Hair Loss

Hair Loss

Causes, Types, Treatment and Therapy

Hair loss can affect the scalp or, in some cases, the entire body. It may be temporary or permanent, and its causes range from genetic factors to underlying health conditions or environmental triggers.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss occurs when new hair fails to replace the hair that has fallen out. On average, a person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs per day, a natural part of the hair growth cycle. This typically goes unnoticed due to simultaneous regrowth. However, when this balance is disrupted, noticeable thinning or baldness can occur.

The most common causes of hair loss include:

Genetics (hereditary baldness)
Hormonal changes
Medical conditions
Medications or treatments
Stress or trauma
Nutritional deficiencies

At Advanced Hair Clinics, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to each patient’s needs—whether the goal is to stop hair loss, restore lost hair, or simply better understand the condition.

The Life Cycle of Hair

Hair loss is a natural and ongoing process. Each hair follicle follows its own unique life cycle, which can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, health conditions, hormones, and lifestyle. The complete hair growth cycle typically lasts between 2 to 7 years and is divided into four key phases:

Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

This is the active phase of hair growth, during which the hair follicle produces new cells and hair lengthens.

Duration: 2–7 years
Approximately 80–90% of the hair on your scalp is in this phase at any given time.

Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

This is a short transitional stage that marks the end of active hair growth.

Hair follicles shrink, and growth slows down.
Duration: a few weeks
About 3% of hairs are in this phase at any given moment.

Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

During this phase, the hair follicle is completely inactive—the hair is no longer growing but remains attached.

Duration: 2–4 months
Around 6–8% of hairs are in this resting phase at any time.

Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase)

At the end of the telogen phase, hair naturally detaches and sheds from the follicle.

This phase is responsible for the daily loss of 50–100 hairs, which is completely normal.
Once a hair is shed, the follicle re-enters the anagen phase, beginning the cycle anew.

Why the Hair Cycle Matters

A healthy, uninterrupted cycle maintains a consistent level of hair density. However, disruptions—due to stress, illness, hormonal imbalances, or genetic predisposition—can shorten the growth phase or prolong the resting phase, leading to noticeable hair thinning or hair loss.

Understanding the hair life cycle is crucial in diagnosing and treating various types of hair loss. At Advanced Hair Clinics, our team uses advanced diagnostic methods to assess your hair’s condition and recommend the most effective treatments based on the underlying cause and phase of disruption.

Heredity (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors—genetic, medical, hormonal, or lifestyle-related. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for selecting the right treatment and achieving effective results.

Heredity (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Hereditary hair loss is the most common form of hair loss worldwide, affecting both men and women. It is not a disease, but a genetically driven condition influenced by hormone levels and age.

In men, it appears as male pattern baldness, typically starting with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.
In women, it is known as female pattern hair loss, often visible as overall thinning or widening of the parting.

The genetic predisposition leads to a gradual shrinkage of hair follicles, eventually causing hair to stop growing. While the exact inheritance pattern is not fully understood, both maternal and paternal genes may contribute.

Medical Conditions

Medical Conditions

Several illnesses and conditions can disrupt the hair growth cycle:

Autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata, lupus)
Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders)
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron-deficiency anemia)
Scalp disorders (e.g., psoriasis, dermatitis, fungal infections, folliculitis)

If you're experiencing hair loss alongside other symptoms, medical evaluation is essential to identify and treat the underlying health issue.

Medications & Treatments

Medications & Treatments

Hair loss can be a side effect of various medications, including those for:

Cancer (chemotherapy, radiation)
Depression and anxiety
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Arthritis and gout
Acne
Hormonal disorders

Anabolic steroids, commonly used in fitness training, can also contribute to hair thinning. In most cases, hair growth resumes after stopping the medication, but always consult your physician before making any changes to prescribed treatment.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact hair health:

Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can alter the hair growth cycle.
Pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can lead to temporary but intense hair shedding.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can increase androgen levels in women, contributing to thinning hair.
Stopping birth control pills may also trigger temporary hair loss due to sudden hormonal changes.

Balancing these hormones through proper treatment can restore normal hair growth.

Testosterone & Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Testosterone & Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a powerful derivative of testosterone, created by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. In individuals genetically sensitive to DHT:

Hair follicles gradually shrink.
Hair becomes thinner, more brittle, and falls out sooner.
New hair grows more slowly—or not at all.

DHT levels tend to be 3x higher in the frontal scalp than in the back, explaining common baldness patterns. Lifestyle choices such as anabolic steroid use, creatine supplementation, or intense weightlifting can increase DHT production, accelerating hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.

Stress & Psychological Factors

Stress & Psychological Factors

Both physical and emotional stress can trigger hair loss by disrupting the natural growth cycle:

Telogen Effluvium: A stress-related condition where hair prematurely enters the resting phase, causing excessive shedding.
Common triggers include:
- Surgery or serious illness
- Major life events (divorce, job loss, bereavement)
- Emotional trauma or chronic anxiety

Trauma, Burns & Traumatic Alopecia

According to research (e.g., Harvard University studies), elevated cortisol levels—the body’s main stress hormone—can keep hair follicles in the resting phase, preventing growth and leading to shedding. The good news: stress-related hair loss is usually temporary, and hair often regrows once the stress is managed.

Trauma, Burns & Traumatic Alopecia

Localized Hair Loss: Physical injuries or thermal burns to the scalp, face, or body can permanently damage hair follicles, leading to irreversible hair loss in the affected area.
Traction Alopecia: Repeated tension from tight hairstyles—such as high ponytails, buns, braids, or hair extensions—can weaken follicles over time and cause hair to fall out.
Trichotillomania: An impulse-control disorder in which individuals unconsciously pull or pluck their own hair—often triggered by stress or anxiety. This behavior can start in childhood or adolescence and, if prolonged, may result in permanent loss of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard.

Nutrition & Diet

Nutrition & Diet

Nutrient Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins (for example, biotin and vitamin D), and trace minerals like iron and zinc can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Crash Diets & Eating Disorders: Rapid weight loss or chronically restrictive diets may trigger diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium) as the body diverts limited resources away from non‑vital functions such as hair production.
Reversible Condition: Most diet‑related hair loss improves once balanced nutrition is restored—incorporating lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Environmental Factors

Environmental Factors

Pollution & Particulate Exposure: Airborne pollutants and fine dust can clog follicles and disrupt scalp health.
Sun & Water Damage: Prolonged UV exposure, frequent swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater, and contact with acidic rain can weaken hair shafts and accelerate breakage.
Preventive Measures: Wearing protective headgear, rinsing hair promptly after swimming, and using gentle, pH‑balanced shampoos can help mitigate environmental stressors.

Aging

Aging

Natural Thinning: As we grow older, the hair growth cycle gradually shortens, and follicles produce finer, thinner strands.
Hormonal Shifts: Age‑related changes—especially in estrogen and testosterone levels—can reduce hair density. In women, this process often becomes more noticeable after menopause.
Management Strategies: Regular scalp care, targeted treatments, and, in some cases, minimally invasive transplant procedures can help maintain hair volume and health throughout the aging process.

Pathological Forms of Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia: The most prevalent form of hair loss, primarily driven by genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances. It affects both men and women and typically progresses gradually over time.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy or complete hair loss in affected areas.
Diffuse Alopecia (Telogen Effluvium): Characterized by sudden and widespread thinning of hair, this type is often triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, or hormonal changes. It is usually reversible once the underlying cause is addressed.
Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia): A less common but permanent form of hair loss resulting from the destruction of hair follicles due to inflammation. It may stem from internal factors like lichen planopilaris or external causes such as burns, trauma, or severe infections.

Hair loss treatment and management

Treatment and Therapy for Hair Loss

Hair loss treatment can be divided into two broad categories: conservative treatment , which includes medication, and surgery

Medications for Hair Loss Treatment

Medications, as well as some products, can also help slow down or prevent hair loss.

Minoxidil, which prolongs the anagen phase of hair, has proven to be one of the most effective pharmaceutical substances against hair loss.
Topical application of corticosteroids to the scalp aimed at combating inflammation that causes hair follicle degeneration. Non-specific treatment is mainly applied in cases of hair loss of unclear etiology, where there is no causal treatment, such as in cases of diffuse, scarring, or alopecia areata.
Anti-hair loss products, such as shampoos, lotions, conditioners, serums with active ingredients and natural herb extracts that are dermatologically tested.

Other Conservative Treatments

Autologous hair mesotherapy, also known as “autologous growth factors” hair loss treatment, is a new, promising treatment based on harnessing the patient’s own healing and growth forces.
LLLT laser therapy aims to improve cases of androgenetic and diffuse alopecia by improving blood circulation and hair nutrition. However, it’s more effective in combination with other treatments, and its effectiveness varies depending on individual hair loss characteristics. It’s not the ideal solution for hair loss due to increased testosterone levels.

Surgical Treatment

Hair transplantation is an advanced surgical procedure that offers a long-term solution to hair loss. The latest FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique ensures a minimally invasive approach with permanent, natural-looking results. This modern method effectively restores hair density and aesthetics, providing a lasting resolution to thinning or balding areas.

Dietary Supplements for Hair Loss

As part of conservative treatment for hair loss, various supportive products are commonly used—such as shampoos, lotions, ampoules enriched with nutrients, and dietary supplements containing vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids.

While the overall effectiveness of these products remains a topic of debate, a well-balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair. Nutrition rich in plant-based fibers, B-complex vitamins, essential minerals like zinc, and natural ingredients such as aloe vera is believed to support optimal hair health and nourishment.

Diagnosing Hair Loss: A Specialist’s Role

Accurate diagnosis of hair loss is essential and should always be performed by a dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders. Since hair loss can stem from a wide range of causes, identifying the underlying issue is crucial to selecting the right treatment approach.

A thorough diagnosis will determine whether your hair:

Falls out gradually or suddenly
Appears weak or brittle
Can regrow without intervention
Needs medical treatment to regrow
Requires immediate action to prevent permanent loss

Diagnostic Tests

To further investigate the cause of hair loss, the dermatologist may recommend one or more of the following tests:

Blood Test
Detects underlying medical conditions, vitamin deficiencies, or imbalances that may be contributing to hair loss.
Pull Test
Involves gently pulling a group of hairs to assess how many are shed, helping determine the severity and progression of hair loss.
Scalp Biopsy
A small sample of scalp tissue or hair is examined to identify infections or skin diseases that may be causing hair loss.
Microscopic Hair Examination (Trichogram)
Uses a special microscope to analyze the hair shafts for structural abnormalities or disorders.

Phototrichogram
An advanced diagnostic technique using a micro-camera and specialized software to measure hair density, monitor thickness, and evaluate response to treatment over time.
Genetic Testing
Identifies specific genetic markers linked to androgenetic alopecia, allowing for early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Initial Assessment

Before confirming a diagnosis, the dermatologist will begin with a comprehensive physical examination. You will be asked about:

Your dietary habits
Medical history
Family history of hair loss
Hair care practices

Hair Care Tips to Help Prevent Hair Loss

Practicing proper hair care can significantly support the prevention and management of hair loss. Here are some key recommendations:

Be Gentle When Brushing and Styling
Avoid pulling or tugging on your hair, especially when it’s wet and more fragile. Use a wide-toothed comb to minimize breakage and reduce hair stress during detangling.
Limit Heat and Styling Tools
Excessive use of flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can weaken the hair shaft. Try to minimize heat styling and avoid tight hairstyles that put tension on the roots, such as ponytails or braids. Limit the use of clips, pins, and hair ties that may damage fragile strands.

Review Your Medications and Supplements
Some medications and nutritional supplements can contribute to hair loss. Consult your doctor to identify any such side effects and discuss alternatives if needed.
Explore Medical Treatments
Talk to your dermatologist about clinically proven treatments like minoxidil or autologous hair mesotherapy, which can help stimulate hair growth and strengthen existing hair.
Protect Your Hair from UV Exposure
Prolonged exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation can weaken hair fibers. Consider wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection when outdoors.
Quit Smoking
Research indicates a link between smoking and increased hair loss, particularly in men. Quitting smoking may not only improve your overall health but also benefit your hair.
Use Mild, pH-Balanced Shampoos
For individuals with sensitive, thin, or hereditary hair loss, gentle shampoos with a neutral pH—suitable for daily use—are generally recommended to reduce scalp irritation and preserve hair health.

Why Choose Us

Advanced Hair Clinics is a leading center specializing in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of hair loss. With five international awards recognizing our excellence and thousands of satisfied patients worldwide, we have built a reputation for delivering safe, effective, and cutting-edge hair restoration solutions.

Our approach is fully tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring the highest standards of care and long-lasting results.

If you’re facing hair loss concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—your journey to healthier, fuller hair starts with us.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

Hair loss diagnosis should always be carried out by a qualified dermatologist. In cases of androgenetic alopecia, diagnosis typically relies on:

A history of onset after puberty
Gradual thinning in specific areas of the scalp
A family history of similar hair loss

At Advanced Hair Clinics, diagnosis is enhanced using a trichogram, performed with a high-resolution microcamera and advanced software.

We utilize Follysis, a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and digital analysis tool. It provides one of the most accurate assessments available, measuring hair density and strand thickness in different scalp areas and monitoring treatment outcomes with precision.

In more complex cases such as alopecia areata or cicatricial alopecia, further testing may be required. This can include:

Blood tests (e.g. for hormones, iron, vitamins, minerals)
Punch biopsy of the scalp for a detailed microscopic evaluation and differential diagnosis

Why Does Hair Loss Occur?

Hair growth follows a natural cycle of three phases:

Anagen phase – active growth
Catagen phase – transitional phase
Telogen phase – shedding phase

Hair loss often occurs when the anagen phase shortens, causing hairs to prematurely enter the telogen phase—resulting in telogen effluvium, a type of diffuse hair loss affecting the entire scalp. Common triggers include:

Childbirth
Chronic infections
Certain medications

Hair loss may also result from scalp conditions such as fungal infections, folliculitis, or inflammatory skin diseases. Additionally, thyroid disorders (hypo/hyperthyroidism), hyperparathyroidism, and other chronic illnesses can lead to thinning hair.

Other contributors include:
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, or due to menstrual irregularities or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

These types of hair loss are often reversible once the underlying cause is treated.

On the other hand, localized and often permanent hair loss can occur due to traumatic alopecia, resulting from injuries, scars, or burns affecting the scalp or face.

How Can I Tell if My Hair Loss Is Pathological?

Pathological hair loss is usually characterized by complete hair loss in distinct areas and includes conditions like:

Alopecia areata (patchy or spot baldness)
Cicatricial alopecia caused by injuries, burns, or inflammatory conditions like follicular lichen planus or lupus erythematosus

These forms of hair loss can appear anywhere on the scalp, including areas normally resistant to thinning, and may progress unpredictably. In rare and severe cases—such as alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis—hair loss can extend to the entire scalp, face, or even entire body.

Though more dramatic in appearance, pathological hair loss is relatively rare, accounting for less than 10% of all alopecia cases, with androgenetic alopecia remaining the most common form.

Does Modern Lifestyle Affect Hair Health?

Yes, modern lifestyle factors play a significant role in the health of your hair. Chronic stress, emotional strain, and daily exposure to pollution, dust, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can all contribute to hair weakening and loss. Additionally, frequent contact with chlorinated pool water or seawater may damage the hair shaft, leading to increased breakage and dryness.

Nutritional deficiencies are another major contributor. A lack of essential nutrients—particularly proteins, iron, zinc, and vitamins—can intensify hair loss. Fortunately, maintaining a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help restore hair health and, in some cases, reverse hair thinning.

Can Intense Hair Styling Lead to Hair Loss?

Yes. Excessive styling and certain hairdressing practices can cause a condition known as traction alopecia. This type of hair loss results from constant tension on the hair follicles due to tight hairstyles (such as ponytails, braids, or buns), hair extensions, or aggressive brushing. Over time, this repeated pulling can lead to permanent hair loss if not addressed early.

What Is LLLT Treatment and How Effective Is It?

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive hair loss treatment that uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate hair follicles. It is often considered by individuals seeking a non-injectable, pain-free alternative to other therapies. LLLT may show moderate effectiveness in certain cases, particularly in hormonal-related hair loss such as postpartum shedding or menopausal thinning. However, it does not match the proven efficacy of treatments like autologous hair mesotherapy, which involves injecting growth factors directly into the scalp.

Moreover, LLLT is not effective for advanced stages of hair loss, as it cannot regenerate lost follicles. It is best suited for early intervention or as part of a broader treatment plan in mild to moderate cases.

Calendar Events

Best Practices in Hair Transplantation – Insights from Dr. Anastasios Vekris at IMCAS Americas 202455

Event

Contact Form

Experienced, renowned scientists give a solution to the problem of hair loss.

I wish to receive emails about your services.I have been informed about the above processing of my personal data, and I GIVE my consent to it, as it is specifically defined in detail.