How to Treat or Cure Hair Loss

There is no single cure for hair loss. The right plan depends on the cause, and many types respond well when treated early.

Step 1: Find the cause

See a doctor or dermatologist, especially if loss is sudden, patchy, painful, scarring, or in a child. Blood tests and a scalp examination guide the plan.

Step 2: Treat what can be treated

• Telogen effluvium: remove the trigger, correct deficiencies and wait. Most people recover within 6 to 12 months.
• Pattern hair loss: medicines such as minoxidil, and finasteride for men, can slow or partly reverse loss with continued use. Procedures may be considered.
• Alopecia areata: treated by a dermatologist with steroids and other options. Many cases regrow, but it may relapse.
• Fungal infection: antifungal medicine clears it, and hair regrows.
• Scarring alopecia: early treatment aims to stop further loss. Lost follicles do not return.

Step 3: Support the scalp and hair

Gentle hair care, a balanced diet, stress control and good sleep help whatever the cause.

Step 4: Consider supportive options

Ayurvedic care can be used as an adjunct under a qualified practitioner. Wigs, hair fibres and transplants are cosmetic choices with their own limits.

Setting expectations

Hair grows about 1 cm a month. Judge any treatment after 3 to 6 months, and be careful of claims of quick, guaranteed regrowth.

Key point

Early diagnosis and steady, realistic treatment give the best results.

Before your appointment

Note when shedding began, how much you lose, and any recent illness, fever, surgery, crash diet, new medicine or stress. Bring recent blood reports such as ferritin, thyroid, B12 and vitamin D, a list of the products you use, and monthly photos of your parting. Mention any family history of hair loss or autoimmune disease.