What should you know about hair loss 2020?

Hair may thin gradually across the crown or part, recede at the temples, shed diffusely, or disappear in smooth patches. Male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss are inherited patterns with different typical distributions. Alopecia areata may cause distinct smooth areas. Telogen effluvium can follow a physical or emotional stressor and may feel sudden because many hairs shift through the growth cycle together.

Scalp ringworm may cause scale, itch, inflammation, or broken hairs. Traction alopecia is linked to repeated pulling from styles, extensions, or accessories. These patterns can overlap, so the same label should not be assumed from shedding alone.

Note when the change began, whether it is shedding or shorter broken hairs, and whether the scalp feels itchy or sore. Photograph the part, temples, and affected areas in consistent lighting. Use gentle washing and detangling, reduce heat and chemical processing, and avoid painful tension. A dermatologist can examine the scalp, review medicines and recent health events, and discuss options such as finasteride treatment when clinically appropriate.

Arrange care for persistent or progressive thinning, sudden clumps of shedding, smooth bald patches, or hair loss with scalp scale, pain, redness, crusting, or pus. Seek prompt attention when a child has patchy loss or when infection is possible. Urgent help is needed for a severe allergic reaction, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty after a product or medicine.

What type of hair loss does the pattern suggest? Could a medicine, illness, nutrition issue, infection, or styling practice contribute? Do I need tests, and how will we judge whether a treatment is helping?