Hair loss & thinning

Losing some hair every day is normal — the NHS says 50 to 100 hairs. Noticeable hair loss has several quite different causes: inherited pattern hair loss, sudden all-over shedding (telogen effluvium), round bald patches (alopecia areata), or thinning from tight styles (traction alopecia). The right next step depends on which it is, so the guides below explain how to tell them apart.

No treatment works for everyone. Minoxidil, which you can buy from pharmacies, helps some people with pattern hair loss, but only while it's used.

Common signs

• Gradual thinning on top, a widening parting or a receding hairline
• Much more hair than usual in the shower or on your brush
• Smooth, round bald patches
• Thinning at the hairline where hair is pulled back

What usually helps

• Work out which type you have — gradual, sudden all-over, patchy or at the hairline — using our hair-loss guides, and see a GP if you're not sure.
• Be gentle: detangle from the ends with a wide-tooth comb and conditioner, and avoid harsh brushing.
• Avoid tight ponytails, braids and extensions, and go easy on heat, bleach and relaxers.
• Protect a thinning or bald scalp from the sun with a hat or sunscreen (British Association of Dermatologists).

Washing: Wash as often as you like — NICE guidance says frequent shampooing doesn't make pattern hair loss worse.

Build your routine with this concern →

Read the full guides

• Hair loss: what's normal, common causes and when to see a GPLosing some hair every day is normal, and most hair loss is either temporary or part of getting older. How to tell the main types apart, what treatment can and can't do…
• Male and female pattern hair lossThe most common type of hair loss in both men and women. It's usually inherited, gradual and permanent without treatment — minoxidil and (for men) finasteride can help s…
• Telogen effluvium: sudden shedding after stress or illnessNoticeably more hair in the plughole, on your brush or pillow — often about three months after an illness, childbirth, surgery, crash diet or stressful event. It usually…
• Alopecia areata: patchy hair lossSudden, smooth, round bald patches caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles. It isn't contagious or caused by diet, hair often regrows — and a range of treat…
• Traction alopecia: hair loss from tight stylesConstant pulling from tight ponytails, buns, braids, weaves and extensions can thin the hairline. Caught early it's reversible — here's how to spot it and style more saf…

Ingredients worth knowing

• Minoxidil Evidence: StrongOver-the-counter lotion or foam for male and female pattern hair loss
• Caffeine Evidence: LimitedMarketed against hair thinning; evidence is mostly lab-based or company-funded
• Rosemary oil Evidence: LimitedPopular "hair growth" oil — backed by one small trial, not a proven treatment
• Ketoconazole Evidence: StrongAntifungal medicine in shampoos for dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis

Not medical advice. This guide is general information from the sources listed, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. If you are worried, or symptoms are severe or not improving, get advice. Read our health information policy.

Sources

1. NHS – Hair loss nhs.uk
2. British Association of Dermatologists – Telogen effluvium bad.org.uk
3. British Association of Dermatologists – Alopecia areata bad.org.uk
4. British Association of Dermatologists – Traction alopecia bad.org.uk
5. NICE CKS – Female pattern hair loss: management cks.nice.org.uk