Will my hair grow back?

It depends on why it fell out. Hair lost through a temporary trigger, such as illness, a stressful time, childbirth or a poor diet, often grows back once the trigger passes. Some kinds of hair loss are longer lasting, and some need a medical check. A trichologist can look closely at your scalp and hair and help you understand which kind you may have, and it is worth seeing your GP if the loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms.

Why the answer depends on the cause

Hair grows in cycles, and it is normal to lose some every day. Trouble starts when more falls out than usual or new hair stops coming through. The common causes are quite different from each other:

• Temporary shedding. A few months after illness, a fever, surgery, childbirth, crash dieting or a very stressful period, many people notice a lot more hair coming out. It often settles and hair gradually returns.
• Pattern thinning. Hair slowly thins over years, on the crown or at the temples, and runs in many families. It tends to be long lasting, though there are options to talk through.
• Patchy loss. Round bare patches can be a sign of alopecia areata, which is something to have checked by your GP. Hair does grow back for some people, but not always, and it can come and go.
• Pulling or tight styles. Hair lost from tension on the roots can often regrow if the pulling stops early enough.
• Other health causes. Thyroid problems, low iron and some medicines can all affect hair.

What a trichologist does

A trichologist focuses on hair and scalp. They are not doctors, and trichologist is not a legally protected title in the UK, so it is fair to ask about their training and which professional body they belong to. A first visit usually includes:

1. A conversation. When you first noticed the change, your health, medicines, diet, hair care, stress and family history.
2. A close look. They examine your scalp and hair, often with a magnifying camera, and may do a gentle pull test to see how much hair is shedding.
3. An explanation. What they think is going on, in plain words, and what is likely to be helpful.
4. A plan. Often advice on scalp care, hair habits and food, and sometimes a suggestion to ask your GP for blood tests.

A good trichologist will tell you if another route is better first.

How long does regrowth take?

Hair grows slowly, roughly a centimetre a month, so patience is part of it. Even when the cause has passed, many people wait three to six months before they see real change, and a full return can take longer. Photos taken in the same light each month are a kinder way to track progress than checking the mirror every day.

How many visits will I need?

Many people have an initial consultation and then a follow-up every few weeks or months, because change in hair takes time to show. Some are reassured after one or two visits, and others continue for longer. It is fair to ask at the start how many visits your trichologist would expect and what you are likely to be asked to do at home.

Roughly what does it cost?

A first trichology consultation in the UK commonly costs from £60, and often more in big cities. Follow-up visits are often priced a little lower, and any products or tests may be extra. Ask what is included, how long the appointment lasts and the cancellation terms before you book.

When to see your GP first

Please see your GP before, or alongside, any trichology visit if your hair loss is sudden, comes in patches, or is spreading quickly. Do the same if your scalp is painful, red, scaly or scarred, or if you also feel very tired, have gained or lost weight without trying, have heavy periods or notice other changes in your body. Your GP can check for causes such as thyroid problems or low iron. Trichology sits alongside NHS care and does not replace it, so please don't stop or change any medicine because of hair loss without talking to your doctor. Skin and scalp conditions can also be seen by a dermatologist, who is a doctor.

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