Hair loss can be distressing — especially when it happens suddenly. While gradual thinning is common with age, sudden hair loss can point to underlying health issues or lifestyle triggers. At Regrow Hair Centre, we understand the emotional and psychological impact this can have, and we’re here to help you understand what might be causing it and how to treat it.
Whether you’re male or female, early diagnosis and expert intervention are crucial. If you’re looking for the best hair loss treatment or an experienced hair loss treatment clinic in Essex, keep reading. This guide covers the top 10 causes of sudden hair loss, along with expert insights and treatment options.
1. Telogen Effluvium: Stress-Induced Hair Loss
Telogen Effluvium is one of the leading causes of sudden hair loss. It occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase prematurely, resulting in excessive shedding. This condition is typically triggered by a physical or emotional shock.
Common causes include:
- Major surgery
- High fever or severe illness
- Childbirth
- Emotional trauma or chronic stress
- Sudden weight loss or crash dieting
Symptoms: Hair appears to fall out in large clumps, especially during washing or brushing. The scalp might feel tender or itchy, but there are no visible bald patches.
Treatment: Telogen Effluvium can be treated by first addressing and reducing the underlying stress through lifestyle changes, improved sleep and proper nutrition.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
The hair follicle is a rapidly dividing cell, and it requires adequate nutrition to remain healthy. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to sudden hair thinning or breakage.
Common nutrient deficiencies linked to hair loss:
- Iron (especially in menstruating women)
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Biotin
- Vitamin B12
- Protein
Symptoms: General thinning, brittle strands, increased hair breakage, and shedding. Nails and skin may also appear unhealthy.
Treatment: Blood tests to assess nutrient levels, combined with dietary adjustments and supplements, can significantly enhance hair health.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones regulate hair growth cycles, and any fluctuation can impact hair health. Hormonal imbalances can affect both men and women and often result in diffuse thinning or patchy loss.
Common hormonal causes:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Menopause
- Pregnancy and postpartum hormonal changes
- Hypo- or hyperthyroidism
- Use of birth control or hormone therapy
Symptoms: Thinning around the crown or temples, oily scalp, acne, or irregular menstrual cycles in women.
Treatment: Hormonal imbalances causing hair loss can be effectively treated by addressing the underlying endocrine issues through medication and lifestyle changes.
4. Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid dysfunction – either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism- can interfere with the hair growth cycle, causing hair to shed at a faster rate.
Signs of thyroid-related hair loss:
- Diffuse thinning across the entire scalp
- Dry, brittle hair
- Weight gain or loss
- Fatigue and sensitivity to temperature
Treatment: Accurate diagnosis is key. Treating the underlying thyroid condition often restores hair over time.
5. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to sudden bald patches.
Features of Alopecia Areata:
Round, smooth bald patches on the scalp or body
May progress to total hair loss (Alopecia Totalis) or complete body hair loss (Alopecia Universalis)
Often associated with stress or genetic predisposition
Treatment: There is no permanent cure, but treatments such as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) have shown success. We specialise in treating autoimmune-related hair loss with advanced hair therapies available in Essex.
6. Traction Alopecia: Hair Styling Damage
Traction Alopecia results from continuous pulling or tension on the hair shaft, often due to tight hairstyles.
Common causes include:
- Braids, cornrows, or weaves
- Tight ponytails or buns
Symptoms: Receding hairline, especially around the forehead and temples, thinning patches, and breakage at the roots.
Treatment: Early intervention can prevent permanent hair damage. We recommend changing styling habits and offer regenerative scalp treatments to stimulate dormant follicles.
7. Scalp Infections and Dermatological Conditions
Fungal, bacterial or viral infections of the scalp can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause scarring or inflammation that results in sudden hair loss.
Symptoms: Redness, itching, scaling, or pus-filled sores on the scalp. Hair loss typically occurs in patches.
Treatment: Scalp infections and dermatological conditions are treated by first identifying the underlying issue —such as fungal infections, psoriasis, or dermatitis and using targeted medicated shampoos, topical treatments, in clinic treatments or oral medications.
8. Medications and Medical Treatments
Several prescription drugs list hair loss as a side effect. The impact can be either temporary or long-lasting.
Medications that may trigger hair loss:
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Antidepressants
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Beta-blockers
- Acne medications (e.g., isotretinoin)
- Birth control pills
Symptoms: Hair thinning begins shortly after starting a new medication and may continue until the body adjusts or the medication is stopped.
Treatment: Never stop medication without consulting your doctor. We offer supportive therapies such as PRP, PRF, and LLLT to counteract medication-induced hair thinning.
9. Crash Dieting and Sudden Weight Loss
Extreme calorie restriction deprives the body of essential nutrients, which can lead to hair shedding as the body prioritises vital organs over the hair follicle.
Symptoms: Thinning hair, brittle strands, delayed regrowth, and associated fatigue or nutrient deficiencies.
Treatment: Hair loss from crash dieting and sudden weight loss can be treated by restoring a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support overall hair health. Key supplements like iron, biotin, zinc, B12 (available in clinic at Regrow Hair Centre) and vitamin D may be recommended.
10. Genetics: Sudden Triggers for Pattern Baldness
While genetic hair loss—Androgenetic Alopecia—is usually gradual, it can accelerate due to external triggers such as stress, illness, poor diet, or hormone shifts.
Men may notice: Receding hairline and thinning at the crown.
Women may experience: Widening part and diffuse thinning over the scalp.
Treatment: This condition responds well to early intervention.
These advanced hair loss treatments in Essex help stop further loss and encourage new growth.
What Are the Treatment Options for Hair Loss?
At Regrow Hair Centre, we offer a complete range of treatments for both sudden and long-term hair loss. Whether you’re experiencing temporary shedding or more advanced thinning, we’ll create a personalised plan to restore your confidence and your hair.
PRF Treatment for Hair:
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is an advanced regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to stimulate natural hair growth. It contains a higher concentration of healing factors than PRP, making it a powerful, non-surgical option for reviving dormant follicles.
Laser Hair Treatment:
We offer low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate circulation and energy production in the scalp. This painless, non-invasive option is excellent for both men and women experiencing thinning hair.
Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments:
We provide several non-surgical therapies as well. These hair loss treatments are perfect for people who want to slow or reverse hair loss without surgery.
Hair Transplant Therapy:
For clients with advanced or permanent hair loss, we offer FUE, Sapphire FUE and DHI hair transplant techniques at our dedicated hair transplant partners in Essex and even istanbul, Turkey. These methods are minimally invasive and produce natural-looking, long-lasting guaranteed results.
Why Choose Regrow Hair Centre?
At Regrow Hair Centre, we specialise in diagnosing and treating all types of hair loss using science-backed, medically supervised treatments. Whether your hair loss is caused by stress, illness, genetics, or lifestyle, Regrow Hair Centre is your partner in restoring your hair and confidence.
Sudden Hair Loss Can Be Reversed — With the Right Help. While sudden hair loss can be alarming, understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment. From stress and hormones to scalp infections and nutritional deficiencies, many issues can contribute, and most are treatable.
At Regrow Hair Centre, we offer the best hair loss treatment in Essex, options and a compassionate team dedicated to your recovery. Book your consultation today with our hair loss treatment clinic in Essex and take the first step towards healthier, fuller hair.