Hair Loss Questions & Answers

What is the main cause of hair loss?

The most common cause of progressive hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss.

Genetics and the sensitivity of individual hair follicles to androgen hormones play an important role. Men often notice a receding hairline, thinning temples or loss at the crown. Women more commonly notice a widening parting and gradual thinning across the top of the scalp.

How much hair shedding is normal?

It is normal to shed hair every day. A commonly quoted range is approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day, although the amount naturally varies between individuals.

Rather than trying to count individual hairs, look for a noticeable change from what is normal for you. A widening parting, thinner ponytail, receding hairline or steadily increasing scalp visibility can be more useful signs than the exact number of hairs in the shower.

What are the main types of hair loss?

• Androgenetic alopecia: gradual male or female pattern hair loss.
• Telogen effluvium: diffuse shedding that often follows physical or emotional stress.
• Alopecia areata: an autoimmune form of hair loss that commonly causes distinct patches.
• Traction alopecia: hair loss caused by repeated pulling or tension on the follicles.
• Scalp-related hair loss: inflammatory or dermatological conditions can sometimes increase shedding.

Identifying the type of hair loss matters because the treatment that helps one condition may not be appropriate for another.

What is DHT and why does it matter for hair loss?

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is an androgen hormone produced from testosterone through the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.

In people who are genetically susceptible to pattern hair loss, DHT can contribute to a process known as follicle miniaturisation. Over repeated hair-growth cycles, affected hairs become progressively finer, shorter and less visible.

Can thinning hair grow back?

Sometimes, yes. Whether thinning hair can improve depends mainly on why the thinning is happening and whether the affected follicles are still capable of producing healthy hairs.

Temporary shedding such as telogen effluvium may recover when its trigger resolves. With progressive pattern hair loss, treatment is usually aimed at protecting existing follicles, slowing further miniaturisation and, where possible, improving the thickness of weakened hairs.

Why am I losing so much hair in the shower?

Seeing more hair than usual in the shower can be alarming, but it does not automatically mean you are going bald.

Washing can release hairs that had already entered the shedding phase of their natural growth cycle. If the amount has increased significantly for several weeks, however, excessive shedding may be occurring.

Illness, stress, hormonal changes, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and telogen effluvium are among the possible causes.

Why has my hair suddenly started shedding more?

Sudden diffuse shedding is commonly associated with telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual move into the resting and shedding phase at approximately the same time.

Potential triggers include:

• Illness or a high fever
• Significant physical or emotional stress
• Surgery
• Rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Hormonal changes
• Medication changes
• Iron deficiency or other nutritional problems
• Thyroid disorders

Importantly, the triggering event can occur several weeks or even months before the shedding becomes noticeable.

Can stress really cause hair loss months later?

Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, and the resulting shedding may not become obvious until several weeks or months after the stressful event.

This delay often makes the connection difficult to recognise. Someone may feel that the stressful period has already passed before the increased hair shedding begins.

Stress-related shedding is often temporary, although persistent or severe hair loss should still be assessed professionally.

I can suddenly see more of my scalp under bright lights. Am I losing my hair?

Bright overhead lighting can make almost anyone's scalp appear more visible, particularly with fine, wet, greasy or light-coloured hair.

The more useful question is whether your scalp has become progressively more visible over time. Compare photographs taken several months apart under the same lighting, angle and hairstyle.

Increasing scalp visibility together with a widening parting, receding hairline or reduced overall density can indicate genuine thinning.

My hair has been thinning for years. Is it too late to do anything?

No. Several years of thinning does not automatically mean that nothing can be done.

The important factors are the cause of the hair loss and the condition of the affected follicles. Areas that still contain fine, miniaturised hairs may offer more opportunity for improvement than areas that have been completely bald for a long period.

With progressive pattern hair loss, however, acting earlier usually gives you a better opportunity to preserve the hair that remains.

How does male pattern hair loss usually start?

Male pattern hair loss commonly begins with recession at the temples, thinning through the crown, or a combination of both.

Progression varies enormously. Some men experience only minor recession for many years, while others develop more noticeable thinning relatively quickly.

Looking at changes over months rather than checking the hairline every day gives a much clearer indication of whether hair loss is progressing.

My hairline is receding but my crown is fine. Am I going bald?

A receding hairline can be an early sign of male pattern hair loss, even if the crown remains completely unaffected.

Not every receding hairline progresses to extensive baldness, and the speed and pattern of future loss cannot be predicted simply by looking at one area of the scalp.

Regular photographs of the temples and frontal hairline can help you determine whether the recession is stable or continuing.

My dad is bald. Does that mean I will definitely go bald too?

No. Having close relatives with pattern hair loss can increase your likelihood of developing it, but inheritance is more complicated than simply copying your father's hair.

Hair-loss susceptibility can be inherited through both sides of the family and involves multiple genes. Family history is therefore a useful clue, not a guaranteed prediction.

How does female pattern hair loss usually start?

Female pattern hair loss commonly appears as gradual thinning across the top of the scalp rather than a dramatically receding hairline.

Early signs may include a widening central parting, reduced volume, more visible scalp and a noticeably thinner ponytail.

Because the change can be diffuse and gradual, women sometimes do not realise how much density has been lost until comparing older photographs.

Can perimenopause cause hair thinning?

Yes. Many women notice changes in hair density, texture and shedding during perimenopause and menopause.

Changes in hormones can influence the hair-growth cycle and may also make underlying female pattern hair loss more noticeable.

However, hair loss at this stage of life should not automatically be blamed on hormones. Iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, stress, dieting and other factors can also contribute.

Can hair grow thicker again after menopause?

Some women can improve the appearance and condition of thinning hair, but the outcome depends on what is causing the loss.

Where nutritional deficiencies, stress or temporary shedding are involved, addressing the underlying issue may allow density to improve. Female pattern hair loss is usually progressive and requires a longer-term management approach.

My ponytail feels much thinner than it used to. Is that a sign of hair loss?

It can be. A noticeable reduction in ponytail thickness is one of the ways women often first recognise a loss of overall hair density.

It does not identify the cause on its own, but if the change is persistent and accompanied by increased shedding, a widening parting or greater scalp visibility, further assessment is sensible.

What are the best treatments for hair loss?

There is no single best treatment for every type of hair loss. The right approach depends on the cause, stage of thinning, medical history and personal preference.

• Minoxidil: an established topical treatment used for pattern hair loss. Learn more
• Finasteride: a prescription treatment commonly used for male pattern hair loss. Learn more
• Nutritional support: useful where diet or nutritional status may be affecting healthy hair growth.
• Scalp care: particularly important where dandruff, inflammation or seborrhoeic dermatitis is present.
• Other options: microneedling, low-level laser therapy, PRP and hair transplantation may be appropriate in selected cases.

Can minoxidil make my hair look worse before it gets better?

Yes, some people experience increased shedding after starting minoxidil.

This early shedding can make the hair temporarily appear thinner and often worries new users. It does not automatically mean that the treatment is failing.

Hair grows slowly, so minoxidil generally requires consistent use over several months before its effectiveness can be properly judged. Persistent or severe shedding should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

What happens if I stop using minoxidil?

Minoxidil generally needs to be used continuously to maintain the benefit it provides.

If treatment is stopped, hairs that were being maintained or supported by minoxidil may gradually be lost and the underlying pattern hair loss can continue.

If you are considering stopping because of side effects or another concern, seek appropriate medical advice.

What should I do if finasteride is giving me side effects?

Finasteride can be effective for male pattern hair loss, but recognised side effects can occur.

If you develop persistent or troublesome symptoms after starting finasteride, speak to the healthcare professional who prescribed it. Do not feel that you need to tolerate significant side effects purely for the sake of maintaining your hair.

Men who decide that finasteride is not suitable for them can discuss other medical options or consider a non-prescription hair-support routine.

How long do hair loss treatments take to work?

Hair grows slowly, so meaningful changes should usually be judged in months rather than days or weeks.

Different treatments have different timelines, and individual responses vary considerably. Taking baseline photographs under the same lighting and from the same angles is one of the best ways to assess progress objectively.

Constantly changing products after only a few weeks makes it very difficult to determine what is helping.

Can I use more than one hair loss treatment at the same time?

In many cases, hair-loss routines use more than one approach because different products can address different aspects of hair and scalp health.

However, combining prescription medicines, topical treatments or supplements should be done sensibly. Always check product directions and speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional where medical treatments or potential interactions are involved.

Can vitamin or mineral deficiencies cause hair loss?

Yes, nutritional problems can contribute to excessive shedding or poor hair growth in some people.

Iron status is particularly relevant in some cases, while adequate protein and a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals are important for normal hair production.

Supplements should not be used as a substitute for investigating persistent unexplained hair loss, and taking excessive amounts of individual nutrients is not necessarily beneficial.

Can dieting or rapid weight loss make my hair fall out?

Yes. Rapid weight loss, severe calorie restriction and inadequate intake of protein or important nutrients can disrupt the normal hair-growth cycle.

The resulting shedding may not begin until several weeks or months after the period of dieting, which can make the cause less obvious.

What is HR23+?

HR23+® is a non-prescription nutritional hair supplement designed for men and women experiencing excessive shedding and thinning hair.

The formula combines 23 nutritional and botanical ingredients to provide ongoing support for normal, healthy hair growth.

HR23+ is not a prescription medicine and should not be presented as a direct pharmaceutical replacement for treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride.

Is HR23+ suitable for women with thinning hair?

HR23+ is formulated for both men and women and can be considered by women looking for nutritional support for thinning hair or excessive shedding.

Female hair loss has many possible causes, so sudden, severe or unexplained thinning should still be investigated rather than automatically treated with a supplement alone.

Is HR23+ a good option for hair thinning during perimenopause?

HR23+ can form part of a non-medical hair-support routine for women experiencing thinning during perimenopause.

It does not treat perimenopause or alter the hormonal changes that occur during this stage of life. Its role is nutritional support for normal hair growth.

Because thinning around perimenopause can also be associated with iron deficiency, thyroid problems, stress and female pattern hair loss, persistent or significant changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Can HR23+ be used alongside minoxidil?

HR23+ and topical minoxidil perform very different roles. HR23+ is a nutritional supplement, while minoxidil is a drug used to treat certain forms of hair loss.

Some people choose to include both within a wider hair-loss routine. Always follow the instructions for any medicine you use and speak to a healthcare professional if you have questions about your individual circumstances.

Is HR23+ an alternative to finasteride?

HR23+ is an option for people looking for a non-prescription approach to supporting their hair, but it should not be described as a direct replacement for finasteride.

Finasteride is a pharmaceutical treatment that acts on 5-alpha-reductase and DHT. HR23+ is a nutritional supplement and works in a fundamentally different way.

Someone who cannot or does not wish to use finasteride may choose non-medical approaches instead, but changes to prescribed treatment should be discussed with the prescribing healthcare professional.

How long should I take HR23+ before judging the results?

Hair growth is slow, so HR23+ should be assessed over a meaningful period rather than after only a few days or weeks.

Individual results vary, and any changes in shedding, condition or visible density need time to become apparent. Taking clear baseline photographs before starting gives you a much more reliable way to judge progress.

When should I see a doctor or hair-loss professional?

Seek professional assessment if your hair loss is sudden, severe, unexplained or accompanied by other symptoms.

Particular reasons to seek advice include:

• Sudden bald patches
• Rapidly progressing hair loss
• Persistent heavy shedding
• Scalp pain, burning or significant inflammation
• Heavy scaling or unusual scalp changes
• Unexplained tiredness or weight changes
• Hair loss following a new medicine
• Hair loss affecting a child

A GP or dermatologist can help identify possible medical causes and advise whether further investigation or treatment is needed.

What should I do when I first notice my hair thinning?

Start by establishing a baseline rather than immediately buying several different treatments.

• Identify the pattern: hairline recession, crown loss, diffuse thinning or patches.
• Take clear photographs: use the same lighting, distance and angles each time.
• Think about recent changes: illness, stress, weight loss, hormonal changes or new medicines.
• Look at your general nutrition: particularly if your diet has recently changed.
• Choose a realistic plan: avoid constantly switching products before they have had time to work.

With progressive pattern hair loss, early action generally gives you more opportunity to protect existing density.