Hair loss: identify the cause instead of trying products
Hereditary, patchy or diffuse – the forms differ fundamentally, and so does the treatment.
Hair loss is often treated on one's own initiative. Because the forms have completely different causes, this rarely achieves the goal.
How much is normal?
Losing up to about 100 hairs a day is physiological. It becomes noticeable when the volume visibly decreases, the scalp shows through, or the loss clearly increases over weeks.
The most common forms
- Androgenetic (hereditary) – in men a receding hairline and crown thinning, in women a thinning along the parting
- Diffuse – even thinning, often a few months after a trigger such as an infection, surgery, weight loss, iron deficiency, thyroid disorder, childbirth
- Patchy (alopecia areata) – sharply defined bald areas, autoimmune in origin
Why the assessment comes first
Diffuse hair loss often improves on its own once the cause is resolved – an iron or thyroid problem can be treated. Hereditary hair loss, on the other hand, progresses without therapy. So the same treatment does not fit both.
What we examine
A conversation about the course and possible triggers, examination of the scalp with the dermoscope (trichoscopy), targeted laboratory values – including ferritin, thyroid, blood count.
Treatment options
Depending on the diagnosis, topical active ingredients, systemic therapies, PRP treatments or – with deficiencies – targeted supplementation may be considered.
Earlier is better
Hair follicles that are scarred or have completely regressed cannot be reactivated. The earlier the cause is established, the more options remain.