This article is a translation of the original French article “Perte de cheveux : quand s'inquiéter et que faire ?” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
Understanding the hair life cycle
Our hair follows a well-defined life cycle, made up of three phases:
- Anagen phase (growth): lasts between 2 and 6 years, during which the hair grows actively.
- Catagen phase (transition): a short resting phase of a few weeks in which growth stops.
- Telogen phase (shedding): the hair dies and eventually falls out, making way for a new cycle.
Excessive hair loss can be a sign of an imbalance in this cycle, preventing natural regrowth and leading to a gradual thinning of the hair.
When should you worry about hair loss?
When shedding is sudden and significant
If you notice unusual hair loss in large quantities (on your pillow when you wake up, in the shower, on your brush), it may be a sign of telogen effluvium. This reactive shedding can be caused by intense stress, emotional shock, a nutritional deficiency or a recent illness. It is often temporary, but should be monitored.
When loss is localised or there are bald patches
If thinning areas or bald patches appear, this may be linked to androgenetic alopecia (gradual hormonal hair loss) or alopecia areata (patchy hair loss due to an autoimmune reaction). In this case, a medical consultation is recommended to identify the cause of the problem and act quickly.
When the scalp is painful or irritated
Itching, redness or unusual scalp sensitivity accompanied by hair loss may be a sign of a skin condition (seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection). Hair loss associated with thick dandruff or inflammation should be examined by a specialist.
When you notice a gradual loss of density
If your hair becomes visibly thinner all over the scalp without any massive shedding, this may indicate a gradual weakening of the hair follicles due to ageing, hormonal imbalances or androgenetic alopecia.
If your hair does not grow back
Losing hair is normal, but when it does not grow back or grows back thinner, this may be a sign of a deeper problem affecting the health of the scalp or the hair fibre.
What are the common causes of excessive hair loss?
- Hormonal factors: hormonal fluctuations after childbirth (postpartum alopecia), menopause, thyroid disorders.
- Stress and fatigue: emotional shocks and prolonged stress can trigger sudden hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies: a lack of iron, zinc, vitamin D or B12 directly affects hair quality.
- Medication: certain medicines (chemotherapy, antidepressants, beta blockers) can accelerate hair loss.
- Genetic factors: androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of gradual hair loss.
- Unsuitable or aggressive hair care: excessive use of heat, colouring or chemical products weakens the hair fibre.
What should you do about worrying hair loss?
1. See a specialist for an accurate diagnosis
When hair loss becomes excessive or persistent, it is essential to see a specialist to identify the cause and put an appropriate treatment plan in place. During a hair consultation, the health of your scalp can be assessed and you can be guided towards the most effective solutions.
A blood test may be recommended to detect any deficiencies in iron, zinc, B and D vitamins, or a hormonal imbalance, such as a thyroid disorder, that could be causing the hair loss.
2. Consider medication if necessary
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth:
- Minoxidil, applied topically, helps extend the hair's growth phase.
- Hormonal treatments may be considered in cases of androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss).
- Targeted food supplements provide the essential nutrients to strengthen the hair fibre.
3. Hair mesotherapy to revitalise the scalp
Hair mesotherapy is an effective solution for stimulating regrowth and strengthening weakened hair. This treatment consists of micro-injections of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and growth factors directly into the scalp. Combined with suitable hair care, it nourishes the hair follicle and significantly improves hair density.
4. Hair transplant: a long-lasting solution
When hair loss is advanced and natural regrowth becomes insufficient, a hair transplant may be an option. This technique redistributes hair follicles from a donor area to the thinning areas, offering a natural, long-lasting result. A prior hair diagnosis is essential to determine whether this approach is suited to your situation.
