Hair Loss Guide
Understanding Hair Loss: Causes, Types, Treatments & What Actually Works
A clear, evidence-led overview of hair loss (alopecia): why it happens, the major types, how to recognise patterns, the most effective treatments, and how HR23+ can support healthy cycling and regrowth.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss (also called alopecia) is a reduction in hair density on the scalp or body. It can be gradual or sudden, mild or severe, and can affect people of all ages and genders.
Most hair loss comes down to one of two things: (1) miniaturisation (follicles produce finer hairs over time) or (2) shedding (too many hairs shift into the resting phase together). The best treatment depends on which of those is driving your situation.
Early Signs of Hair Loss (What Most People Miss)
Pattern changes
Widening part, more scalp showing under bright light, thinner crown, or a receding hairline.
Ponytail shrink
A reduced ponytail circumference is often a clearer sign than “how much hair you shed.”
Miniaturised hairs
Shorter, finer hairs replacing previously thick hairs — a hallmark of pattern loss.
Shedding spikes
Noticeably more hair in the shower/brush for weeks to months, often after stress, illness, or hormones shifting.
Red flags: patchy bald spots, scalp burning/itching with inflammation, heavy scaling, or rapid progression can indicate a different condition and should be assessed.
The Main Types of Hair Loss (And How to Tell Them Apart)
Androgenic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)
The most common type. Driven by genetic sensitivity to androgens and follicle miniaturisation. Men: receding temples + crown thinning (Norwood scale). Women: widening part + diffuse crown thinning (Ludwig scale).
Telogen Effluvium (Shedding)
A temporary shed where many follicles enter the resting phase together. Often triggered by stress, illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, postpartum changes, or medication shifts.
Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune)
Usually patchy, sudden hair loss (round/oval areas) and can affect brows/beard. Needs medical assessment and a different treatment approach.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss caused by chronic tension (tight styles, extensions, frequent pulling). Common at the hairline/temples. Early action helps prevent permanent damage.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss is rarely “random.” Most cases link back to genetics + hormones, a shedding trigger, scalp health, or a nutritional/medical issue. These are the most common drivers:
Genetics & DHT sensitivity
Pattern thinning is heavily genetic and often driven by androgen sensitivity in follicles.
Hormonal changes
Postpartum shifts, menopause, thyroid changes, PCOS, or coming off hormonal contraception.
Stress/illness triggers
Stress, fever/illness, surgery, or rapid weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium.
Deficiencies
Low iron/ferritin, vitamin D, zinc, B12/folate can contribute to shedding or weak regrowth.
Medications
Some medications can contribute to shedding. Never stop prescriptions without medical guidance.
Scalp inflammation
Seb derm, psoriasis, dermatitis, and chronic irritation can worsen shedding and hair quality.
How Hair Loss Is Diagnosed (What to Check)
A good starting checklist
- Pattern: crown/part vs diffuse shed vs patches
- Timeline: sudden (weeks) vs gradual (months/years)
- Triggers: stress, illness, hormones, meds, diet changes
- Scalp: itch, scale, inflammation, pain
- Family history: male/female pattern hair loss
Hair Loss Treatments (Compared)
There’s no single “best” hair loss treatment — the best option matches the cause. Here are the most common approaches and where they fit.
Topical Minoxidil
Strong evidence base for pattern thinning. Helps prolong the growth phase. Requires consistency for months; stopping usually means losing gains over time.
Finasteride / DHT-targeting meds
Often used in male pattern loss to reduce DHT and preserve hair. Not suitable for everyone — discuss risks/benefits with a clinician.
Scalp + inflammation control
If the scalp is inflamed, itchy, or heavily scaled, addressing that can improve shedding and comfort. A calm scalp is a better growth environment.
Nutrition + deficiencies
Correcting low iron/ferritin, vitamin D, zinc, or B vitamins can reduce shedding and support regrowth quality, especially in diffuse shedding.
Hair transplant surgery
Best for stable pattern loss with good donor supply. Results depend on surgeon quality, aftercare, and ongoing prevention.
Supportive non-drug options
Supplements and topical support can help optimise the internal environment, reduce excessive shedding, and support stronger regrowth — especially in early stages or as part of a stack.
How Long Do Hair Loss Treatments Take to Work?
- Weeks 1–8: focus is stabilising shedding and improving scalp/hair quality.
- Months 3–6: early visible changes (less shedding, better texture, early regrowth).
- Months 9–12: clearer density improvements for many people with consistent routines.
Hair works in cycles. Most “it’s not working” moments happen because people stop too early or treat the wrong cause.
How HR23+ Can Help With Hair Loss
HR23+ is a premium, non-prescription supplement designed to support healthier hair cycling, reduce excessive shedding, and promote stronger regrowth. It’s not a “cure” — but it can be a powerful part of a sensible routine, especially in early-stage thinning or when you’re addressing multiple contributing factors.
Best suited for those looking to support hair in the early-to-moderate stages (commonly Norwood 1–4 for men, or early-to-mid female pattern thinning). As with all hair approaches, consistency matters — most people assess results over 3–6 months.
Key Ingredients in HR23+ (Examples)
Saw Palmetto
Often used as a supportive ingredient for those targeting DHT-related hair concerns.
Biotin + supportive micronutrients
Support normal hair maintenance and resilience — especially when diet is inconsistent.
Antioxidant + scalp-support blend
Supports the broader environment hair needs to grow well.
Note: Always check suitability with a healthcare professional if pregnant, breastfeeding, on anticoagulants, or taking prescriptions.
A Simple 90-Day Hair Loss Action Plan
Weeks 1–2: Identify the pattern
Take baseline photos (part, crown, hairline). Note triggers and timeline. If scalp is inflamed, address it early.
Weeks 3–8: Choose a consistent routine
Match treatment to cause (pattern vs shedding). Avoid product-hopping. Support nutrition and sleep.
Weeks 9–12: Track and adjust
Look for reduced shedding first. If no improvement, consider blood work and specialist review.
FAQ: Hair Loss
What is the most common type of hair loss?
The most common type is androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness), affecting a large proportion of men and women as they age.
Can hair loss be cured?
There’s no universal permanent “cure,” but many people can slow or stabilise loss and improve density by matching treatment to the cause (e.g., minoxidil, prescription options, correcting deficiencies, and supportive routines).
How does HR23+ help with hair loss?
HR23+ is a non-prescription supplement designed to support healthier hair cycling, reduce excessive shedding, and promote stronger regrowth — particularly useful in early stages or as part of a broader plan.
How long until I see results?
Many people look for reduced shedding within 8–12 weeks, with clearer density improvements often taking 6–12 months depending on the cause and consistency.