Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair loss (also known as alopecia) is a common condition affecting both men and women of all ages. While it is normal to lose around 50–100 hairs each day, excessive hair shedding or progressive thinning may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires assessment.

Hair loss can have a significant impact on confidence and emotional wellbeing. Fortunately, many forms of alopecia can be successfully treated, particularly when diagnosed early.

At Mermaid Beach Dermatology, our Specialist Dermatologists diagnose the underlying cause of hair loss and provide personalised treatment plans using the latest evidence-based therapies.

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About Hair Loss (Alopecia)

  • What causes hair loss?

    Hair loss can occur suddenly or gradually and has many possible causes.

    Common causes include:

    • Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)

    • Female pattern hair loss

    • Alopecia areata

    • Telogen effluvium (excessive shedding)

    • Iron deficiency

    • Thyroid disease

    • Autoimmune disorders

    • Certain medications

    • Severe illness or surgery

    • Pregnancy and childbirth

    • Restrictive diets or rapid weight loss

    • Scalp inflammation

    • Fungal infections (particularly in children)

    Because treatment depends on the underlying cause, an accurate diagnosis is essential.

  • Common symptoms

    Hair loss may present as:

    • Increased hair shedding

    • Gradual thinning

    • A widening part line

    • Receding hairline

    • Bald patches

    • Hair breakage

    • Reduced hair density

    • Itchy or inflamed scalp

    • Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes

  • How is hair loss diagnosed?

    Your dermatologist will perform a detailed assessment including:

    • Medical history

    • Medication review

    • Family history

    • Examination of the scalp

    • Hair pull test

    • Dermoscopy (trichoscopy)

    Where appropriate, investigations may include:

    • Blood tests

    • Scalp biopsy

    • Fungal microscopy and culture

    These tests help identify the cause of hair loss and guide treatment.

  • How is hair loss treated?

    Treatment depends on the diagnosis.

    Options may include:

    • Topical medications

    • Oral medications

    • Corticosteroid injections

    • Treatment of nutritional deficiencies

    • Management of underlying medical conditions

    • Anti-inflammatory medications

    • Hair care advice

    Early treatment often produces the best outcomes.

  • Types of hair loss

    The most common forms of alopecia include:

    Alopecia areata

    An autoimmune condition causing sudden patchy hair loss.

    Male pattern hair loss

    The commonest cause of hair loss in men.

    Female pattern hair loss

    Gradual thinning affecting the crown and part line in women.

    Telogen effluvium

    Temporary excessive hair shedding occurring several months after illness, surgery, childbirth, emotional stress or rapid weight loss.

    Scarring alopecia

    A group of inflammatory disorders that permanently destroy hair follicles. Early diagnosis is important to prevent irreversible hair loss.

  • Why choose Mermaid Beach Dermatology?

    Our dermatologists diagnose all forms of hair loss using dermoscopy and evidence-based investigations.

    We provide:

    • Comprehensive assessment

    • Diagnosis of difficult hair disorders

    • Treatment of alopecia areata

    • Management of male and female pattern hair loss

    • Investigation of sudden hair shedding

    • Scalp biopsies where required

    • Long-term monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not always. Many causes of hair loss are reversible once treated.

  • Yes. Significant illness, emotional stress or surgery can trigger telogen effluvium several months later.

  • If you notice sudden shedding, bald patches, progressive thinning or scalp inflammation, specialist assessment is recommended.

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