blood flow through the scalp.
• Improve the texture of your hair.

However, while these oils may potentially help promote healthy hair growth by improving the scalp’s condition and encouraging more efficient blood flow to the area, they cannot physically affect either the form or operation of the individual hair follicles. 

Herbs don’t create an opening in hair follicles for physical access; they often have supporting properties for scalp health or promote healthy conditions for your hair. The way herbs act on hair usually has to do with how you react (indirectly) and can be different for each individual.

Some examples that people use when talking about this subject include:

• Peppermint
• Rosemary

They may:

• Create a cooling feeling and/or stimulation to create a better environment for your scalp.
  
• Help improve scalp comfort.

Although their actions can help in your fight against balding, they typically should not be your first line of attack. 

Many people find it difficult to use some oils due to their potential to cause irritation to their scalp or hair. In addition, very heavy oils could possibly create a build-up in your hair. When choosing an oil, you should take into consideration how sensitive your skin is and what type of hair you have.

Some oils that may not be good for everyone are:

• Heavy oils because they could potentially build up in your hair
• Any oils that could potentially irritate sensitive areas
• Oil products that contain fragrances and other chemicals

Hair loss reduction will depend upon how you address the causes of your hair loss and the consistency with which you follow a hair care routine.

Depending upon what is causing your hair loss, there are several helpful strategies to reduce hair loss:

• Minimise or eliminate your sources of physical or emotional distress.
• Use less harsh chemicals in treatments for your hair.
• Be gentle when brushing or styling your hair.
• Eat well to support your nutritional health.

Hair shedding can never be stopped entirely. Because some hair loss occurs with every hair cycle, most people want to just reduce their hair loss instead of stopping it altogether.

• A number of times
• Regular shedding will continue as a part of your normal hair cycle.
• The amount of excess hair loss that you have may be stabilised in many instances.
• Your outcomes will be based upon why you were losing your hair.
• You should have realistic goals for managing your hair loss.

Hair loss can be addressed by treating the cause, as well as encouraging your body to support the normal hair growth cycle. It’s unlikely there will be one treatment that works for every case of hair loss.

Some common ways to address hair loss are:

• Stress management and improving your general health.
• Eliminating styles or other activities which could put excessive tension on your hair follicle(s).
• Providing sufficient nutrition through an appropriate diet.
• Medically supervised treatment may be appropriate in some instances.

Your treatment options depend upon what type of hair loss you have and how long you’ve had it.

Hair loss is managed by addressing the underlying factors and supporting the normal processes of growth that support hair. Managing hair loss typically requires a combination approach rather than a single intervention.

Some approaches may include:

• Identifying the triggers for your hair loss.
  
• Changing your scalp and hair care practices.
  
• Maintaining overall health to help promote healthy hair growth.

Although you can’t prevent all hair loss (especially if your hair loss is hereditary) there are steps that you can take to lower your risk of losing your hair or to delay the onset of hair loss.

Steps you can take to possibly lower your risk for hair loss (and therefore potentially prevent it) could include:

• Eating a well-balanced diet.
• Lowering the amount of stress in your life.
• Taking care to avoid placing too much tension on your hair and avoiding damaging your hair. 

• Treating any underlying medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, etc. early and aggressively.

In many cases, prevention will likely be most successful in the case of external causes/lifestyle choices. 

Frequent shampooing of the hair will not contribute to hair loss; however, frequent shampooing can bring to light a greater degree of normal shedding. The hairs that are prepared to fall out during this time of their life cycle will typically be removed when you wash them.

Most of the time:

• Washing helps keep the scalp clean
  
• It reduces the product buildup in addition to excess oils on the scalp
  
• The amount of hair shed while washing your hair is an indication of how much your hair has naturally cycled through its growth phase.
  
• Products specifically made for your hair type should always be used.

Hair washing frequency can’t stop you from losing your hair; however, it may contribute to an overall healthy scalp as long as it’s cleaned properly.

How often you wash your hair will depend largely on how much oil is in your scalp, along with what kind of hair you have and whether or not your scalp is sensitive.

Some general guidelines are:

• More often if you have an oily scalp.
• Less often if you have a dry or sensitive scalp.
• If you use styling products regularly, you’ll likely want to adjust how often you wash your hair. 

Certain hair products may cause your thinning hair to become weighed down with product or possibly cause irritation to your scalp because of their formulations. The right hair care products can assist in maintaining both your hair’s appearance and comfort.

Use the following products with caution, as they could potentially be damaging to your hair:

• Hair styling products made from heavy oils
• Strongly fragrant or alcohol based hair care products
•  Build-up-causing products

For the most part, it is best to stick to light products designed specifically for thinning hair.

Hair can be thicker than it actually appears in some instances based upon the cause of that thinning and the state of the hair follicles. Genetics has a large impact on true thickness; however, you can sometimes enhance density and overall hair quality.

The extent to which you can achieve enhancements in hair quality and/or density will depend on several different variables, including:

• Whether or not the follicles are still functioning
• How far along the process of thinning is (i.e., how long)
• What caused the initial onset of the hair loss

In many cases, supporting the function of the follicle(s) and addressing the various factors contributing to hair loss may support improving the circumference of your hair. In addition, maintaining current density with appropriate management techniques may also be possible.

Hair growth is influenced both by overall body/health and the state of the scalp/hair follicle. Hair growth also goes through a life cycle with an initial phase that has some immediate response but can take months for full realisation.

Factors that affect hair growth are:

• Nutrition
• Balance of hormones
• Health of the scalp
• Management (where necessary)

In most instances, providing all of the above will allow your hair to grow naturally, as opposed to being able to accelerate it past what would be considered “natural”.

The evaluation and treatment of hair loss are typically provided by qualified healthcare professionals who have expertise in treating the scalp and its associated hair. In some instances, the type of practitioner will be based upon the specific cause of the hair loss.

• Hair restoration practitioners (such as those at Medical Hair Restoration)
• Dermatologists
• Providers that specialize in evaluating and diagnosing hair and scalp disorders

Many times, the goal of the provider is to:

• Identify the primary reason for the hair loss.
• Determine if the condition is likely to resolve on its own versus worsen over time.
• Develop a suitable treatment strategy.

For individuals experiencing persistent or worsening hair loss, a medical consultation would provide guidance regarding what further action should occur.

A hair loss expert is a doctor who specialises in treating problems that affect how your hair grows. He or she will use both medicine and other procedures to diagnose and treat your problem based on your condition.

Typically specialists:

• Determine if there are any identifiable patterns of hair loss from the patient’s history
• Determine what could be causing his/her hair loss (e.g. hormone levels or lack of nutrients)
• Will recommend an individualised plan for treatment

Thinning can take place gradually (over time), but as with other menopausal symptoms, the rate at which this occurs will depend on individual differences in hormone levels and genetics.

Gradual changes to the hair growth cycle and therefore slow thinning are typically caused by lower levels of estrogen.

Some people experience thinning over a long period of time. In fact:

• Thinning tends to occur gradually and may be a relatively slow process.
  
• Changes in hair density can continue for some years.
  
• Genetics may also have an effect.

Each person’s thinning pattern can differ; therefore, most women will continue to see some change in hair density for years.

Hair loss post-pregnancy is generally transient and results from the body’s readjustment of hormones post-pregnancy. The hair loss due to pregnancy is related to changes in the hair growth cycles (anagen and telogen) rather than damage to the hair follicles.

Common time frames include:

• Shedding often starts about a couple of months after delivery.
• Most people have an increase in hair loss that lasts for many months.
• Slowly but normally, most women improve once their body has returned to its pre-pregnant state.

Duration varies based on each woman’s healing process and her general health.

Hair loss is often influenced by genetic factors inherited from both sides of your Family (rather than one side). It is a common misconception that this condition only comes from one side; the pattern of hair loss is also due to multiple genes contributing to how the hair will grow and fall off.

A Family history on either side increases a person’s likelihood of experiencing hair loss. However, the timing and rate at which an individual experiences hair loss can vary greatly between individuals. There are many reasons why a person may experience hair loss.

Hair loss is generally permanent when the hair follicle is no longer active and produces visible hair. In most cases, advanced pattern baldness will result in permanent hair loss. Many times, early-stage hair loss can be treated to some extent.
However, if a long time has passed since the last activity (hair growth) in an individual’s hair follicles, it will likely be difficult or impossible for new hair to grow from those areas. Likewise, the permanency of each type of hair loss varies greatly depending on the cause and how much time has passed. 

Hair loss (alopecia) is a reduction in the number of hairs growing from the scalp or an area of skin that has previously produced hair through shedding/thinning/changes to the hair cycle.

Hair loss can be:

• Temporary/permanent
• Diffuse/localized
• Sudden/gentle

Men have a higher predisposition to pattern hair loss than do women, especially at a young age. The male form of pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) has strong associations with genetic sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This gradual reduction in size for the individual’s hair follicle ultimately will cause the hair line to recede and/or thin out around the top back of the head.

While men most often exhibit hair loss in the way of a receding hairline or thinning of their hair at the crown, women are much more common to exhibit hair loss as well. However, female hair loss is almost always exhibited as diffuse thinning over the entire scalp as opposed to a receding hairline. The main distinction here is that men tend to lose large sections of their hair, whereas women tend to thin out all over.

Have you noticed that your hair has changed recently? Perhaps there has been a decrease in the number of hairs on your head (thinning), an increase in the amount of hair falling out from your scalp (shedding) or perhaps even a different feel to the density of the hairs on your head? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Hair loss generally develops over a period of time. In many instances, the reason for this is unclear when the process begins.

Determining why the change occurred is usually the most important part of the process. Some types of hair loss will stabilize or possibly get better with time while other types of hair loss could potentially require a formalized treatment plan which would need to be developed individually for each person based upon their presentation.

A professional evaluation will allow you to understand:

• What is causing the loss of hair.
• Whether or not the hair loss is reversible or if it will continue to progress.
• Which of the available treatments will likely work best for your condition.

A medical directed approach will provide you with a realistic expectation as to how long a particular type of hair loss will last and establish a personalized program based on your specific symptoms.