What should you know about permanent hair loss?

Hair loss is not one diagnosis. Patterned thinning can affect the temples, crown, or central parting. Alopecia areata can produce smooth patches, while traction alopecia follows repeated pulling. Scalp ringworm may cause scaling and broken hairs. Telogen effluvium often causes diffuse shedding after a body or health stressor and may behave differently from scarring loss.

A clinician examines the scalp, hair shafts, distribution, skin surface, and timeline. They may ask about illness, diet, medicines, family pattern, tight hairstyles, and symptoms such as itch or scale. The appearance of the scalp can help distinguish reduced shedding from follicles that have been injured.

Arrange assessment if shedding is persistent, rapidly changing, patchy, painful, itchy, or accompanied by scale. Take clear photographs of the parting, hairline, and affected areas in consistent lighting. Use gentle hair care and pause tight styles, harsh chemicals, and repeated heat while the cause is being explored.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Options may include treating infection or inflammation, changing a trigger, protecting follicles from traction, or discussing medicines such as [Finasteride Treatment](/treatments/hair-restoration/finasteride-therapy/). Do not start prescription treatment without reviewing suitability, side effects, and pregnancy-related precautions with a clinician.

Seek prompt care for sudden extensive loss, painful or tender scalp, pus, thick scale, bleeding, scarring, or loss of eyebrows or eyelashes with other symptoms. Rapidly expanding bald patches and signs of infection should not be managed only with cosmetic products.

Ask which pattern you have, whether the follicles appear scarred, what tests may clarify the cause, and whether family history, traction, infection, or a recent stressor is relevant. Discuss treatment goals, timing, side effects, and how progress will be monitored.