What should I do if a woman suddenly has a small patch of unexplained hair loss on the top of her head?

A woman experiencing sudden hair loss in a small area on the scalp can address it by seeking timely medical evaluation, adjusting lifestyle habits, improving nutritional intake, reducing mental stress, and practicing proper scalp care. This condition is often associated with alopecia areata, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal fluctuations. If the bald area expands, multiple patches of hair loss appear, or if accompanied by scalp itching and flaking, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Seek timely medical diagnosis: Visit a dermatologist to determine whether the condition is alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, or another type of hair loss. Screen for underlying issues such as thyroid function abnormalities or hormonal imbalances to guide effective treatment.

2. Adjust lifestyle and sleep patterns: Avoid staying up late and ensure 7–8 hours of sleep each night. Maintaining a regular routine helps minimize endocrine disturbances that affect hair follicles and creates favorable conditions for hair growth.

3. Improve dietary nutrition: Increase intake of protein-rich foods and those high in B vitamins, iron, and zinc to supply essential nutrients for hair follicle growth. Avoid extreme dieting or picky eating that may lead to nutritional imbalances.

4. Reduce mental stress: Use exercise, meditation, or talking with others to relieve stress. Chronic anxiety and tension can impair blood circulation to hair follicles; maintaining emotional stability supports follicle recovery.

5. Practice proper scalp care: Use a mild, non-irritating shampoo. Avoid frequent dyeing, perming, or aggressive pulling of hair. Gently massage the scalp to enhance blood circulation and minimize mechanical damage to hair follicles.

In daily life, keep the scalp clean and dry, avoid prolonged sun exposure, reduce consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and refrain from using unproven home remedies. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, most small patches of hair loss can gradually recover within 3 to 6 months.