Hair loss: which doctor to see
Losing up to a hundred hairs a day is normal. But if your hair is visibly thinning, bald patches appear or hair falls out in clumps, look for the cause with a dermatologist: from iron deficiency to hormonal imbalances.
Common causes
- Stress and recent illness — shedding starts 2–3 months later
- Iron, protein or vitamin D deficiency
- Thyroid disorders
- Hormonal changes — after childbirth, menopause
- Hereditary hair loss
- Tight hairstyles and harsh treatments
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Patchy loss — smooth bald spots
- Hair loss with itching, flaking or redness of the scalp
- Hair loss with brittle nails, weakness, shortness of breath
- Hair loss after starting a new medicine
- Hair loss in a child
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Dermatologist
What to bring to the visit
- Photos showing how hair density has changed
- Blood test results (ferritin, TSH), if you have them
- A list of medicines and diets over the past six months
- Information about hair loss in your parents
Frequently asked questions
Trichologist or dermatologist?
A trichologist is a dermatologist specializing in hair. Start with a dermatologist: they will examine you and order tests.
Will pharmacy vitamins help?
Taking supplements "blindly" rarely works: first tests, then correcting specific deficiencies as prescribed by the doctor.
More in “Skin and hair”
- Acne
Dermatologist
The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.