Thinning hair can feel unexpected, or even overwhelming—but it’s also incredibly common. Many people experience noticeable changes in their hair density at some stage of life, and while it’s not always a sign of a medical issue, understanding why it happens is the first step to getting the right help.
At ENRICH Clinic, our dermatology team—including Dr Bevin Bhoyrul and Dr Michael Rich—regularly diagnose and treat hair loss using evidence-based medical dermatology, regenerative options such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), and advanced red light therapies designed to improve scalp health and stimulate follicles as well as oral medication.
This guide covers the most common causes of thinning hair, the treatments that may help, and when it’s time to seek expert care.
Not All Hair Loss Is the Same (And Why That Matters)
It’s important to understand that thinning hair is not one single condition. Hair loss is an umbrella term, not a diagnosis. Genetics, hormones, stress, illness, autoimmune activity, nutritional deficiencies, and even certain hairstyles can all play a role. Each cause affects the hair follicles in a different way—some slow growth, some push hair into shedding mode, and others damage the follicle directly.
Because of these variations, symptoms, speed of progression, and treatment options will differ dramatically from person to person. This is why an early professional diagnosis is so valuable.
Below are the main types of hair loss our dermatologists commonly diagnose.
Genetic Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
The most common cause of thinning hair is Androgenetic Alopecia.
Androgenetic Alopecia—often called male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss—is the most common cause of thinning hair. It’s a hereditary condition, which means the genes that influence hair follicle sensitivity are passed down through families. But genes are only part of the story. A combination of hormones, follicle changes, age, and individual biology all contribute.
Common signs include:
- Men: receding hairline, thinning at crown
- Women: widening part line, diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp
- Miniaturised (smaller) hairs in affected areas
Why does it happen?
The Hair Follicles Become Sensitive to DHT
This hormone causes them to shrink and produce finer hairs over time.
- DHT is a by-product of testosterone and is present in all genders.
- Some people inherit follicles that are more sensitive to DHT.
When DHT attaches to these sensitive follicles, it can trigger a process called follicle miniaturisation.
Weirdly, DHT seems to be trending on social media of late, with lots of “experts” looking to sell and help you replace that hormone. Buyer beware, and it is always best to get an opinion from a real expert such as a dermatologist whose specialty is skin, hair and nails.
Miniaturisation: The Follicle Shrinks Over Time
Miniaturisation means the hair follicle gradually becomes smaller. As this happens:
- hairs become shorter
- strands become finer
- the growth phase shortens
more hairs enter the resting (shedding) phase
Eventually, the follicle may produce “vellus” hairs—very fine, almost invisible strands—or stop producing hair entirely.
Hormones and Age Play a Major Role
Androgenetic alopecia can begin at any age after puberty but often becomes more noticeable:
- in men: 20s–40s
- in women: around perimenopause or post-menopause
Why?
Because hormones naturally shift with age. In women, lower oestrogen levels mean hair follicles are more influenced by androgens such as DHT.
Treatment options at ENRICH Clinic and DIV may include:
- Topical or oral medications (prescribed by our dermatologists)
- Needling-based therapies can stimulate follicles
- Low-level red light therapy for scalp circulation and follicle activity
- Personalised combinations based on severity and goals
Early intervention gives the best outcomes.
Temporary Hair Shedding (Telogen Effluvium)
Often stress-related or hormonal
This type of hair loss is usually temporary and happens when the body experiences a significant stressor—physical or emotional.
Common triggers include:
- Illness or high fever
- Surgery
- Hormonal shifts (postpartum, menopause, thyroid imbalance)
- Crash dieting or iron deficiency
- Emotional stress or trauma
Shedding often appears two to three months after the trigger, and while it usually resolves, recovery may take several months.
Dermatologist-guided care can help by:
- Identifying and treating underlying causes
- Supporting regrowth with needling-based therapies, medications and LED red light therapy
- Improving scalp health to optimise recovery
Autoimmune Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)
Patchy or sudden hair loss
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing round or oval patches of hair loss.
In more severe cases, it may affect:
- Eyebrows
- eyelashes
- beard
- the entire scalp (Alopecia Totalis)
Treatment typically involves:
- Prescription topical or medications
- Immune-modulating therapies
- Scalp treatments to encourage regrowth
- Supportive options like PRP, depending on the case
Early diagnosis is key to managing flare-ups and protecting follicle health.
Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)
Less common, but requires urgent diagnosis
This is a group of inflammatory conditions that cause permanent follicle damage if not treated early. Symptoms may include:
- burning scalp sensation
- redness or scaling
- tenderness
- visible changes in scalp texture
Because follicle loss is permanent once scarring occurs, a vist to your dermatologist is key to recovery.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss from tension or styling habits
Repeated pulling on the hair from:
- tight ponytails
- Braids
- hair extensions
- chemical relaxers ( hair straightening treatments)
….. can all damage follicles over time.
Who would have thought that keeping your hair “tidy” could cause hair loss? If you have to put your hair up, try to use the softest bands you can find. Those rubber bands are not an option for good hair health.
If caught early, regrowth is often possible. If tension continues, follicles may scar.
How ENRICH Clinic Approaches Hair Loss Treatment
At ENRICH Clinic, we combine medical dermatology, including prescription and topical medications, regenerative therapies, and red light-based solutions to treat thinning hair.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is a doctor-performed treatment that uses a concentration of your own platelets prepared from a small blood sample. It is commonly used in medical and dermatology settings, including for patients seeking support with hair-loss concerns.
Red Light-Based Therapies
ENRICH Clinic uses evidence-based energy devices to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and encourage follicle repair.
Low-level laser treatments using red light wavelengths can complement PRP and medical therapies for a synergistic effect.
Medical Dermatology Expertise
Consultations with Dr Bevin-Bhoyrul and Dr Michael Rich focus on:
- diagnosing the type of hair loss
- ruling out thyroid, hormonal, or autoimmune causes
- prescribing topical or oral medications where appropriate
- designing a personalised treatment plan
When Should You Worry About Thinning Hair?
Seek professional assessment if you notice:
- sudden or rapid shedding
- round patches of hair loss
- redness, burning, itching or pain on the scalp
- thinning that runs in the family and is getting worse
- changes after illness, stress, childbirth or menopause
- hair not growing back after 3–6 months
A dermatologist can identify the cause, protect follicles, and start treatment early—often preventing long-term loss.
Contact us to talk about your hair at ENRICH Clinic today
