Dr Irtiza Ali Shah
Hair Transplant Surgeon
GMC 7554414
Hair transplants · Understanding hair loss
How hair loss happens
Most hair loss happens gradually, driven by genes, hormones and the natural cycle of hair growth. Understanding the cause is the first step to choosing the right treatment.
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The main cause
What is pattern hair loss?
The most common cause of thinning hair, in both men and women, is pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It runs in families. In people who are prone to it, a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) gradually shrinks hair follicles on the top of the head.
Over time, the shrunken follicles grow hairs that are finer, shorter and lighter, until some stop producing visible hair at all. This shrinking is called miniaturisation. Hair at the back and sides of the head is usually much less affected, which is why it’s used for transplants.
Other causes
Other things that affect hair
Age
Hair naturally becomes finer and grows more slowly as we get older.
Stress and illness
A major illness, operation or stressful event can cause a lot of hair to shed a few months later. It usually grows back.
Diet and deficiencies
Low iron, crash dieting or other deficiencies can make hair thinner.
Medical conditions
Thyroid problems, some skin conditions and some medicines can cause hair loss.
Is this right for you?Book a free consultation to talk about your hair loss and whether a transplant could help.
The hair cycle
How hair grows and sheds
Each hair grows in a repeating cycle:
- Growth (anagen): the hair grows actively, for several years on the scalp.
- Transition (catagen): growth stops and the follicle shrinks, for a few weeks.
- Rest and shedding (telogen): the hair rests for a few months, then falls out as a new hair starts to grow.
Losing some hairs every day is normal. In pattern hair loss, the growth phase gets shorter with each cycle, so hairs become finer and shorter over time.
Patterns
How hair loss looks
Men usually notice a receding hairline at the temples, thinning at the crown, or both. Over time, these areas can join up.
Women more often notice general thinning over the top of the head and a widening parting, while the hairline usually stays in place.
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Your questions
Hair loss questions answered
Can hair loss be prevented?
Pattern hair loss can’t be cured, but medical treatments can slow it in some people. Vale doesn’t offer these treatments, so we recommend talking to your GP or a specialist about them.
Should I see a doctor about my hair loss?
Yes, if your hair loss is sudden, patchy, comes with an itchy or sore scalp, or you feel unwell. These can be signs of a condition that needs medical treatment.
Is a transplant the right answer for me?
Transplants work best when hair loss has a clear pattern and has started to stabilise, and when you have enough healthy donor hair. We’ll assess this at your free consultation.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
Get started
Take the next step
Book a free consultation to talk about your hair loss and whether a transplant could help.
- Book onlineBook a free consultation →
- Call01892 543029
- Emailinfo@valehealthclinic.co.uk
- ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
Written by Dr Irtiza Ali Shah, Hair Transplant Surgeon (GMC 7554414). Last updated 15 October 2026.