Hair loss: causes and treatment options
Losing some hair every day is normal. Hair loss becomes a concern when shedding increases, the parting widens, the hairline recedes or patches appear. The right treatment depends on the cause, so it is worth finding that out first.
Common causes
Pattern hair loss
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause in both men and women. In men it typically shows as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women it usually appears as thinning over the top of the scalp with the front hairline preserved. It is inherited and gradual.
Telogen effluvium
A sudden increase in shedding a few months after a trigger such as illness, high fever, surgery, childbirth, crash dieting or severe stress. It usually settles on its own once the trigger has passed.
Other causes
Alopecia areata causes round bald patches and is an autoimmune condition. Thyroid problems, iron deficiency, some medicines, scalp infections and tight hairstyles can also cause hair loss.
Treatments with evidence
| Treatment | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil (topical or oral) | Pattern hair loss in men and women | Needs continued use; initial shedding can occur |
| Finasteride or dutasteride | Pattern hair loss in men | Prescription medicines; discuss side effects with a doctor; not for women who may become pregnant |
| Low-level light therapy | Pattern hair loss | Home devices and clinic sessions; modest effect |
| Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) | Pattern hair loss | Injections of the patient's own processed blood; results vary |
| Hair transplant | Stable pattern hair loss | Surgery; needs enough donor hair |
Most treatments take three to six months before any change is visible, and stopping them usually means losing the regrowth over time.
Shampoos and supplements
Many shampoos and supplements are sold for thinning hair in Thailand. A shampoo can keep the scalp clean and comfortable, and some ingredients, such as ketoconazole, have limited evidence for a small benefit. Shampoos are not a substitute for treatments like minoxidil in pattern hair loss. Supplements help mainly when there is a deficiency, such as low iron, which a blood test can show.
When to see a dermatologist
See a doctor if hair loss is sudden or patchy, if your scalp is itchy, painful, scaly or scarred, if you also feel tired or unwell, or if hair loss started after a new medicine. A dermatologist can examine the scalp, arrange blood tests and confirm the diagnosis before you spend money on treatment.
Written by the SurgicalEyes editorial team. Last updated October 2026. See how we prepare and check guides in our medical review policy.