Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention & Treatments

Hair loss affects millions worldwide, yet it remains a highly personal and often distressing experience. For medical aestheticians and patients, understanding the science behind hair loss and the solutions available today is the first step toward meaningful intervention.

In this article, we'll explore the different types of hair loss, identify contributing factors, and offer insight into modern, non-surgical treatment options to help clients achieve visible improvements in hair health.

Types of Hair Loss You Should Know

Hair loss doesn't happen to everyone the same way. Medical aestheticians need to know what kind of hair loss their clients have to correctly identify the hair loss type and plan an appropriate treatment. The cause of each type is different, and each type also reacts to treatment in its way.

Both PRP and PRF are autologous therapies that stimulate natural regrowth. This section explores the four most common types of hair loss, how they present clinically, and what current research says about their progression and treatment strategies. Using this basic information, aestheticians can develop customized treatment plans and determine when the client should visit dermatology or trichology.

1. Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)

Also known as Male or Female Pattern Hair Loss

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in the world. It affects more than 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. alone. It gets worse over time because some people are genetically sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a result of testosterone and shrinks follicles.

AGA typically begins at the temples and crown in men, eventually forming an "M" pattern.
In women, it presents as diffuse thinning over the crown with preservation of the frontal hairline.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dermatology (Feb 2024) found that combining topical minoxidil with polynucleotide-based serums significantly slowed miniaturisation in early-stage female AGA compared to minoxidil alone. This indicates a promising avenue for medical aestheticians trained in advanced topical protocols.

hair loss androgenetic alopecia — Image source: Instagram

2. Telogen Effluvium (TE)

Also known as Stress-induced or Reactive Hair Loss

Telogen effluvium is characterised by sudden, diffuse hair shedding triggered by physical or emotional stressors. It occurs when many hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase.

Common triggers include:

Surgery or illness (e.g., long COVID)
Postpartum hormonal shifts
Crash diets or rapid weight loss
Iron or vitamin D deficiency
Certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, beta-blockers)

The good news? TE is often self-limiting, and regrowth typically begins 3–6 months after removing the trigger.

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hair loss Telogen Effluvium — Image source: Instagram

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3. Alopecia Areata (AA)

Also known as Autoimmune Hair Loss

The autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata causes round, smooth hair loss by the immune system attacking hair follicles. Although the precise origin is uncertain, immunological dysregulation and genetic inclination are commonly associated.

There are several subtypes:

Patchy AA – the most common form, affecting small areas
Alopecia totalis – complete scalp hair loss
Alopecia universalis – total body hair loss

For aestheticians, it’s critical to recognise the signs of AA early and refer patients for immunomodulatory treatment, especially when widespread loss is observed.

A meta-analysis in JAMA Dermatology (2024) found that combining low-dose corticosteroid therapy with microneedling for hair loss showed enhanced regrowth in mild AA cases. This combination may be suitable for aesthetic practices in collaboration with dermatologists.

hair loss alopecia — Image source: Instagram

4. Traction Alopecia

Also known as Mechanical Hair Loss

Traction alopecia is a preventable form of hair loss caused by repeated tension or pulling on the hair shaft. This is especially common among individuals who wear:

Tight ponytails or buns
Braids or cornrows
Hair extensions or wigs

The problem usually starts near the hairline and temples. If you don't treat it right away, long-term stress can damage hair follicles in a way that can't be fixed.

Medical aestheticians are very important for finding traction alopecia early on and advising clients on less damaging ways to style their hair. You could also suggest treatments like PRP, polynucleotides, or LLLT that support scalp health and stimulate regrowth.

What Causes Hair Loss? A Look at Contributing Factors

Hair loss does not occur overnight and usually results from multiple factors. From hormones and genetic defects to stress, drugs, and scalp health problems, several reasons can cause too much shedding or thinning. Customizing successful hair loss treatment for men and women depends on an awareness of these sources of loss.

Genetic Predisposition

Family history remains a significant determinant, particularly in androgenetic alopecia.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal imbalances due to thyroid disorders, pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like PCOS can accelerate hair thinning.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Chronic stress, crash dieting, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can all contribute to hair fall.

Medications and Medical Conditions

Chemotherapy, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and autoimmune diseases are known to trigger hair loss.

Scalp Health

Inflammatory scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or dandruff may interfere with healthy follicle function.

Prevention: What You Can Do Early On

Proactive client education and professional scalp care protocols can delay the onset of visible thinning. Prevention often leads to better results.

Start with Early Intervention

Early intervention typically leads to more effective treatment outcomes. Urge people to see a doctor as soon as possible for the earliest indications of unusual thinning or shedding of their hair.

Maintain Scalp Hygiene

Strong follicles grow from a clean, healthy scalp. Use gentle cleansing techniques and regular scalp massages to improve circulation and support follicle function.

Avoid Styling Damage

Tight haircuts, chemical treatments, and heat styling all weaken hair shafts. Professionals in aesthetics should teach customers safer style practices.

Effective Non-Surgical Treatments for Hair Loss

Modern non-invasive therapies are showing promising results, especially when started early and tailored to the individual.

PRP and PRF Therapy

Both PRP and PRF are autologous treatments where the patient’s blood is processed to concentrate healing growth factors, which are then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair regrowth, improve blood flow, and support follicle repair. These treatments boost hair density, accelerate blood flow, and encourage follicle renewal.

Interested in mastering these techniques? Keep an eye out for our upcoming hair loss training masterclass.

Mesotherapy for Hair Loss

Microinjections of a "cocktail",including vitamins, peptides, amino acids, and polynucleotides proven to support hair loss treatment directly into the scalp. Mesotherapy rejuvenates follicles and enhances the surrounding skin's vascular network.

Polynucleotides for Hair Regrowth

Products like Nucleofill Hair deliver polynucleotides DNA fragments that stimulate fibroblast activity and improve cell regeneration. They are gaining traction for their ability to enhance scalp health and support new growth.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LT)

Red light in LLLT energises cells and increases scalp blood flow. FDA-cleared for androgenetic alopecia in men and women, this approach is painless.

Topical and Oral Treatments

Topical minoxidil remains a first-line treatment for hair regrowth and is often combined with other therapies for enhanced effect. Oral medications, including finasteride (for men) and spironolactone (for women), may be prescribed according to the cause. Additionally helpful are health products and diet foods heavy in biotin, zinc, and vitamin D.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Hair regrowth is not instantaneous. It often takes 3–6 months before visible improvement occurs, and maintenance is key to preserving results.

Encourage patients to remain consistent, follow a tailored treatment plan, and understand that some cases, like scarring alopecia or severe alopecia areata, may have a limited response.

When to Refer to a Specialist

While aestheticians can offer impactful treatments, there are scenarios where referral to a dermatologist or trichologist is essential:

Sudden or severe hair loss
Suspected autoimmune disorders
No response after 6 months of consistent treatment

Combining Therapies For Better Outcomes For Hair Loss Treatment For Women

Regarding hair loss treatment, no one approach suits every individual. Combining many non-surgical treatments, therefore, usually produces the most obvious and long-lasting effects. Building confidence and results with customers depends on medical aestheticians having a deep awareness of how to layer treatments efficiently.

For hair loss, microneedling, for instance, can improve the absorption and effectiveness of PRP or polynucleotide serums. An effective continuous at-home alternative to supplement in-clinic treatments, including mesotherapy or PRP injections, is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Additionally, for individuals with nutritional deficits, combining topical treatments with specific supplements guarantees a more all-encompassing therapy.

Keep an eye on our upcoming hair loss training masterclass to master techniques like PRP and polynucleotides. We don’t just teach procedures, we guide you on when and how to combine them for optimal regrowth, better compliance, and higher client satisfaction.

For instance, combining PRP with microneedling or incorporating exosomes for hair loss alongside mesotherapy can significantly enhance follicular regeneration. Learning how to personalise these combination therapy plans will allow you to deliver superior results and position yourself as a trusted expert in restorative hair care.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss is complex, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s also manageable. As a medical aesthetician, your ability to understand the different types, identify the root causes, and apply targeted, non-surgical treatments can transform not just scalps but confidence.

The key lies in early action, a personalised plan, and continuous learning.

If you're ready to take your hair restoration skills to the next level, HubMedEd offers specialized training designed to help you deliver real results with modern techniques like PRP, polynucleotides, and microneedling.

Explore our hair loss and aesthetics courses to stay ahead and give your clients the outcomes they truly deserve.

FAQs

What is the most effective hair loss treatment?

Though the best hair loss treatments usually include many therapies, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Particularly when tailored to the source of hair loss, PRP, minoxidil, and low-level laser treatment (LLLT) are highly regarded.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

If the hair follicles remain active, then thinning hair can indeed regrow. Treatments, including mesotherapy, topical minoxidil, and PRP for hair loss, can induce regrowth particularly if begun early.

Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Common links to hair loss are deficiencies in iron, biotin (B7), and vitamin D. A comprehensive blood test enables the identification of inadequacies, which guides the prescription for specifically targeted hair loss treatments.

How do I stop my hair from falling out?

Whether the fundamental cause is stress, hormone imbalance, or bad scalp condition, halt hair shedding by tackling it. Early application of hair loss shampoo, better diet, and therapies such as mesotherapy or polynucleotides for hair loss can assist.

Does anything really help hair loss?

Indeed, regular application of non-surgical hair loss treatments, including PRP, LLLT, and minoxidil, confirms their efficacy in clinical research. Additionally important are lifestyle adjustments and consistent scalp care.

What are the big 3 to prevent hair loss?

The “Big 3” for preventing hair loss include finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo. Together, they target hormone-related shedding, boost growth, and improve scalp health.

Can thin hair become thick again?

Yes, if follicles are not permanently injured, thin hair can become dense again. Treatments, including microneedling for hair loss, PRP, and nutrient-dense scalp serums, help density over time.

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