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Medical Health Encyclopedia
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Hair follicle
Hair follicle
Ringworm, tinea capitis - close-up
Ringworm, tinea capitis - close-up
Alopecia areata with pustules
Alopecia areata with pustules
Alopecia totalis - back view of the head
Alopecia totalis - back view of the head
Alopecia totalis - front view of the head
Alopecia totalis - front view of the head
Alopecia, under treatment
Alopecia, under treatment
Trichotillomania - top of the head
Trichotillomania - top of the head
Folliculitis, decalvans on the scalp
Folliculitis, decalvans on the scalp


Hair loss

Alternative Names:
Loss of hair; Alopecia; Baldness

Home Care:

Hair loss from menopause or childbirth often returns to normal 6 months to 2 years later.

Text Continues Below



For hair loss caused by illness (such as fever), radiation therapy, or medication use, no treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is finished. A wig, hat, or other covering may be desired until the hair grows back.

For hair loss due to heredity, age, and hormones, the topical medication Rogaine (minoxidil) can be helpful for both male and female pattern baldness. Expect to wait 6 months before you see results. The oral medication Propecia (finasteride) is effective in some men. This medicine can decrease sex drive. When either medication is stopped, the former baldness pattern returns.

Hair transplants performed by a physician is a surgical approach to transferring growing hair from one part of the head to another. It is somewhat painful and expensive, but usually permanent.

Hair weaves, hair pieces, or changes of hair style may disguise hair loss. This is generally the least expensive and safest approach to hair loss. Hair pieces should not be sutured to the scalp because of the risk of scars and infection.



Call your health care provider if:

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