Hair loss encyclopedia
Hair Loss
The main gateway to FOLIGAIN's hair-loss knowledge base: patterns, causes, stages and practical next steps for men and women.
Hair loss is a symptom with many possible causes. Pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata and traction all look different and respond to different approaches.
Start with the pattern you recognize, learn what drives it, then take action with a routine that fits.
Explore Hair Loss
Common patterns
Understand hair loss
Treatments
In-depth guides
The Complete Guide to the Types of Hair Loss
Pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, traction and scarring hair loss: how each one looks, why it happens and what usually helps.
14 min read · Updated 2026-09-28
Male Pattern Hair Loss: Causes, Stages and Options
Everything men need to know about androgenetic alopecia, from DHT and genetics to the Norwood scale, early signs and a realistic plan of action.
15 min read · Updated 2026-09-28
Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Complete Guide for Women
How thinning shows up differently in women, the role of hormones, menopause and nutrition, the Ludwig scale, and the options worth discussing.
15 min read · Updated 2026-09-28
Telogen Effluvium: Why Sudden Shedding Happens and How It Recovers
A calm, detailed guide to trigger-related shedding: the timeline, common causes, how it differs from pattern hair loss and what helps recovery.
12 min read · Updated 2026-09-28
The Hair Growth Cycle Explained: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen
Understanding the four phases of hair growth is the key to understanding shedding, timelines and why every hair-growth routine takes months.
12 min read · Updated 2026-09-28How Much Hair Shedding Is Normal? A Practical Guide
Daily hair counts, wash-day shedding, seasonal changes and the signs that shedding deserves a closer look.
10 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Hidden Causes of Hair Loss: Thyroid, Iron, Medications and More
The medical and lifestyle factors that can cause or worsen thinning, and the questions worth asking your doctor.
13 min read · Updated 2026-09-28When to See a Dermatologist About Hair Loss (and What to Expect)
Red-flag symptoms, how to prepare for your appointment, the tests and tools dermatologists use and how to make the most of the visit.
10 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Every Hair Loss Treatment Compared: The Complete Overview
OTC Minoxidil, prescription medicines, procedures, devices and cosmetics side by side: evidence, pros, cons and who each suits.
16 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Hair Transplants: Pros, Cons, Costs and What to Expect
FUE vs FUT, candidacy, recovery, results timeline, risks and why medical therapy still matters after surgery.
15 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Finasteride for Hair Loss: Pros, Cons and Side Effects
How the prescription DHT blocker works, evidence, sexual and mood side effects, and who it is and isn't for.
14 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Dutasteride for Hair Loss: Pros and Cons
A stronger DHT blocker used off-label in the US: how it compares with finasteride, evidence and safety.
11 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil: Pros, Cons and How It Compares to Topical
Why clinicians increasingly prescribe low-dose oral Minoxidil, the benefits, the risks, and how it differs from topical.
12 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Spironolactone for Female Hair Loss: Pros and Cons
An anti-androgen prescribed off-label for female pattern hair loss: evidence, side effects and considerations.
10 min read · Updated 2026-09-28PRP for Hair Loss: Pros, Cons and Evidence
Platelet-rich plasma injections explained: procedure, sessions, costs and what studies say.
10 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Microneedling and Laser Therapy for Hair: Pros and Cons
Dermarollers, in-office microneedling and low-level light caps and combs: how they work and what to expect.
11 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Alopecia Areata Treatments: Steroids, JAK Inhibitors and More
Medical options for patchy autoimmune hair loss, including FDA-approved JAK inhibitors, with pros and cons.
11 min read · Updated 2026-09-28Hair Thinning in Women: Patterns, Causes and First Steps
Diffuse thinning, widening parts and postpartum shedding look different from male pattern loss, and are assessed differently.
10 min read · Updated 2026-09-10Hair Loss FAQ
What is the most common type of hair loss?
Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, is the most common type in both men and women. It is gradual, patterned and influenced by genetics and androgens.
Can stress cause hair loss?
Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary diffuse shedding that typically appears two to four months after the stressful event.
Is hair loss from telogen effluvium permanent?
Acute telogen effluvium usually resolves once the trigger is removed, with gradual recovery over months. Ongoing shedding beyond six months should be assessed by a clinician.
Does Minoxidil work for every type of hair loss?
Topical Minoxidil is approved and studied primarily for pattern hair loss. Other types, such as alopecia areata or scarring alopecia, need a dermatologist's assessment.
When should I see a doctor about hair loss?
See a clinician for sudden or patchy loss, scalp pain, itching, redness or scaling, loss of eyebrows or body hair, or hair loss alongside other symptoms such as fatigue or weight change.
At what age does male pattern hair loss start?
It can begin any time after puberty. Many men notice early changes in their twenties or thirties, and the likelihood increases with age.
Is male pattern baldness inherited from the mother?
Genes from both parents contribute. A well-known variant sits on the X chromosome, inherited from the mother, but paternal genes also play a role.
Can a receding hairline grow back?
Topical Minoxidil is studied mainly at the crown, and the frontal hairline often responds less. Maintaining existing hair is a more realistic goal for the hairline.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation.
FOLIGAIN Hair Intelligence Blog is the official FOLIGAIN® educational resource for hair loss, hair growth, Minoxidil, scalp health, hair science, ingredients and product education.