Hair Loss: Real Causes and Simple Fixes

Hair thinning can feel personal and upsetting. You want facts, not hype. Below I’ll walk you through common causes, what actually works, quick daily fixes, and when to get medical help. No fluff—just practical steps you can try right away.

What causes hair loss?

There are a few clear culprits. Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) is genetic and the most common. Telogen effluvium is sudden shedding after stress, illness, new meds, or big life changes. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune patchy loss. Less obvious causes: low iron (low ferritin), thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, and certain drugs. Birth control, pregnancy, and menopause also shift hair cycles.

Spot the pattern: wide parting and thinning on the crown suggests genetic loss. Sudden diffuse shedding after an illness or weight loss points to telogen effluvium. Round patches often mean alopecia areata. If you aren’t sure, take photos every month—patterns show up over time.

What you can do today

Check basics first. Ask your doctor for blood tests: CBC, ferritin, TSH, and vitamin D. Fixing low iron or thyroid issues can stop hair loss and sometimes reverse it. If tests are normal, try proven topical or prescription options.

Over-the-counter: minoxidil (Rogaine) is the most reliable OTC option. Use it consistently—expect 3–6 months before you see changes. It keeps hair you still have and can thicken some strands. Side effects are usually local irritation; stop if you get severe reactions.

Prescription: finasteride works well for men with pattern baldness—usually daily pills that slow or reverse loss over months. Women of childbearing age should NOT take finasteride due to birth defect risks. For alopecia areata, short steroid injections into patches or topical steroids can help. A dermatologist can explain options like topical immunotherapy, JAK inhibitors (for select cases), or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) if appropriate.

Supplements can help only if you’re deficient. Biotin rarely helps unless you’re lacking it. Iron or vitamin D supplements help when tests show low levels. Avoid high-dose supplements without testing—too much can harm you.

Daily care matters. Don’t pull hair tight, avoid frequent bleaching or harsh chemical straightening, and reduce heat styling. Use a gentle shampoo, don’t over-wash, and try a wide-tooth comb. If you use styling products, rinse thoroughly each night.

Timing and expectations: treatments need patience. Most medical approaches take 3–12 months to show visible improvement. If you switch or stop a treatment, hair can fall back to its previous state.

When to see a pro: sudden heavy shedding, large bald patches, scalp pain or pus, or hair loss after starting a new prescription—see a dermatologist. For slow, genetic loss, a primary care visit can start basic tests, then a derm for targeted treatments.

Want a starting plan? Get basic bloodwork, start minoxidil if appropriate, stop any tight hairstyles, and book a derm if hair loss keeps getting worse after three months. Small steps now can keep more hair later.