Why does hair fall out? The most common causes, symptoms and ways to prevent it
Losing 50-100 hairs a day is a natural part of the hair life cycle. However, when hair falls out in handfuls and there is more and more of it on your brush or in the drain after washing, it may be a sign that your body is sending you a warning. Stress, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, scalp diseases and improper care are just some of the causes of hair loss.
Why does hair fall out and what factors can cause us to lose it in excess? How can we prevent excessive hair loss? What can we do to stop thinning and regain healthy, thick hair?
Table of contents
- What causes hair loss? The most common causes
- Hair loss after stress - is it normal?
- Diet and excessive hair loss - how does nutrition affect hair roots?
- When is hair loss excessive? How can you recognise it?
- Androgenic alopecia in men and women
- Why do we start going bald? Differences between women and men
- Hair care and hair loss – what to do to stop hair loss?
- How to stop excessive hair loss?
What causes hair loss? The most common causes
Hair loss is often the result of a combination of several factors. Sometimes it is the result of fatigue, other times hormonal problems or deficiencies. Hair is one of the first elements to react to disturbances in the body, which is why its condition can be a barometer of health.
What causes hair loss? The most common causes of hair loss are:
- stress and fatigue – elevated cortisol levels weaken hair follicles and shorten the growth phase (anagen). Hair enters a resting phase more quickly and begins to fall out after a few weeks,
- hormonal disorders – excess androgens, thyroid disease, menopause or hormonal fluctuations after pregnancy affect the hair life cycle,
- vitamin and mineral deficiencies – lack of iron, biotin or B vitamins weakens the roots and slows down new hair growth,
- scalp diseases – seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infection or psoriasis can cause inflammation and hair thinning,
- autoimmune diseases – certain autoimmune conditions, such as alopecia areata, Hashimoto's disease or lupus erythematosus, can also lead to a reduction in the amount of hair on the head,
- chemotherapy – hair damaged by chemotherapy becomes dry, dull and may fall out excessively.
Mistakes in daily hair care can also lead to a deterioration in the condition of the hair roots. Frequent straightening, hot water, aggressive hair products or overly tight hairstyles mechanically damage the structure of the hair and weaken the roots.
Hair loss after stress - is it normal?
If you have noticed that your hair has started to fall out more intensely after a period of severe stress, you are probably struggling with so-called telogen hair loss. This is a temporary condition in which a large number of follicles simultaneously enter a resting phase. It often occurs 2-3 months after a difficult event: illness, surgery, break-up or job loss.
It is worth knowing that stress affects not only the psyche, but also the body's biochemistry, contributing to the inhibition of the production of proteins responsible for hair growth. The good news is that this phenomenon is reversible. When stress levels drop, hair regrows within a few months. Relaxation techniques, regular sleep and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help.
Diet and excessive hair loss - how does nutrition affect hair roots?
What you eat has a direct impact on the condition of your hair and scalp. Hair follicles need adequate amounts of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin D to produce healthy hair. A lack of these nutrients can lead to increased hair loss and weak hair roots.
To stop excessive hair loss, include foods rich in the following in your diet:
- iron (red meat, legumes, spinach),
- zinc (pumpkin seeds, seafood),
- vitamin C (peppers, citrus fruits),
- omega-3 (salmon, linseed, nuts).
A balanced diet supports hair regeneration and can significantly slow down the process of hair loss. To prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies, you can add appropriate supplements to your diet after consulting a specialist. Vitamins for women should provide the body with iron, magnesium and folic acid. For men, vitamins for men containing potassium, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E are best.
When is hair loss excessive? How can you recognise it?
Natural hair replacement is a process that affects everyone. On average, we lose 50-100 hairs a day, which is a physiological phenomenon. The problem arises when the amount of hair loss exceeds this norm or you notice a noticeable thinning of the hair on the top of your head, receding hairline, gaps or weaker roots.
The symptoms of excessive hair loss are:
- visibly reduced hair density,
- thinning around the forehead and temples,
- delayed growth of new hair (so-called baby hair).
If you have been losing hair for a long time, it is worth visiting a trichologist or doctor who will order tests for hormones, vitamins and minerals.
Androgenic alopecia in men and women
One of the most common causes of permanent hair loss is androgenic alopecia. It can be genetic, resulting from the hypersensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). In men, androgenetic alopecia usually starts at the temples and the top of the head. Over time, the hair becomes thinner until it disappears completely in these areas. In women, the process is usually milder – there is general thinning of the hair in the parting and crown areas, but rarely complete loss.
Diagnosis includes laboratory tests, scalp analysis and hair follicle assessment. Treatment involves preparations containing minoxidil, dietary supplements and hormone therapy. The earlier the measures are implemented, the greater the chance of stopping hair loss.
Why do we start going bald? Differences between women and men
Hair loss affects both men and women, but the course and causes differ depending on gender. In men, genetic and hormonal factors predominate. High DHT levels cause miniaturisation of the follicles. In women, hormonal changes after pregnancy, during menopause or in thyroid disorders play a greater role.
Women are more likely to experience hair loss after pregnancy, stress or deficiencies, while men are more likely to experience hair loss at the temples and on the top of the head. It is worth noting that early diagnosis can stop the balding process and restore the balance of the hair growth cycle.
Hair care and hair loss – what to do to stop hair loss?
Improper hair care can exacerbate the problem. High temperatures, aggressive cosmetics, frequent dyeing or tugging during combing lead to damage to the hair roots.
To improve the condition of your hair and scalp:
- wash your hair with a gentle sulphate- and alcohol-free shampoo,
- massage your scalp to stimulate circulation and strengthen the follicles,
- use conditioners and rub-in treatments containing caffeine or plant extracts,
- limit hot drying and tight updos,
- support your hair from within - choose supplements for hair loss containing B vitamins, zinc and biotin.
A well-chosen care routine is often the easiest way to stop excessive hair loss.
How to stop excessive hair loss?
Hair usually reacts to everything that happens in your body. Therefore, do not look for one miracle method – instead, take a holistic approach. Take care of your hormonal balance, eat a balanced diet and reduce stress. If the problem persists, consult a specialist. The sooner you identify the cause of hair loss, the more effectively you can take action.
Do not ignore the signs: thinning hair, receding hairline and bald patches are not only aesthetic defects, but also a sign that your body needs support. Remember that in most cases, hair loss is a reversible process, and proper care, diet and treatment can restore your hair's health, strength, density and natural shine.
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