Why is my hair falling out?
Losing some hair every day is normal: the NHS says most of us lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day without noticing. More than that usually has an everyday cause, such as illness, stress, having a baby, a big change in weight, low iron, or hair loss that runs in the family, and much of it grows back. A GP can check for medical causes, and a trichologist can look closely at your hair and scalp.
Common reasons hair falls out
- Shedding after a shock to the system. Illness, a high temperature, surgery, stress or having a baby can push many hairs into their resting phase at once, with extra shedding a couple of months later. It usually settles.
- Pattern hair loss. Gradual thinning at the temples and crown, or across the top in women. It tends to run in families.
- Low iron. Iron deficiency is a well-known cause, and a blood test can check.
- Hormone changes. The menopause, thyroid problems and some medicines can all affect hair.
- Losing weight. Losing a lot quickly, or eating too little, can cause shedding.
- Hair care. Tight ponytails, braids and harsh chemical treatments can pull or break hair.
- Patches. Round bald patches can be alopecia areata, which is worth showing your GP.
Is my hair loss normal?
Hair grows in cycles, so finding hairs on your pillow, in the shower or in your brush is normal, and you will notice more if you wash it less often. Signs that something has changed include a widening parting, seeing more scalp in bright light, a ponytail that feels thinner, patches, or handfuls of hair coming out for weeks. Taking a photo of your parting and hairline once a month helps you see whether it is getting better or worse.
Or see someone: find trichologists near you
Search the Practitioner directory by town or postcode for trichologists near you.
Or by what you would like help with: hair loss and thinning
What your GP can do
The NHS suggests seeing a GP to find out what is causing your hair loss before thinking about a commercial hair clinic. They can often tell by looking, and may arrange blood tests for iron, thyroid and other causes. They can talk you through treatments, although not all are available on the NHS, and help you get support if hair loss is affecting how you feel.
Where a trichologist comes in
A trichologist specialises in hair and scalp. They take a detailed history, look closely at your scalp and hair, often under magnification, and study the pattern of shedding or thinning. They can explain what is likely to be going on, suggest scalp care and changes to how you look after your hair, and tell you when you need to see your GP or a dermatologist. Trichologists are not doctors and cannot prescribe, so they work well alongside medical care.
Will it grow back?
Often, yes. Shedding after illness, stress, a baby or a crash diet usually stops once the cause has passed, though regrowth can take several months to show because hair grows slowly. Pattern hair loss is usually permanent without ongoing treatment, and getting advice early gives you more options. Patchy hair loss often grows back by itself, but it varies from person to person.
Roughly what it costs to get it looked at
A GP appointment is free, and so are NHS blood tests your GP arranges. A first trichology consultation commonly costs around £60 to £150, with follow-ups around £40 to £100, depending on where you are. Ask a trichologist what the first appointment includes before you book.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that haven't been checked, or you are under medical care, please talk to your GP as well.
More questions
Can tight hairstyles cause hair loss?
Yes. Regular tight ponytails, braids, extensions or buns can pull hair out over time, especially at the hairline. Looser styles and giving your hair a rest help.
Why is my hair falling out after having a baby?
Heavy shedding a few months after giving birth is very common, as hairs that hung on during pregnancy fall out together. It usually settles within a year. Mention it to your GP or health visitor if you are worried.
Can the menopause cause hair loss?
Yes, changing hormones can make hair thinner. Your GP can check for other causes, such as thyroid problems or low iron, and talk about options.
Why is my hair coming out in clumps?
Large amounts coming out suddenly, or in patches, is worth showing your GP so they can check for alopecia areata or another cause.
Does washing my hair make it fall out?
No. Hairs that come out in the shower were already loose. Washing less often just means you see more of them at once.