Hair loss on one side of the head can have many causes
Psychological conditions like trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) often lead to patchy one-sided hair loss. The affected side corresponds to the person’s dominant hand used for pulling
Repeatedly sleeping on the same side exerts pressure on those follicles. This friction and reduced blood flow can cause thinning just on that side
Medical issues like alopecia areata (autoimmune), hormonal imbalances, or scalp infections target specific areas. Resulting in localized bald patches or asymmetrical thinning
Hairstyling habits like tight braids/buns or excessive heat damage follicles. If these practices consistently stress the same side, it will thin out faster
Poor circulation from conditions restricting blood flow deprives follicles of oxygen/nutrients. The side with reduced blood supply shows more pronounced thinning
Treatments range from medications like minoxidil to procedures like PRP therapy and hair transplants
Introduction: Hair loss on one side of the head
In my years of experience in the aesthetics industry, I’ve been asked about hair loss on one side of the head more times than I can count. It’s a perplexing issue that can leave people feeling self-conscious and frustrated. At Wellaholic, we understand the emotional toll this condition can take, which is why we’ve made it our mission to provide effective solutions.
Through my interactions with customers and industry experts, I’ve learned that one-sided hair loss can stem from various factors, including genetics, stress, medical conditions, and even something as simple as your sleeping position.
In the rest of this article, I will delve deeper into the potential causes and explore the cutting-edge treatments we offer to help restore your confidence and achieve a fuller, more balanced head of hair.
“Losing hair on one side of the head can be a difficult experience, but the right treatment can help restore your confidence.”

Causes: hair loss on one side of the head can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, stress, and illness
As an aesthetic director with over a decade of experience, I’ve encountered numerous cases of hair loss on one side of the head. This perplexing condition can stem from various factors, and it’s crucial to identify the root cause for effective treatment.
Genetics play a significant role. If you have a family history of balding, you may be more susceptible to uneven hair loss. Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can also contribute to this issue. Additionally, certain medical conditions like autoimmune disorders or infections can trigger hair loss on one side.
Stress is another culprit. When you’re under immense pressure, your hair follicles may enter a prolonged resting phase, leading to shedding on one side of the scalp. Trauma or injury to the scalp, such as a blow to the head, can also cause localized hair loss.
Interestingly, even your sleeping position can impact hair growth. If you tend to sleep on one side, the constant pressure on that area can impede blood flow and nutrient delivery to the follicles, resulting in thinning hair on that side.

Understand how Alopecia Areata leads to hair loss
Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disorder. Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder that can cause patchy hair loss. Here’s what you need to know about AA:
Symptoms of Alopecia Areata. The most noticeable symptom of AA is patchy hair loss. This hair loss is typically nonscarring, which means that the hair follicles remain intact and hair can grow back eventually. The affected areas of the scalp may have completely bald patches that are surrounded by hair. Unlike male or female pattern baldness, the hair loss pattern in AA is slightly different.
Bald patches can appear anywhere on the scalp, including places that are not susceptible to regular baldness, such as the sides and back of the head. AA can also cause hair loss on other parts of the body, including the beard, eyelashes, eyebrows, and bodily hair. It is not uncommon for AA of the scalp to lead to asymmetrical hair loss.
Autoimmune Component of AA. There is likely a strong autoimmune component to the cause of AA. T helper cells, also known as white blood cells, play an important role in the immune system by attacking viruses. However, in AA, these cells may mistakenly attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss. The exact reason for this autoimmune reaction is not yet fully understood.

Understand how Trichotillomania leads to hair loss
Trichotillomania: A Condition of Hair Pulling. Trichotillomania is a condition where individuals experience the urge to pull out their own hair. Here’s what you need to know:
Symptoms of Trichotillomania. People with trichotillomania can pull hair from different parts of their bodies, including the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, arms, legs, or chest. Sometimes, the hair pulling is done unconsciously, without the individual even realizing it. However, other times it can be a result of conscious and very focused plucking. The condition is more common in girls and women, but men can also be affected.
Causes of Trichotillomania. The exact cause of trichotillomania is not known. However, it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Stress and anxiety can also trigger episodes of hair pulling.
Treatment for Trichotillomania. There is no cure for trichotillomania, but there are treatment options available to help manage the condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful in identifying and changing the thoughts and behaviors that trigger hair pulling. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be used to treat trichotillomania.

Understand how Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis lead to hair loss
Dandruff: An Unusual Trouble. Dandruff is a common problem that affects as much as 50% of the population. Here’s what you need to know:
What Causes Dandruff? Dandruff is the result of skin cells shedding from the scalp. While the skin cells that make up the scalp naturally shed all the time, in dandruff, the cells shed in groups and offer an exceptional level of adhesion, resulting in white flakes. The exact cause of dandruff is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of Dandruff. The main symptom of dandruff is the white flakes that form on the scalp. If you lose skin cells on your forehead, you’ll usually notice them ending up on your pillow. Dandruff is similar, but the flakes are more numerous and white. In addition to the flakes, dandruff can cause an itchy scalp and sometimes redness.
Treatment for Dandruff. While dandruff can be an annoying and sometimes embarrassing condition, it is usually not a serious medical concern. Mild cases of dandruff can often be treated with over-the-counter shampoos that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. In more severe cases, prescription-strength shampoos or topical treatments may be necessary. It’s important to see a doctor or dermatologist if you have persistent or severe dandruff, as it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Stress may also contribute to hair loss among Asians. A study of Japanese men compiled by Wellaholic found that psychological stress was a significant risk factor for AGA.

How to Treat One-Sided Hair Loss
1. Find the Cause
In some situations, hair loss may become one-sided. To successfully treat the issue, you should initially recognize the underlying cause. In many cases, the cause is quite easy to identify. Nevertheless, you may want the help of a dermatologist. Scientists have identified a few of the many causes for one-sided hair loss. To solve one of these root causes, you should pinpoint one, if possible. However, your dermatologist may be needed in a complex situation.
2. Treat the Issue at Its Source
Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medical treatments for Alopecia Areata. Some doctors prescribe minoxidil off-label, but the results can be mixed. Natural remedies such as onion juice and ginseng are also popular options.
Treating Trichotillomania. Psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for Trichotillomania, but it can be expensive and not always accessible to everyone. Another possible treatment option is pharmacotherapy with antidepressants, but it’s important to involve a medical professional or psychiatrist in the process.
Treating Dandruff. Chronic dandruff can be treated with over-the-counter treatments such as ketoconazole, which is available without a prescription. It’s also helpful to limit the use of hair care products like conditioners, mousses, and volumizers, as well as getting some exposure to daylight.
3. Consider Treatments such as Microneedling for Scalp
Microneedling for Scalp helps treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth. Microneedling for Scalp is a Collagen Induction Therapy hair loss treatment in Singapore which is also able to cause controlled trauma in the scalp to promote hair growth. Together with the use of Minoxidil 5%, Microneedling can lead to positive effects on hair growth over a 12-week period. Especially effective for patients with Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia, or male pattern baldness, receding hairline and thinning hair.
See the table below for a breakdown of the benefits of Microneedling on Scalp for hair growth or hair regrowth.
Benefits | Details |
---|---|
![]() | – Microneedling creates tiny punctures on the scalp – Which stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles – This increased circulation can help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth. |
![]() | – Microneedling can induce the production of collagen – Which is a protein that is essential for healthy hair growth – Collagen helps to strengthen hair follicles and improve the elasticity of the scalp, which can prevent hair breakage and hair loss. |
![]() | – Microneedling can reduce inflammation on the scalp – Which can be a contributing factor to hair loss – By reducing inflammation, microneedling can create a healthier environment for hair growth. |
![]() | – Microneedling can enhance the absorption of topical treatments – Such as minoxidil or hair growth serums – The tiny punctures created by microneedling can help these treatments to penetrate deeper into the scalp, increasing their effectiveness. |
![]() | – Microneedling can improve overall scalp health – By removing dead skin cells and unclogging hair follicles – This can create a healthier environment for hair growth and prevent conditions such as dandruff and scalp acne. |

Wellaholic’s Professional Observations (With Our Customers)
In our personal experience with customers at Wellaholic, we have observed a few interesting points regarding one-sided hair loss.
Firstly, many individuals are unaware that their hair loss is concentrated on one side of the scalp. It’s often during our consultations that we point out this pattern, which can be quite surprising for them. The asymmetry in hair thinning or balding can be subtle, making it easy to overlook initially.
Secondly, we’ve noticed that stress plays a significant role in exacerbating one-sided hair loss. Clients who have been through particularly stressful periods, whether due to work, personal life, or health issues, tend to experience more pronounced hair shedding on one side. This aligns with the understanding that stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger excessive shedding.
Lastly, we’ve found that addressing the root cause is crucial for effective treatment. In some cases, managing underlying conditions like hormonal imbalances or autoimmune disorders can help stabilize hair loss. In other instances, lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep quality or reducing scalp tension, can make a remarkable difference.
At Wellaholic, we take a holistic approach, combining advanced treatments like microneedling with personalized lifestyle recommendations to tackle one-sided hair loss from multiple angles. Our goal is to provide our clients with comprehensive solutions that not only promote hair regrowth but also improve their overall well-being.

Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director
Serene Chiam is the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, a well-known aesthetic chain in Singapore. She has more than ten years of experience in the aesthetics industry. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) and CIDESCO certifications, she expertly combines scientific knowledge with practical skills. Serene is known for her personalized approach to beauty, ensuring each Wellaholic client’s journey is unique and transformative. Her significant contributions have been pivotal in establishing Wellaholic’s reputation for excellence in aesthetic wellness.
Contact Serene at support@wellaholic.com
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RF Microneedling and AGA Treatment. RF microneedling + minoxidil can help treat AGA (male pattern baldness).
Efficacy in Pattern Hair Loss. RF microneedling is effective for hair loss in both men and women.
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A study found that Radiofrequency microneedling can improve hair density by 25% after one year, and is ideal for both male and female-pattern baldness.
Unlock the Mystery of Hair Loss on One Side of the Head: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Techniques for Hair Regrowth
The post Hair Loss on One Side of the Head – How to Treat? appeared first on Wellaholic.