Support
Hair loss can leave you with a lot of questions and very little sense of where to start. This page is here to help you choose a useful next step.
Start with the cause
A widening part, a changing hairline or persistent shedding is a reasonable reason to speak with a GP or primary care clinician. You do not need to wait until the change feels severe.
An assessment can help distinguish pattern hair loss from other causes and decide whether tests or a dermatology referral would be useful.
How hair loss is assessed →Arrange a prompt assessment for new bald patches, rapidly progressing loss, or hair loss with scalp pain, burning, redness or crusting. These features deserve a closer look rather than an assumption that it is ordinary pattern hair loss.
Hair loss in a child also needs a clinician's assessment.
When to seek professional help →A practical starting point
You do not need a perfect history. A few notes can help you explain what has been happening without trying to remember everything on the spot.
Note when you first noticed a change, whether it is shedding or thinning, and any recent illness, weight change, pregnancy, new medicine or major stress. Bring a list of medicines and supplements you take.
A small number of dated photographs in similar lighting can be useful. Daily photographs or counting every shed hair usually make comparison harder.
Useful questions include: What is the most likely cause? Are any tests needed, and what would they change? What benefits and downsides should I expect from treatment? When should we review progress?
Say if hair loss is affecting your sleep, relationships or confidence. That is part of the problem you are asking for help with.
Living with hair loss
It can be difficult to explain why a change in your hair is taking up so much space in your head. You do not have to minimise that feeling to keep it in perspective. It is possible to explore treatment and work on feeling more comfortable in your life at the same time.
When mirrors, photographs or checking start to run the day, it can help to think about where your attention is going.
Read about confidence →You do not need to reach a particular hair goal before you are allowed to be close to someone.
Read about relationships →If worry is interfering with everyday life, speak with your GP or a qualified mental health professional. Peer support can also make the experience feel less isolating.
Explore support options →Alopecia UK offers information about peer support groups. These are spaces to share experience, rather than a replacement for medical care or counselling. The NHS hair loss guide is another useful starting point.
If you feel unsafe or may harm yourself, seek urgent help through your local emergency service or emergency department. Do not wait for a reply from this website.
The FAQs answer common questions and point you towards the fuller articles. The glossary explains unfamiliar terms.
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