The Causes of Hair Loss: A Comprehensive Guide

We've all heard the saying, "Your hair is your crown," and for many of us, it couldn’t be more true. Hair plays a big role in how we see ourselves  -  it forms a part of our identity, our confidence, and how we express our personal style. Therefore, when hair loss starts to happen, it can feel incredibly upsetting and stressful.

Some hair shedding is normal as it forms our natural growth and fall – normal hair loss can range anywhere between 50 to 150 hairs daily. But if you’ve noticed more strands coming out in your hairbrush or in the shower, or even thinning patches on your scalp, you are certainly not alone. Alopecia, aka hair loss, affects millions of people in the UK, for a variety of reasons.

Read on to find out the main types of hair loss, the causes of hair loss, and what you can do about it For even better results, you can even check out our very own hair serum for fuller, healthier looking hair.  

Broadly speaking, hair loss falls into two categories: scarring and non-scarring alopecia. 

Non scarring = hair loss that does not permanently damage the hair follicle. This has a good chance to grow back once you’ve addressed the cause of the hair loss. 

Scarring Alopecia = permanent destruction of hair follicles. Sadly, a point of no return for most people. 

The Causes of Hair Loss: Non-scarring Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia (aka Male or Female Pattern Baldness)

WHAT?

In simple terms, androgenetic alopecia causes the hair follicles to shrink. As a result, the hair they produce becomes shorter, finer, and lighter - known as "miniaturisation." Over time, these hairs may stop growing altogether, leading to visible thinning or bald spots. Androgenetic alopecia is believed to be driven by a mix of hormones and genetics - so if hair loss runs in your family, you’ve probably got your ancestors to thank for that one! In women, it can be seen alongside other conditions linked to hormone imbalances, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

WHO?

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss and doesn’t discriminate when it comes to gender. The American Hair Loss Association state that male pattern baldness is the culprit for around 95% of men suffering with hair loss and Alopecia UK quote staggering figures, that approximately 50% of men over the age of 50 and around 50% of women over the age of 65 will experience androgenetic alopecia. 

WHERE?

Males tend to experience a receding hair line with hair loss on both top and front of the scalp. Whereas, females usually have thinning on the top of the scalp, causing the parting to become wider and more noticeable, but the frontal hairline is often preserved.

WHEN?

Men can start seeing signs surprisingly early – in their late teens or early 20s. In contrast, women typically notice changes in their 40s to 60s, although it's not unusual for it to start in the 30s, especially if there's a strong family history.

Pattern hair loss is incredibly common - but just because it's common doesn't mean it’s easy to deal with. The emotional impact of hair loss can be huge on self esteem and confidence. The good news is that there are treatment options available. 

The current first line treatment is minoxidil, available as both a solution or foam and a low dose tablet. The solution is widely available over the counter but just a heads-up: don’t fall for the “pink tax” trap - minoxidil marketed to women is often pricier despite being the same product! Daily use is key with minoxidil and consistency is what makes the difference. If you’re not seeing results or want a more tailored approach, it’s absolutely worth chatting to a dermatologist. They can walk you through the next steps, whether that’s prescription meds, hormone-related treatments, or even exploring options like low-level laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma. And let’s not forget about cosmetic solutions - wigs, hair fibres, and styling tricks can make a big visual difference and a real confidence boost. For some, they’re a game changer! 

Alopecia Areata

WHAT?

Alopecia areata is the body’s immune system attacking its own cells, specifically hair follicles causing your hair to fall out. The exact cause for this isn’t yet known.

WHO?

Currently, there is thought to be a 2% lifetime risk of developing this condition. In the U.K, 15 in 10,000 people are thought to have alopecia areata, affecting both males and females.

WHERE?

Alopecia areata typically appears as smooth, round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp and can also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, beard hair and even body hair. Hair may spontaneously regrow in some areas while falling out in other parts - some people may see full regrowth, while others might experience more persistent or widespread hair loss.

WHEN?

It can strike at any age, but surprisingly, about 50% of cases begin in childhood. Some people experience just one episode, while others may have recurring flare-ups. 

If the above seems familiar to you, then it’s a great idea to check in with your dermatologist. The earlier you get support, the more options you’ll have. The British Association of Dermatologists advise to start treatment with steroid creams or ointments, especially for small patches. These help to calm the immune system and can encourage hair regrowth. If there’s little or no improvement, your dermatologist might recommend steroid injections directly into the affected areas, which can be more effective for stubborn spots. In more persistent or widespread cases, there are other immune-targeting treatments that can help dial down the immune response that’s causing the hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

WHAT?

Our hair goes through four phases as part of the growth cycle, including growth, transition, resting and shedding. Telogen is the resting phase and telogen effluvium is a condition where a greater proportion of hairs are in the resting phase than growth phase which causes them to fall out. 

WHO?

Telogen effluvium is more commonly seen in females though can affect anyone of any age.

WHERE?

Telogen effluvium tends to cause thinning and hair loss widely across your scalp, rather than from one spot. 

WHEN?

You often don’t see the effects right away as hair typically doesn’t shed until two to four months after entering the resting phase, so the cause of your hair loss might be something that happened months ago. It is usually temporary and triggered by stressful things like illness, surgery, childbirth, emotional stress, sudden weight changes, or even a new diet.

The reassuring part – in most people, it usually resolves on its own completely within six to nine months. A visit to a dermatologist can help rule out other potential causes, with a few simple blood tests, to check for things like low iron levels. But in most cases, no specific treatment is needed and your body just needs time to reset. If hair growth hasn’t fully returned after several months, your dermatologist might recommend minoxidil, which can help jump-start regrowth.

Traction Alopecia

WHAT?

Traction alopecia happens when hair is pulled too tightly over time. The repeated tension on the hair root results in damage, gradual thinning and eventually bald patches.  

WHO?

It can affect anyone who regularly wears styles or uses practices that place constant strain on the hair. Common culprits include:

• Tight hairstyles or headwear practices, including braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, and sleek ponytails or buns, tight turbans and hijabs

• Hair extensions or weaves

• Chemical treatments, especially relaxers that weaken the hair shaft

• Tight helmets/hard hats

WHERE?

The hair loss can occur anywhere that the hair is under continuous tension, but commonly seen on the frontal hairline, temples, or the nape of the neck. 

WHEN?

If traction alopecia is caught early and those tight hairstyles are swapped for gentler alternatives, hair can often grow back. The British Association of Dermatologists advise that if the problem continues for too long, the hair loss may be permanent. 

So, time to ditch those tight ponies and opt for looser styles, take breaks from extensions, and be kind to your scalp! 

The Causes of Hair Loss: Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia can be subtle at first - think redness, itching, or pain on the scalp. Over time, it leads to permanent bald patches. 

Scarring alopecia can be caused by infections, such as fungal infection of the scalp. It can also be linked to other skin conditions, so you may notice a rash elsewhere on your body, in addition to the hair loss. Certain conditions where the body’s immune system attacks itself, such as lupus, can also cause scarring alopecia. Injuries to the scalp, whether from burns, accidents, surgery, or radiation therapy can physically destroy hair follicles and lead to scarring alopecia.

If you’re experiencing unusual hair loss, itching, or scalp irritation, don’t wait - see a dermatologist as soon as possible. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, catching scarring alopecia early is key - they recommend picking it up early and starting treatment ASAP to help manage symptoms and limit how much hair is lost over time.

Dealing with hair loss can be an emotional rollercoaster but support and treatment options are out there - don’t hesitate to chat with your local dermatologist if you have concerns. And if there’s anything else you’d love to learn more about, drop a comment below. 

For answers to other questions you might have about hair care, check out our blog page.