> A receding hairline, thinning hair on the crown, and messy hair after combing—these seemingly superficial changes reveal the state of your internal body.
Losing 50-100 hairs a day is a normal physiological phenomenon, but if you notice hair loss exceeding this range or significant thinning, you need to pay attention.
Hair loss is becoming increasingly prevalent globally. According to the “2025 Global Hair Health Industry Development Report,” **75.1% of urban residents have a deficiency in essential hair-growth nutrients, and 57.3% of people aged 25-35 are affected by androgenetic alopecia**.
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## 01 Why is Hair Loss So Prevalent?
**Modern lifestyles** are a major reason for the increasing prevalence of hair loss. Currently, the global aging population, environmental degradation, and increasing life stress are all contributing to the rising incidence of hair loss.
**Physiological hair loss** is actually part of our normal physiological process, including natural hair loss, infantile hair loss, postpartum hair loss, and age-related hair loss.
Hair growth follows a cyclical process; when hair enters the resting phase, it naturally falls out. This allows for the growth of new hair, maintaining a dynamic balance in hair volume.
What truly needs attention is **pathological hair loss**. When hair loss or reduction is abnormal, exceeding the normal physiological range, or when there is significant thinning, this may indicate a health problem.
## 02 Multiple Causes: The Complex Etiology of Hair Loss
Hair loss is not caused by a single reason but is the result of multiple factors working together.
**Genetic factors** play a significant role in hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss and is currently considered a polygenic inherited disease.
If the father has androgenetic alopecia, **the probability of his son losing hair is as high as 50%**, and the probability of his daughter losing hair is about 20%.
**Endocrine disorders** can also lead to hair loss. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome can all affect the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.
Mental stress is also a significant factor. Prolonged sleep deprivation, anxiety, and mental tension can cause hormonal imbalances, causing hair to prematurely enter the resting phase.
Li Wei, Chief Physician of the Department of Dermatology at Guangzhou Skin Disease Hospital, points out that **mental stress can lead to poor blood circulation in hair follicles**, thus triggering hair loss.
**Malnutrition** is also a major cause of hair loss. A lack of nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and biotin can affect hair growth and health, leading to hair loss.
A 2025 clinical report from the International Consortium for Hair Care Research (IHCRI) clearly indicates that the high sugar and refined carbohydrate content in modern diets leads to insufficient intake of essential hair nutrients such as biotin, L-cysteine, and zinc.
Studies show that **biotin deficiency reduces keratin synthesis efficiency by 55%** and hair breakage strength by 50%, directly causing thin, brittle, and dull hair.
Certain medications can also cause hair loss, such as anti-tumor drugs, anticoagulants, and antihypertensive drugs, which may affect the growth and development of hair follicles.
In addition, autoimmune diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus) and skin diseases (such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis) can also directly damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
## 03 Common Types: Identifying Your Hair Loss Pattern
**Androgenetic alopecia** is the most common type of hair loss. Men typically experience a receding hairline or “Mediterranean” pattern, while women typically experience thinning on the crown, but the hairline is generally unaffected.
**Alopecia areata**, commonly known as “spot baldness,” is characterized by the sudden appearance of round or oval areas of hair loss. It is often associated with immune system abnormalities and may also be related to stress.
**Terrinary phase hair loss** is common in postpartum, high fever, and surgical stress states, characterized by significant hair loss over a short period. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and can recover with lifestyle adjustments.
**Cicatricial alopecia** is caused by permanent damage to hair follicles and is commonly seen in cases of trauma, infection, or certain skin diseases (such as lupus). This type of hair loss is permanent, and hair cannot regrow in the bald areas.
## 04 Prevention and Treatment Combined: Scientifically Addressing Hair Loss
Modern medicine offers a variety of strategies to address hair loss.
### Drug Treatment
**Minoxidil** is a topical medication suitable for both men and women that promotes hair growth. **Finasteride** is suitable for androgenetic alopecia in men and can reduce hair follicle damage.
For alopecia areata and other immune system-related hair loss, **hormonal drugs** can be used under the guidance of a doctor.
### Emerging Therapies
**Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)** is a minimally invasive autologous therapy that has gained attention in the field of hair loss treatment in recent years.
A systematic review and meta-analysis in 2025 showed that **activated PRP can effectively increase hair density** and reduce recurrence.
**Laser therapy** can help improve scalp microcirculation and promote hair regrowth. ### Surgical Treatment
**Hair transplantation** involves transplanting healthy hair follicles to the balding areas. It is suitable for androgenetic alopecia or cicatricial alopecia.
## 05 Prevention is Better Than Cure: Hair Loss Prevention Strategies
Preventing hair loss is far more important than treating it. The following strategies can help you maintain healthy hair:
**A balanced diet** is crucial. Eat plenty of foods rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins, such as eggs, nuts, and spinach. Ensure you consume enough protein, as it is a major component of hair.
**Stress reduction** is equally important. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, and ensure 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep each night. Appropriate exercise, meditation, or cultivating hobbies can help reduce mental stress.
**Proper hair care habits** can also help prevent hair loss. Avoid frequent dyeing and perming to reduce scalp irritation. Choose a mild shampoo, avoid over-washing your hair or using excessively hot water, and keep your scalp warm after washing your hair.
**Regular scalp massage** can promote blood circulation and contribute to healthy hair follicles.
## 06 Future Outlook: New Trends in Hair Loss Treatment
With advancements in science and technology, the field of hair loss treatment is constantly evolving.
**Innovative strategies** are emerging continuously. Experts point out that developing better in vitro models, potentially using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) systems, could significantly accelerate drug discovery.
**In the long run, treatments targeting the underlying pathophysiology of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and methods that promote hair follicle rejuvenation or true regeneration, will bring the greatest benefit to patients.**
**Multidisciplinary collaboration** is also becoming an important direction for future development. The integration of medical aesthetics, biotechnology, and materials science will all drive progress in the field of hair loss treatment.
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Hair recovery is a slow process, **usually requiring 3-6 months to see noticeable results.** Dr. Li Wei, Chief Physician of the Department of Dermatology at Guangzhou Skin Disease Hospital, reminds us: “While hair loss is distressing, it is not irreversible.”
Whether it’s drug treatment, hair transplantation, or lifestyle adjustments, as long as you find a suitable method and adhere to treatment and care, regaining thick, healthy hair is not difficult.