“Why is my hair falling out?”

Hair shedding is a common concern that affects people of all ages and gender!

While it’s totally normal to lose between 50-100 hairs per day, excessive hair loss can be distressing and may indicate an underlying issue. If you’ve been noticing more strands on your pillow, in the shower, or on your hairbrush, it’s important to understand the potential causes and solutions.

An increase in shedding isn’t always a cause for alarm, however if you are noticing any of these signs it may be time to reach out to a professional for answers:

• Bald spots appearing on the scalp or hairline

• Hair coming out in clumps no matter how gentle you are

• Hair breaking off at the scalp suddenly or without cause

Common Causes of Hair Shedding

1. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
   High levels of stress, whether physical or emotional, can contribute to hair shedding. Telogen effluvium, a condition triggered by stress, can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to increased hair fall a few months or immediately after a stressful event.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies
   Your diet plays a crucial role in hair health. Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin can weaken hair strands and cause excessive shedding. Rapid and sudden weight loss can absolutely be a risk factor for hair loss. You can ask your physician to check on your nutritional health using a simple blood test.

3. Hormonal Changes
   Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women due to pregnancy, puberty, postpartum changes, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can lead to hair loss. Cessation of breast feeding can also be a factor for drastic hormonal changes that may lead to increased shedding temporarily.

4. Medical Conditions
   Certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, and scalp infections, can cause hair loss. Medications such as GLP-1’s can sometimes be linked to hair loss as well, most likely due to a big change in nutrition. Anesthesia has been known to cause excessive hair shedding temporarily, often times weeks or months after an operation. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to diagnose and treat any underlying health issues.

5. Harsh Hair Treatments
   Excessive use of heat styling tools, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles, and harsh hair products can weaken hair strands, leading to breakage and additional shedding.

6. Genetics
   Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common cause of hair thinning and baldness in both men and women. If hair loss runs in your family, you may be more prone to experiencing it.

What can you do to help prevent or reverse excessive hair loss?

Here are some starting points to consider, however, it is always best to consult a professional if you are unsure!

• Manage Stress: Consider stressful factors you may be experiencing. Trouble at work, a big move, grief or health stress can all increase disruptions in your normal hair growth patterns.

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support hair growth, including iron-rich foods, proteins, and healthy fats. Add a supplement into your routine if needed.

• Consider Recent Changes in Routine: Have you changed anything in your haircare or health routines suddenly? Did you start a new medication, have an operation, or introduce a new hair product you could have an allergy to? These are all things that could be linked to shedding in excess suddenly.

• Scalp Check: When was the last time you took a look at your scalp up close? Ask a friend, family member or your hair stylist to inspect all areas of your scalp. You are looking for clear signs or irritation, redness, flakes or even open wounds that could indicate a more serious issue is going on.

• Consult a Professional: If hair shedding persists, a dermatologist or trichologist can assess your condition and recommend treatments such as topical minoxidil, prescription medications, or hair growth therapies.

Final Thoughts

While some hair shedding is normal, persistent or excessive hair loss should not be ignored. By identifying the root cause and adopting a healthy hair care routine, you can take proactive steps to maintain strong, healthy hair. If you’re concerned about hair loss, seeking professional advice can help determine the best course of action for you. When in doubt, ask your stylist or doctor about next steps!