Perth Cosmetic Clinic

Hair Loss: What Causes It and What You Can Do

Hair loss is something that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can happen slowly or suddenly, and it can affect both men and women. While it’s often not a serious health issue, losing hair can affect how you feel about yourself.

The good news is that in many cases, hair loss can be treated — especially if the cause is found early. Let’s take a look at the most common types of hair loss and what treatment options are available.

Types of Hair Loss

1. Pattern Hair Loss (Genetic Hair Loss)

This is the most common type. In men, it usually shows as a receding hairline or bald patch on top of the head. In women, the hair becomes thinner, mostly on the top of the head.

• Cause: Genetics and hormones

• Treatment: Medicated lotions or tablets (only available through a doctor), special shampoos, laser treatments, and hair transplant surgery for some people.

2. Stress-Related Hair Loss (Telogen Effluvium)

This type happens after a big physical or emotional event like illness, surgery, childbirth, or sudden weight loss. It usually causes hair to shed all over the scalp.

• Cause: Stress or major change in the body

• Treatment: Often no treatment is needed; hair usually grows back in a few months. Managing stress and looking after your health can help.

3. Autoimmune Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)

In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to small, round bald patches.

• Cause: Autoimmune condition

• Treatment: Steroid creams or injections, sometimes light therapy. A doctor or dermatologist will guide this.

4. Hair Loss from Hairstyles (Traction Alopecia)

Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns can pull on the scalp and cause hair to fall out over time.

• Cause: Long-term pulling on the hair

• Treatment: Changing hairstyles and letting the scalp rest. If caught early, the hair usually grows back.

5. Medical or Nutritional Hair Loss

Conditions like low iron, thyroid problems, or poor nutrition can cause thinning hair.

• Cause: Deficiencies or illness

• Treatment: Blood tests can help find the problem. Treating the condition and taking the right vitamins can help hair regrow.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss

Here are some of the options a doctor may recommend:

🧴 Topical Treatments

These are lotions or foams applied to the scalp to help slow hair loss and promote regrowth. You need to use them regularly and long term for best results.

💊 Oral Treatments

In some cases, medications taken by mouth may help. These are only available through a doctor after proper assessment.

💉 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

This involves drawing a small amount of your own blood, processing it, and injecting it into the scalp to help stimulate hair growth. This is done in a clinic setting.

🔦 Laser Therapy

Low-level laser devices are sometimes used to help stimulate the scalp and improve hair growth.

🧠 Healthy Habits

Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and using gentle hair care products can support better hair health.

✂️ Hair Transplant Surgery

In more advanced cases, especially for people with permanent hair loss, hair transplant surgery may be an option. This should be done by a trained specialist.

When to See a Doctor

If your hair is falling out more than usual, or if you notice bald spots, it’s best to see a doctor early. Some causes are easy to treat if found quickly.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss is common and can be caused by many things — from stress to genetics to health issues. The key is to find out why it’s happening. Once you know the cause, many treatments are available to help improve the situation. Speak with a healthcare professional to find the right plan for you.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Treatment for hair loss should always begin with a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Specific treatments may involve prescription-only medications that can only be offered after an in-person assessment. In line with Australian medical advertising guidelines, no brand names or specific medications are mentioned here.