We lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day — that is completely normal. But when you pull out a clump after showering or your pillow looks like a porcupine in the morning, you have entered the zone of pathological hair loss. The good news: in 70-80% of cases, the problem is reversible if you identify the cause correctly. The bad news: most people first try cosmetic solutions (shampoos, ampoules), lose 6 months, then discover the real problem was iron deficiency or hypothyroidism.
This guide shows you how to differentiate the common causes, which treatment to apply for each, and which remedies are truly supported by data — including red light therapy, one of the few non-pharmaceutical interventions that works clinically.
Types of Hair Loss — Recognise What You Have
Telogen Effluvium (Diffuse Loss)
The most common form. Appears 2-3 months after a trigger event: major stress, childbirth, restrictive diet, COVID, surgery, medication change. Hair falls out uniformly across the scalp, not just in one area. Reversible in 6-9 months if you remove the cause.
Androgenetic Alopecia
The genetic, hormonal form. In men: loss at the hairline (M-shape) and crown. In women: diffuse thinning on the front and crown, without a receding hairline. Progressive, but treatable with consistent interventions.
Alopecia Areata
Autoimmune. Appears suddenly in well-defined circular patches. Requires medical evaluation — sometimes spontaneously reversible, sometimes requires immunomodulators.
Traction
Caused by tight buns, extensions, repeated braiding. Loss occurs in traction zones (hairline, temples). Reversible if stopped in time.
Underlying Causes Not to Miss
Iron Deficiency
The most common "hidden" cause in women under 40. Requires blood tests: ferritin (not just haemoglobin). Ferritin below 50 ng/ml in a woman with hair loss = almost certainly the cause.
Thyroid
Subclinical hypothyroidism (elevated TSH, normal T4) causes hair loss without obvious symptoms. Order TSH, free T4, free T3, and anti-TPO antibodies.
Vitamin D
Below 30 ng/ml = follicles enter the telogen phase more frequently. Most adults in northern Europe are deficient between October and April.
Chronic Stress
Elevated cortisol shortens the anagen (growth) phase and pushes follicles into catagen/telogen. Visible 2-3 months after the onset of stress.
Hormonal (Women)
Polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause, post-partum, stopping contraceptives. Excess DHT (a testosterone metabolite) attacks genetically sensitive follicles.
Insufficient Nutrition
Diets under 1,200 kcal, prolonged intermittent fasting without planning, vegetarianism without attention to protein — all reduce keratin synthesis.
Evidence-Based Treatments — What Really Works
Topical Minoxidil
The gold standard, over 30 years of use. Daily application, 2-5%, visible results at 4-6 months. Works in 60-70% of patients. Caution: if you stop, the newly grown hair falls out.
Finasteride / Dutasteride (Oral, Men Only)
Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Medical prescription required. Very effective, but 2-5% report sexual side effects.
Mesotherapy
Injections of vitamins, peptides, and growth factors directly into the scalp. 8-10 sessions every 2 weeks. Costly, but effective for moderate cases.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Own blood centrifuged, plasma re-injected into the scalp. 3-4 sessions every 4-6 weeks. Stimulates endogenous growth factors.
Red Light (LLLT — Low-Level Laser Therapy)
The use of low-power LEDs or laser diodes on the scalp. FDA-approved for the treatment of mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. At home, through a specialist LED hair helmet, 3 sessions per week, 25 minutes each.
What studies show for red light on hair:
- Density increase of 35-39% after 16 weeks in those with mild androgenetic alopecia (study published in American Journal of Clinical Dermatology)
- Hair shaft diameter increase of 6-12%
- Telogen phase reduction of 17-25%
- Works alone or combined with minoxidil
Advantages over other treatments: no side effects, minimal costs after device purchase, can be used indefinitely.
Supplements With Real Data (Not Marketing)
- Iron — ONLY if you have a proven deficiency. Supplementation without indication is contraindicated.
- Vitamin D3 — 2,000-4,000 IU per day, especially in autumn-winter
- Zinc — 15-30 mg per day (gluconate or picolinate)
- Biotin — 5,000 mcg per day, weaker evidence but safe. Caution: can falsely alter certain blood tests (stop 72h before tests).
- Saw palmetto — for men, mild DHT blocker
- Hydrolysed collagen — 10 g/day, supports the follicle through amino acid supply
- Magnesium — for those with chronic stress, see the article on magnesium deficiency
What Does NOT Work (Despite Heavy Marketing)
- Anti-hair-loss shampoos with caffeine — negligible local effects
- "Miracle" oils (castor, argan alone) — good for hydration, zero for growth
- Lotions with "plant complex" and no proven active ingredients
- "Organic shampoo" claims — what matters is the ingredients, not the marketing
- Ampoules applied once a month — any topical treatment requires daily consistency
4-Step Action Plan
Step 1: Blood Tests (Week 1)
Order: full blood count, ferritin, TSH + free T4 + free T3 + anti-TPO, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12. For women add: total testosterone, DHEA-S. Total cost: around 60 EUR at a private lab.
Step 2: Correct the Causes (Weeks 2-12)
Supplement what is deficient. Address stress (sleep, magnesium, movement). Optimise diet — minimum 1.2 g protein / kg body weight.
Step 3: Add Topical Treatment (Week 4)
Minoxidil 2% (women) or 5% (men), daily. Or, alternatively, red light 3 times per week. The combination delivers the best results.
Step 4: Reassess at 6 Months
Compare photos from multiple angles (crown, frontal, lateral) taken in natural light. If clear results, continue. If not, see a dermatologist for biopsy or advanced treatments.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Does the red light helmet really work?
Yes, in people with mild to moderate alopecia. Requires minimum 16 weeks of consistent use (3 sessions/week) for evaluable results. It is not magic — it is an FDA-approved medical treatment.
Can I use red light with minoxidil?
Yes, recommended. Apply minoxidil, allow 30 minutes to absorb, then use the LED helmet. The combination gives better results than either alone.
How much hair is lost before it becomes clearly visible?
The loss must exceed 50% of initial density to be clearly visible. This means you can lose a lot before anyone notices — which is why early intervention matters.
Can women use finasteride?
Only post-menopausal women and under strict medical supervision. Contraindicated for women of childbearing age due to risks to the foetus.
Does hair come back after childbirth?
Yes, in 6-9 months post-partum. Post-natal telogen effluvium is a normal, hormonal phenomenon — do not be alarmed. If it persists beyond 12 months, order blood tests.
Conclusion
Hair loss is not a sentence. In most cases, the problem has an identifiable cause and a treatment with visible results in 4-6 months. The big mistake is trying cosmetics and supplements at random without understanding what is happening — you lose precious months.
Start with blood tests, correct the deficiencies, and add an effective topical treatment. For those who prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach or want to accelerate results, the LED red light helmet is one of the most validated interventions — safe, without side effects, with solid clinical evidence.