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Hair loss, known medically as alopecia, is the partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp or body. It is extremely common and is not, by itself, harmful to physical health, though it can significantly affect self-image and emotional well-being. Most people normally shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the hair's natural growth cycle; problematic hair loss means shedding noticeably more than this, or hair that does not grow back.
Hair grows in cycles of growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest/shedding (telogen). Different causes of hair loss disrupt this cycle in different ways, which is why the type of hair loss matters for treatment.
The most frequent cause is androgenetic alopecia (male- or female-pattern hair loss), an inherited, hormone-related condition. In men, prevalence rises with age, affecting roughly 50% by age 50 and up to about 80% by age 70; pattern hair loss also affects up to roughly 50% of women over a lifetime. In men it typically appears as a receding hairline and crown thinning; in women as diffuse thinning and a widening part, most often after menopause.
Other important causes include:
Risk factors include a family history of hair loss, increasing age, significant stress, poor nutrition, and personal or family history of autoimmune or thyroid disease.
Hair loss can look different depending on the cause:
A clinician can usually identify the cause from a medical history and physical examination of the scalp and hair. Helpful steps include reviewing recent illnesses, medications, diet, stressors, and family history.
Additional tests may include:
Distinguishing scarring from non-scarring alopecia is important, because scarring forms can permanently destroy follicles and benefit from early treatment.
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Telogen effluvium often resolves on its own once the trigger is addressed. Correcting an underlying condition (such as thyroid disease or iron deficiency) can restore hair.
For androgenetic alopecia, two treatments are FDA-approved:
For severe alopecia areata, the FDA has approved three oral JAK inhibitors: baricitinib (2022, adults), ritlecitinib (2023, ages 12 and up), and deuruxolitinib (2024, adults). These require a prescription and carry significant risks that must be weighed with a clinician.
Other clinician-directed options include corticosteroids (topical, injected, or oral) for alopecia areata, low-level laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and hair transplantation for suitable candidates.
While lifestyle steps cannot reverse genetic hair loss, they support healthy hair: eat a balanced diet with adequate protein and iron, manage stress, avoid tight hairstyles and excessive heat or chemical treatments, and handle hair gently. Be cautious with unregulated supplements and "miracle" remedies, which are often unproven.
See a healthcare provider or board-certified dermatologist if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, rapid thinning, hair loss with itching, pain, scaling, or redness, hair loss after starting a medication, or pattern baldness appearing in a woman. Early evaluation gives the best chance of identifying a treatable cause and preventing permanent loss.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about diagnosis and treatment for your individual situation.
FDA-approved and evidence-based options depend on the cause. For androgenetic (pattern) hair loss: topical minoxidil (FDA-approved 1988; over-the-counter for men and women) and oral finasteride (FDA-approved 1997 for men only; not approved and contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant). For severe alopecia areata (an autoimmune type), the FDA has approved three oral JAK inhibitors: baricitinib (Olumiant, 2022, adults), ritlecitinib (Litfulo, 2023, ages 12+), and deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi, 2024, adults). In the ALLEGRO trial, about 23% of patients on ritlecitinib 50 mg achieved 80%+ scalp coverage (SALT score of 20 or less) at six months versus 1.6% on placebo. Other clinician-directed measures include treating underlying conditions (e.g., thyroid disease, iron deficiency), corticosteroids for alopecia areata, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplantation. Off-label oral or low-dose minoxidil and oral finasteride/dutasteride are sometimes prescribed. JAK inhibitors and finasteride carry meaningful risks and require a prescription and medical supervision. This is general information, not medical advice; a board-certified dermatologist or your clinician can match treatment to your specific diagnosis.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about diagnosis and treatment. Individual results vary.