---
title: "Hair loss — symptoms and causes | HealthAnswers"
description: "Hair loss is most often due to genetic pattern baldness or temporary shedding after stress or illness — patchy loss or a scarring scalp needs GP…"
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hair-loss-symptom/
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---

# Hair loss — symptoms and causes | HealthAnswers

Symptoms

Hair loss is most often due to genetic pattern baldness or temporary shedding after stress or illness — patchy loss or a scarring scalp needs GP assessment.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026

## Quick answer

What could hair loss mean? Hair loss is usually caused by genetic pattern baldness or by telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding that follows stress or illness. It is normal to shed 50–100 hairs a day. Patchy hair loss, a scarring scalp or hair loss with other symptoms should be assessed by a GP.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Hair loss, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 4 sections

## Common causes of hair loss

- Male pattern baldness is genetic and a very common cause of hair loss.
- Telogen effluvium is temporary shedding that follows stress or illness.
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of hair loss.
- Iron deficiency and thyroid problems can both affect hair growth.
- Minoxidil helps some people with pattern hair loss.

## How much hair loss is normal?

It is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, so finding a few hairs on your brush or pillow does not usually mean anything is wrong. Shedding that seems much heavier than this, or hair loss that happens in patches, should be assessed.

## Causes of hair loss

The most common causes are pattern baldness, which is genetic, and telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding that follows stress or illness. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of hair loss. Iron deficiency and thyroid problems can also affect the hair.

## Self-care for hair loss

Being gentle with your hair is sensible while it is shedding, and treating any underlying deficiency, such as low iron, can help. For pattern hair loss, minoxidil helps some people, and it is better supported by evidence than the claims made for most shampoos.

## When to see a GP about hair loss

See a GP if your hair loss is patchy, if your scalp shows scarring, or if you feel unwell in other ways. The GP can arrange blood tests and refer you to a dermatologist if needed.

## ! When to get medical help for hair loss

See a GP if your hair loss is patchy, or if it comes with other symptoms of being unwell. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do.

## Common questions about hair loss

Why is my hair falling out after an illness? Shedding that starts two to three months after an illness or major stress is usually telogen effluvium. It normally recovers on its own once the trigger has passed. What is alopecia areata? Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of hair loss. The hair may regrow by itself, but some people need treatment, so it is worth seeing a GP. Can low iron cause hair loss? Yes, iron deficiency is linked to increased hair shedding. A GP can arrange blood tests to check your iron levels and treat any deficiency that is found. Do hair loss shampoos actually work? There is limited evidence behind most shampoo claims. Minoxidil and prescription treatments are better supported, so ask a pharmacist or GP about options with proper evidence behind them.

## Sources

- [NHS — Hair Loss](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss)
- [NHS — Hair loss](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/)