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Looking for information about hair loss? We have you covered.

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Need to know more about hair loss? We’ve got you covered.

Hair loss happens to both men and women for many reasons. Losing a little hair is normal. About 100 strands fall out each day, and new hair grows in. When hair loss is faster than hair growth, a person may have want to talk to a health care provider.

What is hair loss?

It’s normal to lose some hair every day. For those who start to see thinning or bald spots, there may be another issue. Different types of hair loss have different causes:*

  • Androgenic alopecia is a common hair loss that most people are familiar with. Hair follicles gradually shrink over time, producing thinner and shorter hair until the hair stops growing entirely. It can be inherited from parents or grandparents.
  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles. Hair falls out in small patches.
  • Anagen effluvium is hair loss from medical treatment, like chemotherapy. Hair falls out quickly over a short period of time.
  • Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss that happens after a person experiences extreme stress, illness or body changes.
  • Traction alopecia is hair loss from the stress of wearing hair in tight hairstyles, which damages hair follicles over time.

What symptoms can occur with hair loss?

Depending on the cause, hair loss can look different from person to person. The most common symptoms are gradual thinning on the top of the head, patchy bald spots and loosening hair.

Getting help

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss a person’s symptoms and health history and can perform a visual exam of the affected areas. They can suggest over-the-counter products and prescribe medication, if necessary. They can also develop a personalized treatment plan and advise on hair loss prevention.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

  3. When it’s time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Hereditary baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. Other possible causes* include the following:

  • Certain hair treatments
  • Hormonal changes
  • Medical conditions
  • Medications
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stressful events
  • Tight hairstyles

Treatment for some types of hair loss may include medication that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. With other conditions, hair may return without treatment within a year. If hair loss is due to an underlying health issue, that condition is treated first.

Certain types of hair loss, like androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata, can’t be prevented. For other types, there are ways to help minimize or prevent hair loss:*

  • Avoid hairstyles that put tension on hair follicles, such as braids, buns and ponytails.
  • Avoid chemical or heated hair treatments, such as hot-oil treatment and perms.
  • Eat healthy and don’t undereat.
  • Minimize styling tools that are tough on the follicles, such as curling irons and hot combs. Use a hair dryer on the lowest setting.
  • Stop smoking.

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss a person’s symptoms and health history and can perform a visual exam of the affected areas. They can suggest over-the-counter products and prescribe medication, if necessary. They can also develop a personalized treatment plan and advise on hair loss prevention.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:

  • *FOR DIFFERENT CAUSES CLAIM: Cleveland Clinic. Hair loss treatment. Accessed September 17, 2025.

  • *FOR OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES CLAIM: Mayo Clinic. Hair loss. Updated January 19, 2024.

  • *FOR HELP MINIMIZE OR PREVENT HAIR LOSS CLAIM: American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair loss: tips for managing. Accessed September 17, 2025.