Hair Loss Explained: Causes, Risk Factors & How to Prevent it

Hair loss is a common concern for many adults, impacting self-esteem and confidence. It can occur gradually or suddenly, with reasons ranging from genetic predispositions to lifestyle factors and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding the root causes of hair loss can help you manage, prevent, and treat it effectively.

Hair loss can result from medical conditions, hormonal fluctuations, medications, stress, dehydration, and dietary deficiencies, each requiring tailored strategies for prevention and care.

Understanding The Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss rarely has a single cause; it’s often the result of a combination of factors. Understanding these can help you pinpoint why you might be losing more hair than usual. Genetics, hormones, medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies all play a role.

- Genetic factors: Conditions like female pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness are the most common types of hair loss and often run in families.

- Hormonal changes: Life events like pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues can shift hormone levels dramatically, sometimes triggering hair shedding.

- Medical conditions: Disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or autoimmune diseases can also disrupt hair growth cycles.

- Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, Iron, B12, and Zinc are well-known contributors to thinning hair [1][2].

Lifestyle Triggers of Hair Loss

Even if you have no genetic predisposition, certain lifestyle choices can make hair loss more likely. Stress, dehydration, restrictive dieting, or trendy eating patterns like intermittent fasting can all play a part.

1. Stress: Mental and physical stress can shock hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to shedding.

2. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water affects your scalp and hair follicles, leaving them dry and weak.

3. Diet and rapid weight loss: Extreme dieting can deprive your body (and hair) of vital nutrients.

4. Intermittent fasting: While popular for weight loss, fasting can disrupt nutrient intake if not done carefully.

Common Scalp Issues

Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. If it’s not well cared for, problems like dandruff, inflammation, and blocked follicles can disrupt hair growth [4].

- Dandruff: Persistent dandruff can weaken hair follicles over time. The itching and scratching associated with dandruff can damage the scalp’s barrier, causing inflammation and making it harder for healthy hair to grow.

- Scalp inflammation: Conditions that inflame or clog follicles can prevent new hair from growing properly. Good scalp hygiene, gentle cleansing, and exfoliation can help keep follicles clear.

- Blocked follicles: Product buildup, excess sebum, and dead skin can block hair follicles, restricting hair growth and potentially leading to folliculitis, where hair follicles become inflamed. Regular scalp cleansing, avoiding heavy styling products, and gentle exfoliation can help keep follicles clear and reduce the risk of hair loss.

Medications, Treatments, and Hair Loss

Sometimes hair loss can be a side effect of medications or cosmetic treatments. While you should never stop prescribed treatments without medical advice, it helps to know what might affect your hair.

1. Allergy shots: Some people report hair shedding after allergy immunotherapy.

2. Anaesthesia: Surgery-related anaesthesia can sometimes trigger temporary hair loss.

3. Creatine & Botox: Supplements like creatine or treatments like Botox are sometimes linked (though research is mixed).

4. Blood pressure medication: Certain blood pressure medications can cause thinning hair, but always speak with a doctor before changing your medication and never stop taking these medicines without medical advice.

Recognising The Signs of Excessive Hair Loss

Everyone loses about 50–100 hairs daily, but how do you know when it’s too much? Recognising what’s normal versus excessive can help you take action early.

Look for sudden clumps of hair falling out, widening parts, or bald patches. Pay attention to thinning patterns; women tend to experience diffuse thinning, while men often see receding hairlines.

How to Prevent Hair Loss: Practical Tips

While you can’t change your genetics, you can protect your hair by adopting healthy habits and addressing lifestyle factors.

- Eat for your hair: Ensure you get enough protein, iron, zinc, and Vitamin D.

- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can weaken hair shafts.

- Manage stress: Try mindfulness, exercise, or therapy to reduce stress levels.

- Be gentle: Avoid harsh chemicals, heat damage, or tight hairstyles that tug on roots.

- Care for your scalp: Regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation can prevent buildup.

- Test if needed: If you suspect an underlying cause, consider a Smart DNA – Hair Loss Profile test for tailored advice.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Hair Health

Hair loss can feel overwhelming, but understanding its many causes, from diet and stress to genetics and hormones, empowers you to act early. With the right habits and professional guidance, you can protect your hair and feel confident again. If you’re concerned, don’t wait; monitor your hair, care for your scalp, and reach out for support if needed.

FAQs

Can Hormonal Birth Control Affect Hair Loss?

Yes, hormonal birth control can contribute to hair loss in some individuals, depending on your sensitivity to hormone changes. Birth control pills may initially reduce hair thinning in women with androgen-related hair loss, but some people experience increased shedding when starting or stopping hormonal pills due to hormonal fluctuations. This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, is typically temporary and stabilises within a few months. However, if hair loss continues or worsens, it’s important to speak with your doctor to evaluate hormone levels and discuss alternative contraceptive options if necessary.

Does Wearing Hats or Hijabs Cause Hair Loss?

Wearing hats, hijabs, or scarves does not cause hair loss if they fit comfortably. However, if your head coverings are too tight, they can create tension on the hair shaft, leading to a condition called traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by continuous pulling on the hair follicles. To prevent this, choose soft, breathable materials and avoid tying scarves or wearing caps too tightly. Maintaining good scalp hygiene while regularly changing and washing head coverings also supports a healthy scalp environment for hair growth.

How Much Hair Loss is Normal Per Day?

On average, it is normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. Each hair follicle goes through a growth, rest, and shedding phase, and daily shedding is a sign that your hair follicles are renewing themselves. You may notice more hair shedding during seasonal changes, after brushing or washing hair, or during periods of stress. However, if you see excessive shedding in clumps, sudden thinning, or patchy bald spots, it could indicate an underlying issue that requires professional assessment.

Can Hair Styling Tools & Heat Damage Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, excessive use of hair styling tools such as hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can weaken the hair shaft, making it brittle and prone to breakage. While heat damage itself does not affect the hair follicle beneath the scalp, repeated breakage can make your hair appear thinner and less healthy over time. To prevent heat-related damage, use heat styling tools on the lowest effective setting, apply a heat protectant spray, and limit heat styling to a few times per week to preserve your hair’s strength and shine.

When Should I See a Doctor About Hair Loss?

You should consider seeing a doctor if you notice sudden or severe hair shedding, bald patches, or significant changes in your hair’s density. Additional red flags include scalp pain, redness, or scaling that does not improve with regular washing, or if your hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or menstrual irregularities. These may indicate an underlying health condition such as thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, or autoimmune disorders that require prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Early assessment can help identify the root cause and support a more effective hair restoration plan.