Hair Loss: Types, Causes and Possible Treatments

Losing your hair is not usually a sign of illness, but it can be upsetting. Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is a common concern affecting millions of men and women worldwide. It can manifest in various ways, ranging from gradual thinning of hair to sudden bald patches.

At Skin Win Clinic, the management of hair loss is individualized depending on the stage and type of the disease. The clinic provides a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments, including hair transplants, PRP, GFC PRP, mesotherapy, low-level light therapy, and medical therapy.

There are several types of hair loss, each with its own causes and characteristics.

• Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness): Androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent form of hair loss, which is genetic. It involves a receding hairline or thinning of the hair on the crown in men while women tend to experience overall thinning of the hair.
• Alopecia Areata: This condition involves patches of total hair loss that are smooth and round on the scalp or other parts of the body. However, in some cases, it may lead to alopecia totalis, which involves loss of hair on the scalp or alopecia universalis, which entails hair loss body-wide.
• Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia: This category encompasses a group of diseases that lead to scarring on the scalp and destroy hair follicles through inflammation, and prevent regrowth. The cause of this condition is unclear, and it may be brought about by an autoimmune disease, a virus or bacteria.
• Telogen Effluvium: This is a sudden but noticeable loss of hair that occurs as a result of a disturbing event or shock to the body. The shock can be in the form of serious illnesses, surgery, bereavement, nutritional deficiencies, extreme diets, or stress, and it usually takes about two to three months for the hair loss to begin.
• Traction Alopecia: This form of hair loss is caused by the hair is tied too tightly frequently. As a result, it can damage the hair follicles and cause baldness or thinning particularly on the front hairline or at the back of the scalp.
• Trichotillomania: It is a psychological disorder that involves an impulse to pluck out one’s hair leading to bald patches. The hair loss occurs because a person has a strong urge to remove hair from various parts of the body.

• Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia): This is the most common cause of hair loss, particularly in men. It is inherited from one or both parents and is associated with the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to the shrinking of hair follicles over time.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can contribute to hair loss. Androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, can also play a role in both men and women.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and illnesses can lead to hair loss, including autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, scalp infections, and skin disorders like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, blood thinners, and medications for high blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect. Hair typically grows back once the medication is discontinued, but in some cases, the loss may be permanent.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, can contribute to hair loss. Malnutrition or extreme dieting may also lead to hair thinning or shedding.
• Stress: Emotional or physical stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary hair loss known as telogen effluvium. Severe stressors such as traumatic events, surgery, or extreme weight loss can trigger this condition.
• Age: As individuals age, hair follicles can shrink and become less active, resulting in thinner, weaker hair. This natural process, known as involutional alopecia, is more common in older adults.

If you notice unusually rapid thinning, bald spots, or if shedding persists beyond 6 weeks, it’s wise to see a healthcare provider. Also, consult if you have symptoms like scalp inflammation, pain, or signs of hormone imbalance. Early consultation can identify underlying causes (like thyroid issues or anaemia) and start treatment sooner.

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first begin experiencing hair loss?
• Has your hair loss been continuous or occasional?
• Have you noticed poor hair growth, hair breakage or hair shedding?
• Has your hair loss been patchy or overall?
• Have you had a similar problem in the past?
• Has anyone in your immediate family experienced hair loss?
• What medications or supplements do you take regularly?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your hair loss?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your hair loss?

Before making a diagnosis, your doctor will likely give you a physical exam and ask about your diet, your hair care routine, and your medical and family history. You might also have tests, such as the following:

• Blood test. This might help uncover medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
• Pull test. Your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs to see how many come out. This helps determine the stage of the shedding process.
• Scalp biopsy. Your doctor scrapes samples from the skin or from a few hairs plucked from the scalp to examine the hair roots under a microscope. This can help determine whether an infection is causing hair loss.
• Light microscopy. Your doctor uses a special instrument to examine hairs trimmed at their bases. Microscopy helps uncover possible disorders of the hair shaft.

At SkinWin Clinic, we believe that true beauty is a reflection of health and confidence. Our approach is not just to treat conditions, but to enhance your natural elegance through scientifically-backed procedures. We combine advanced surgical techniques with proven non-surgical therapies to address hair loss at every stage. Each treatment plan is customised based on your hair type, degree of loss, and lifestyle — ensuring safe, natural-looking, and long-lasting results.

• Hair Transplant
• Beard Transplant
• Eyebrow Transplant
• PRP Therapy
• GFC PRP Therapy
• Mesotherapy
• LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy)
• Medical Therapy
• Dandruff Treatment