Hair loss and its causes: A comprehensive guide

Everyone loses hair daily – this is normal and part of a healthy hair cycle. However, when hair loss increases and the scalp becomes visible, it can become a real problem. Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and often has a significant impact on self-esteem. In this guide, we explain the different types of hair loss, their causes, and how the AS Clinic can help using state-of-the-art methods.

Current statistics on hair loss

New studies from 2023-2024 reveal interesting findings on the prevalence of hair loss:

Interesting demographic differences are also evident in the frequency of different types of hair loss:

*Compared to the white population, based on current studies

Age distribution of hair loss

The highest prevalence of hair loss is found in the following age groups:

• 30-39 years: 297 per 100,000

• Ages 40-49: 270 per 100,000

• 50-59 years: 174 per 100,000

Current research shows that approximately 9% of all hair loss patients are affected by severe forms such as alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.

Understanding the basics of hair growth

To understand hair loss, we should first understand the natural growth cycle of our hair. Each hair follicle goes through several phases:

• Growth phase (anagen phase) : In this phase, which lasts 2-6 years, the hair grows about 1 cm per month. Approximately 85-90% of our head hair is normally in this phase.

• Transition phase (catagen phase) : This short phase lasts only about 2 weeks. The hair follicle shrinks and becomes detached from its blood supply.

• Resting phase (telogen phase) : This phase, lasting 2-4 months, ends with the shedding of the hair, while a new hair begins to grow in the same follicle.

A daily loss of 50-100 hairs is considered normal and is no cause for concern. Only when significantly more hairs fall out or hair density noticeably decreases is hair loss considered problematic.

The most common forms of hair loss

Androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss)

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, affecting approximately 80% of men and 50% of women at some point in their lives. In this genetically determined form, the hair follicles are particularly sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) , leading to a shrinking of the follicles.

In men, androgenetic alopecia typically manifests as:

Receding hairline at the temples (receding hairline)

Thinning at the top of the head (tonsure)

Progressive merging of these areas into classic baldness

In women, hereditary hair loss manifests itself differently:

Diffuse thinning mainly at the crown

Widening of the center part

Rarely complete baldness

The hairline usually remains intact.

Alopecia areata (circular hair loss)

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own hair follicles. It is characterized by sharply defined, circular bald patches that can appear suddenly. This form affects approximately 1-2% of the population and can occur at any age.

Special features:

Sudden appearance of coin-sized bald patches

No signs of inflammation on the scalp

Can also affect beard, eyebrows and other body areas.

In approximately 80% of cases, hair grows back on its own within a year.

Often associated with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders

Diffuse hair loss (alopecia diffusa)

In this form, the hair thins evenly across the entire scalp. Diffuse hair loss is usually temporary and has various causes:

Severe physical or emotional stress

Hormonal changes (pregnancy, childbirth, menopause)

Nutrient deficiency

Certain medications

Thyroid disorders

Once the cause is eliminated, hair growth usually recovers within 6-12 months.

Causes of hair loss in detail

Genetic factors

Genetics plays a crucial role in hair loss. Contrary to popular belief, the predisposition for hair loss is not solely inherited from the mother – genes from both parents can contribute. The primary cause is a genetically determined hypersensitivity of the hair follicles to DHT, a breakdown product of the male hormone testosterone.

Hormonal changes

Hormones significantly influence our hair growth. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.

Pregnancy and childbirth: During pregnancy, more hairs remain in the growth phase. After childbirth, these fall out in greater numbers, leading to a temporary increase in hair loss.

Menopause: The declining estrogen level can lead to thinning hair in women.

Thyroid problems: Both an overactive and an underactive thyroid can cause hair loss.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): This hormonal disorder can lead to hair loss in women due to elevated androgen levels.

Medical causes

Various illnesses and medical treatments can trigger hair loss:

Autoimmune diseases: In addition to alopecia areata, lupus erythematosus or scleroderma can also lead to hair loss.

Scalp infections: Fungal and bacterial infections can damage the hair follicles.

Chemotherapy: The drugs directed against cancer cells also damage the rapidly dividing cells of the hair follicles.

Medications: Certain blood pressure lowering drugs, anticoagulants, antidepressants and other medications can have hair loss as a side effect.

Nutritional factors

An unbalanced diet can significantly impair hair growth. Here is a detailed overview of the most important nutrients:

Effects of nutrient deficiencies

Scientific studies show the following links between nutrient deficiencies and hair loss:

Recommended dietary supplements

If a deficiency has been confirmed, the following supplements may be beneficial:

Important nutrition tips:

• Protein-rich foods such as fish, poultry, eggs and legumes

• Green leafy vegetables for iron and folic acid

• Nuts and seeds for healthy fats

• Whole grain products for B vitamins

• Sufficient water (2-3 liters daily)

Antioxidants and hair health

External influences

The way we treat our hair can also lead to hair loss:

Heat exposure: Frequent blow-drying, straightening or styling with high temperatures damages the hair structure.

Chemical treatments: Dyeing, bleaching or perming can weaken the hair and lead to increased breakage.

Mechanical stress: Braids, bun hairstyles or extensions that are tied too tightly can cause pulling forces that lead to so-called traction alopecia.

Environmental factors: UV radiation, air pollution and chlorinated water can negatively affect hair quality.

Psychological stress

Prolonged emotional stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to increased hair loss. The body reacts to stress by releasing various hormones that can put the hair follicle into the resting phase. Traumatic experiences can even cause sudden, diffuse hair loss (telogen effluvium), which usually occurs 2-3 months after the triggering event.

Diagnosis of hair loss

Before targeted treatment can begin, a thorough diagnosis is essential. At the AS Clinic, we conduct comprehensive examinations to determine the exact cause of your hair loss:

1. Detailed medical history : We discuss your personal and family medical history, medication use, diet and lifestyle.

2. Dermatological examination : Our specialists will carefully examine your scalp and hair structure for signs of various forms of hair loss.

3. Trichoscopy : Using a special microscope, we examine your scalp and hair follicles under high magnification to detect changes.

4. Hair pull test : A small group of hairs is gently pulled to see how many come loose – an important indicator of active hair loss.

5. Trichogram : In this examination, some hairs are taken and examined microscopically to determine the proportion of hairs in different growth phases.

6. Blood tests : We check important values ​​such as iron, ferritin, zinc, thyroid hormones and, if necessary, other hormones to identify deficiencies or hormonal causes.

The treatment options offered by the AS Clinic

With over 12 years of experience, AS-Clinic offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for hair loss. We develop an individual treatment plan for each patient:

Drug therapies

Minoxidil solutions: Thisscientifically proven therapyis applied externally and can promote hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp and prolonging the growth phase.

Hormonal treatments: In cases of hormonally related hair loss, medications such as finasteride (for men) can help inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

Dietary supplements: In cases of proven deficiency, targeted preparations containing iron, zinc, biotin and other important nutrients can support hair growth.

Modern non-invasive procedures

PRP therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma): This innovative method involves injecting your own blood plasma, enriched with growth factors, into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. Theeffectiveness of this treatmenthas been demonstrated in several clinical studies.

Laser hair growth therapy: Special low-intensity lasers can improve blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate metabolic activity in the hair follicles.

Mesotherapy: In this treatment, vitamin-rich solutions are introduced directly into the scalp using fine needles to nourish and strengthen the hair roots.

Hair transplantation

AS-Clinic offers state-of-the-art hair transplantation techniques as a permanent solution for advanced hair loss:

FUE technique (Follicular Unit Extraction): Individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area (usually the back of the head) and transplanted into the balding areas. This method leaves no visible scars and allows for natural-looking results.

Low-pain procedure: Through local anesthesia and state-of-the-art instruments, we make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Individual Hairline Design: Our experienced hair surgeons design a natural hairline that perfectly suits your face and age.

Comparison: Hair transplantation vs. PRP vs. Minoxidil

method	Invasiveness	naturalness	Lasting effect	Side effects
Hair transplantation	High	Yes	Yes	Surgery required
PRP	Minimal	Yes	With refresher	No
Minoxidil	No	No	Only used while	Possible irritation

Treatment successes and therapy comparison

Choosing the right treatment method depends on various factors. Here is a detailed comparison of the most important therapy options:

Scientifically proven effectiveness

Current clinical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of various treatment methods:

Factors for treatment success

The chances of success for a therapy are influenced by several factors:

Early start of treatment

Consistent adherence to the therapy

Combination of different treatment methods

Individual genetic factors

General health condition

Stress levels and lifestyle

Long-term prognosis depending on treatment type

*Percentages refer to patients with a stable or improved condition

New research shows that combination therapies in particular deliver promising long-term results.

Prevention and self-help

Even though hair loss is often genetically determined, there are things you can do to keep your hair healthy and minimize further hair loss:

Healthy eating

A balanced diet with sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals is fundamental for healthy hair growth. The following are particularly important:

Protein-rich foods such as fish, poultry, eggs and legumes

Iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, whole grain products and lean red meat

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds and walnuts

Vitamin C for better iron absorption

Zinc-rich foods such as oysters, pumpkin seeds and whole grain products

Gentle hair care

Use mild, pH-neutral shampoos.

Avoid frequent blow-drying, straightening, or dyeing.

Avoid overly tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.

Massage your scalp regularly to promote blood circulation.

Comb and brush your hair gently, especially when it is wet.

Stress management

Since stress can be a significant factor in hair loss, effective stress management is important:

Regular exercise and sport

Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation

Sufficient sleep

Schedule breaks and rest periods into your daily routine.

Post-PRP treatment care

Please note the following after treatment:

Do not wash your hair for 24 hours.

No sauna/solarium for 48 hours

No exercise for 24 hours

Use of mild shampoo is recommended.

Dietary supplement: Biotin, zinc, vitamin D3

Experiences with our treatments

"After just the third session, I saw significantly less hair loss. The combination of PRP and targeted nutritional supplements worked wonders for me." – Michael, 38

"After my pregnancy, I experienced severe hair loss. The therapy at the AS Clinic gave me back my self-confidence." – Lisa, 32

Why the AS Clinic?

AS-Clinic has established itself as a leading center for the treatment of hair loss. What sets us apart:

Years of experience: Our team, led by Ali Reza Simaee, has over 12 years of experience in hair restoration and has helped thousands of satisfied patients.

Over 1,000 successful hair treatments: Our extensive expertise is reflected in the high satisfaction of our patients.

Professional expertise: Our specialists are constantly expanding their knowledge and implementing the latest scientific findings in treatment.

State-of-the-art technologies: We invest in advanced equipment and techniques to achieve optimal results.

Individual approach: Each patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

Multilingual team(German, English, Persian)

Prices & Options

Initial consultation is free of charge.

PRP single session from €250

Hair transplantation from €2,290

3- or 6-packs with discount

Installment payment possible

Glossary: ​​Terms briefly explained

• PRP : Autologous blood plasma, which is rich in growth factors

• Alopecia : Medical term for hair loss

• Trichoscopy : Microscopic analysis of the scalp

• DHT : Dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that plays an important role in genetically determined hair loss.

• Anagen phase : growth phase of the hair

• Grafts : Hair follicle units used in transplantation

New research and future prospects

Research in the field of hair loss is constantly evolving. Here is an overview of the latest developments:

Current research focus

Promising new treatment approaches

Current scientific publications highlight the following innovative treatment options:

Personalized medicine

The future of hair loss treatment lies in personalized medicine:

International research collaborations

The AS-Clinic is part of various research networks:

Participation in multicenter studies

Exchange with leading hair clinics worldwide

Access to the latest treatment methods

Regular training for the medical team

Current study results show that the combination of different innovative approaches in particular delivers promising results.

Contact and advice

Are you suffering from hair loss and finally want to do something about it? Schedule a personal consultation at the AS Clinic. Our expert team will take the time to answer your questions and develop an individualized strategy for your hair problem.