Female hair loss on the sides of the head

Thinning at the temples or above the ears may follow tight braids, extensions, buns, or repeated pulling; this pattern is associated with Traction Alopecia. Smooth, clearly defined patches can occur with Alopecia Areata. Widespread shedding may follow illness, major stress, weight change, or another body strain and may fit Telogen Effluvium. Gradual reduction in density can occur with Female Pattern Hair Loss. Scaling, broken hairs, tenderness, or swollen areas need assessment because Scalp Ringworm can affect the scalp.

Take a clear scalp photograph now and compare it monthly in the same lighting. Loosen hairstyles, stop painful styles, limit harsh chemical processing, and handle wet hair gently. Note when the change began, whether hairs are shedding from the root or breaking, and any itch, scale, pain, or redness. A dermatologist can examine the follicles and scalp and decide whether testing or treatment is appropriate. For broader background, see Hair Loss.

Arrange a dermatology visit promptly for rapidly expanding patches, scalp pain, marked redness, pus, heavy scaling, or areas that look shiny and scarred. Seek earlier assessment if eyelashes or eyebrows are also thinning, or if hair loss began soon after a new medicine or significant illness. Sudden extensive loss deserves medical review even when the scalp looks normal.

Ask whether the distribution suggests traction, patchy immune-related loss, inherited thinning, infection, or temporary shedding; whether the follicles look scarred; and which treatment is suitable if the cause is confirmed. Ask how to style the hair while the scalp recovers and whether Finasteride Treatment is relevant and safe for your circumstances.