Hair loss can affect just your scalp or body. Anyone — men, women and children — can experience hair loss. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. 

Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss and to restore growth. Before pursuing any hair loss treatment, it is highly recommended to talk with your dermatologist about the cause of the hair loss and the best treatment options.

Symptoms

Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on what's causing it. It can come on suddenly or gradually . Some types are temporary, and others are permanent.  

Symptoms of hair loss may include:  

  • Gradual thinning on top of head.
 Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss
  • Circular or patchy bald spots.
  • alopecia areata is another cause fo localised hair loss and can involve eyebrows and lashes
     
  • Sudden loosening of hair.  
  • 50 to 100 hair are usually considered normal in medical practice!
  • Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp.  
  • When to see a doctor

    See your doctor if your child or you are distressed by hair loss and want to pursue treatment. Also, talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss.

    Causes 

    The exact cause of hair loss may not be fully understood, but it's usually related to one or more of the following factors:  

    • Family history (heredity)  
    • Hormonal changes  
    • Medical conditions  
    • Medications 

    Treatments include medications, surgery, laser therapy, and wigs or hairpieces. Your doctor may suggest a combination of these approaches in order to get the best results.  

    Medication

    If your hair loss is caused by an underlying disease, treatment for that disease will be necessary. This may include drugs to reduce inflammation and suppress your immune system, such as immunosuppressives. If a certain medication is causing the hair loss, your doctor may advise you to stop using it for at least three months. 

    1. Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a liquid or foam that you rub into your scalp twice a day  to grow hair and to prevent further hair loss. It may be used by men and   women.  
    2. Finasteride: This prescription drug is available only to men usually. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show new hair growth. You need to keep taking it to retain benefits.  
    3. Hair Nutrients: Many minerals like iron, copper, selenium and vitamins like B12, D are of utmost importance in providing essential nutrition to hair roots for active multiplication of stem cells. only biotin intake is not of much help.

    Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: This is one of the latest treatments for hair loss and is especially good for patients who do not wish to go for surgery. In this, 10ml blood is withdrawn from which plasma with platelets(containing growth factors) are separated using a centrifuge. These injected directly into the scalp. it promotes the growth of new hair and reduce hair loss. This procedure requires multiple sittings over a period of 5 to 6 months. It is an outpatient procedure; you can resume your daily activities almost immediately. 

    Surgery 

    Hair transplant can make the most of the hair you have left. During this procedure, your surgeon removes tiny plugs of skin, each containing a few hairs, from the back or sides of scalp. He then implants the plugs into the bald sections of your scalp. You may be asked to take a hair loss medication before and after surgery to improve results. These are relatively expensive and can be painful.  

    Wigs and hairpieces Try a wig or a hairpiece as an alternative to medical treatment or if you don't respond to treatment. It can be used to cover either permanent or temporary hair loss.

    Prevention  

    • Eat a nutritionally balanced diet.  
    • Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails.  
    • Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair.  
    • Treat your hair gently when washing and brushing. A wide-toothed comb may help prevent pulling out hair.  
    • Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and permanents.