Hair loss is a problem that affects both women and men, regardless of age. Losing several dozen hairs a day is a physiological process, but when you notice that significantly more are left on your brush, pillow, or in the shower drain, it’s time to take action. In our clinic, we specialize in comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of alopecia – with an individual approach to each patient.
How to recognize if your hair loss is excessive?
Identifying excessive hair loss is not always easy, as every person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day, which is a natural part of the hair life cycle. The problem arises when this process accelerates – the hair becomes thinner, sparser, and its presence becomes noticeable not only during brushing but also on pillows, clothes, or in the shower drain.
One of the first warning signs is when you notice that much more hair falls out during washing than before. You may feel as if your hair is literally flowing away with the water, leaving handfuls in your hands. Similar symptoms may occur while brushing – if your hairbrush is covered with hair after each use and needs to be cleaned more frequently than usual, it’s worth investigating further.
Another sign may be visible thinning of the hairstyle. Hair may lose its volume and become less dense – affecting the hairline, temples, and crown. In women, thinning often involves the widening of the parting line, while in men, a receding hairline and balding crown are typical.
Why does hair fall out? The most common causes
One of the most common causes of hair loss are hormonal factors, especially androgenetic alopecia. In men, this appears as a receding hairline and thinning crown, while in women it often presents as diffuse thinning across the scalp, particularly along the parting. The main culprit is a derivative of testosterone – DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which weakens hair follicles and causes gradual miniaturization.
Another important factor is stress and psychological strain. Chronic stress disrupts hormonal balance, constricts blood vessels, and can lead to telogen effluvium, where a large number of hairs simultaneously enter the resting phase and fall out in a short period. This is a typical reaction after emotional shock, hospitalization, childbirth, or surgery.
Nutritional deficiencies are also a major cause – especially iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Since hair is not considered a vital structure, it is one of the first to suffer in cases of malnutrition or an imbalanced diet. This leads to weakened hair roots and slowed growth.
Autoimmune diseases – such as lupus or alopecia areata – can also lead to hair loss. In such cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing sudden bald patches that are often unpredictable and recurrent. Untreated alopecia areata may even lead to total hair loss.
For women, hormonal imbalances related to menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause play a significant role. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone directly affect hair condition. Many women experience postpartum hair loss, which usually resolves on its own but can be very distressing.
We should not forget about external factors – such as aggressive hair treatments, frequent coloring, straightening, heat styling, as well as tight hairstyles or synthetic wigs. Regular damage to hair structure and chemical exposure can permanently weaken follicles and cause micro-injuries.
How many hairs fall out daily and how does the hair growth cycle work?
Hair shedding is a natural physiological process that happens every day in all humans. On average, we lose 50–100 hairs per day. This number is within the normal range and results from the natural hair growth cycle, which includes three phases: growth, transition, and rest. Each hair functions independently, ensuring that under normal conditions, the hairstyle does not thin abruptly – some hairs grow, some shed, and new ones replace them.
The growth phase, called anagen, is the most active stage and can last 2–6 years. During this time, the follicle works intensively – cells multiply, the hair grows, and the bulb remains well-nourished. Up to 90% of our hair is in this phase, which is why the length and density of hair largely depend on the duration of anagen.
| Phase | Name | Duration | What happens? | Percentage of hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Anagen | 2–6 years | Active growth | 85–90% |
| II | Catagen | 2–3 weeks | Transition | 1–2% |
| III | Telogen | 2–3 months | Shedding | 10–15% |
The catagen phase is a short, 2–3 week transitional stage during which the follicle shrinks, nourishment ceases, and growth stops. Only 1–2% of hairs are in this phase at the same time.
The telogen phase lasts around 2–3 months. Hair does not grow, remains inactive, and gradually moves to the skin’s surface before shedding. Normally, 10–15% of hairs are in this phase. After shedding, the cycle begins again with new hair growth from the same follicle.
Any disruption of these stages – shortening anagen, prolonging telogen, or stalling in catagen – can cause visible thinning and excessive shedding. This is why it’s crucial to consult a specialist if you experience concerning hair loss. Accurate diagnosis helps identify which phase is disrupted and tailor the right therapy to restore balance.
When does hair loss require a specialist consultation?
You should seek medical help if hair loss is sudden and intense – handfuls fall out during washing, brushing, or even gentle touch. Chronic, persistent shedding leading to thinning should also raise concern. Receding hairlines, bald patches, or widening partings can indicate serious conditions like androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata.
Other worrying symptoms include itching, burning, excessive oiliness, or flaking of the scalp. These may signal scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or fungal infections. Hair loss following infection, antibiotics, severe stress, or hormonal changes (e.g., after pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders) should also be investigated.
A specialist – trichologist, dermatologist, or aesthetic medicine doctor – can determine whether hair loss is temporary and reversible, or the beginning of a more serious condition. Using diagnostic tools such as trichoscopy, microscopic hair analysis, or lab tests, they can recommend targeted therapy tailored to the root cause.
Seeking professional help not only increases treatment success but also prevents mistakes in self-care and unnecessary product experimentation. With hair, time is crucial – the earlier proper measures are taken, the better the chances of recovery.
Hair loss diagnostics – how to identify the cause?
The first step is always a detailed medical history. The doctor or trichologist asks about the duration and intensity of hair loss, lifestyle, stress, diet, illnesses, medications, cosmetic treatments, and family history. This often reveals potential risk factors such as hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or chronic stress.
Next, a scalp and hair examination is performed, often with trichoscopy – a modern imaging method that magnifies the scalp. Trichoscopy assesses hair density, follicle condition, miniaturization, signs of inflammation, or flaking. It is invaluable in differentiating types of alopecia such as androgenetic, alopecia areata, or telogen effluvium.
If systemic conditions are suspected, laboratory tests are ordered, including iron and ferritin levels, vitamin D3, zinc, thyroid hormones (TSH, FT3, FT4), androgens (testosterone, DHT), complete blood count, and autoimmune markers. These tests help identify conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, PCOS, or other endocrine disorders.
In some cases, genetic tests, microscopic hair shaft analysis, or scalp biopsy may be required to clarify diagnosis.
“Not all hair loss is baldness. The key is to understand the cause – without it, treatment only masks symptoms.”
— Dr. Piotr Turkowski, hair transplant specialist
How to stop hair loss – strategies
The first step is always to identify the cause of hair loss. Treatment differs for androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, or autoimmune disorders. A tailored therapy plan yields far better results than random use of cosmetics or supplements.
One of the most common modern therapies is scalp mesotherapy – injecting vitamins, minerals, amino acids, peptides, or hyaluronic acid directly into the scalp. This nourishes follicles at the root, improves circulation, and stimulates new growth.
Another popular option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – also known as the “vampire lift” for the scalp. It uses the patient’s own blood. After centrifugation, the plasma rich in growth factors is injected into the scalp, stimulating regeneration and follicle activation.
For advanced alopecia, especially androgenetic, FUE hair transplant may be the solution. This minimally invasive technique involves extracting follicular units from the back of the head (resistant to DHT) and transplanting them into thinning areas. Results are natural, permanent, and scar-free.
Daily hair care is also essential – gentle washing, avoiding harsh cosmetics, limiting heat styling, and avoiding tight hairstyles. Proper trichological products with caffeine, niacinamide, aminexil, or ginseng extract can support hair condition.
Diet and lifestyle are equally important. Hair needs protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and B vitamins. Deficiencies weaken follicles. Managing stress, maintaining good sleep, and avoiding stimulants are key for healthy hair.
Treatment options for hair loss
Treatment depends on the cause, but the most common methods include:
- Mesotherapy – injecting nutrients directly into the scalp to improve circulation and stimulate growth,
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – autologous therapy using growth factors from the patient’s blood,
- Peptide therapies and trichological ampoules – supplying growth-stimulating ingredients to follicles,
- Pharmacological treatment – e.g., minoxidil or finasteride (for men), prescribed under medical supervision,
- FUE hair transplant – a permanent solution for advanced cases, transplanting resistant follicles to thinning areas.
Trichological and aesthetic medicine treatments
Modern trichology and aesthetic medicine offer supportive therapies against hair loss, including:
- Scalp mesotherapy – injecting vitamin and peptide cocktails directly into the scalp,
- PRP – natural autologous therapy that regenerates and activates follicles,
- Carboxytherapy – injecting CO₂ under the scalp to improve blood supply and oxygenation, stimulating growth,
- Peptide therapies – advanced biomimetic complexes that rebuild hair and scalp structure.
Hair loss in women and men – differences and treatment approaches
Hair loss in women and men progresses differently and often has distinct causes, requiring tailored treatment. In men, androgenetic alopecia is most common, with a receding hairline and crown thinning, often genetically linked to follicle sensitivity to DHT. In women, thinning is usually diffuse across the scalp, linked to hormonal imbalances, iron deficiency, stress, pregnancy, or menopause.
Men’s treatment often includes medication (finasteride, minoxidil) plus mesotherapy, PRP, or transplants. In women, therapy focuses on hormonal balance, supplementation, and trichological treatments. Accurate diagnostics are essential in both cases.
Post-COVID hair loss – how to deal with it?
Post-COVID hair loss is a common issue in both women and men, usually occurring a few weeks after infection. Most often it is telogen effluvium – many hairs simultaneously enter the resting phase and shed. The cause is physical and emotional stress, fever, hormonal changes, and nutrient deficiencies. While it usually resolves on its own, the body benefits from a balanced diet, supplementation (iron, zinc, biotin), gentle care, and strengthening treatments like mesotherapy or PRP. If hair loss persists, specialist diagnostics are recommended.
Read more: Post-COVID hair loss – what causes it?
How to prevent hair loss recurrence?
To prevent recurrence, it’s important to maintain healthy scalp and follicle condition through regular care and a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and B vitamins, avoid chronic stress, and prioritize quality sleep. Use mild trichological shampoos and avoid harsh treatments. Regular strengthening treatments such as mesotherapy, PRP, or peptide therapies help maintain results and support hair growth. Hormonal monitoring and periodic diagnostics are also important, especially for those prone to relapses.
What to avoid if you have hair loss?
Avoid anything that further weakens follicles or irritates the scalp. Aggressive salon treatments, frequent dyeing, bleaching, straightening, or blow-drying with hot air should be minimized. Refrain from tight hairstyles, silicones, alcohol, or sulfate-heavy cosmetics. Stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep also contribute. Avoid self-treatment without diagnostics – the wrong products may worsen the problem.
