What should you know about side hair loss?

Hair loss that slowly affects the temples or sides may occur with androgenetic alopecia, in men or women. A round, smooth, clearly outlined area can be a presentation of alopecia areata. Scale, itch, tenderness, crusting or snapped hairs can point toward scalp ringworm or another scalp disorder. Pulling from tight hairstyles or repeated tension may cause traction alopecia. Increased shedding across several areas after illness or stress can occur with telogen effluvium. A photograph and scalp examination are more useful than location alone.

Record the date you first noticed the change and photograph the area under consistent lighting. Use gentle washing, avoid tight styles and pause aggressive chemical treatments if the scalp is sore or irritated. A clinician can check the skin, hair shafts and follicle openings, review recent health changes, and select treatment according to the cause. For suitable patients with male pattern hair loss, finasteride treatment may be discussed as a prescription option; it is not appropriate for everyone.

Arrange care if the patch enlarges, new areas appear, or shedding continues without an obvious short-term trigger. Get prompt medical attention for fever, pus, strong pain, swelling, thick scale or broken hairs. These signs can indicate an active scalp problem that needs treatment rather than watchful waiting.

Ask whether the loss is non-scarring or scarring, whether infection or inflammation is present, what treatment matches the pattern, and when progress should be reviewed. Tell the clinician about family history, recent illness, new medicines, nutrition changes and styling tension.