Hair loss is a near-universal experience—sooner or later, everyone confronts it to some degree. However, the root causes vary widely from person to person.
Stressful events, nutritional deficiencies, and everyday styling habits can all contribute to those stray strands on your bathroom floor. But how can you tell if you’re experiencing run-of-the-mill shedding or something more serious?
To get to the bottom of this, I spoke with trichologist Firat Siksik at Sanamentum. Here are the seven most common reasons behind hair thinning and loss, plus what you can do to address them.
1. Genetic Factors
It’s common knowledge that genetics can play a powerful role in hair loss. If balding or thinning runs in your family, it may show up as early as your 20s or 30s. The best strategy? Start focusing on scalp health sooner rather than later.
Consider adding supplements to your routine and optimising your diet to support hair growth. And if you notice more shedding than usual, consult a dermatologist for professional advice on products or treatments that may help.
2. Heat and Chemical Treatments
Heat styling tools, bleach, and hair dye can weaken your tresses over time. If you’re a fan of frequent salon visits, talk with your hairstylist about gentler options—like balayage—to protect your locks.
Products designed to counteract damage, such as those from Olaplex, can also be beneficial. And when you do reach for that curling iron or straightener, always remember to use a heat protectant.
3. Lack of Protein
Protein is one of the building blocks of strong, healthy hair. Diets low in protein—especially vegan or vegetarian plans—can deprive your follicles of essential amino acids, making your hair more prone to shedding.
If you’re following a non-meat diet, look to lentils, quinoa, tofu, and other protein-rich foods to give your hair the nutrients it needs.
Also, be cautious with calorie-restrictive diets, as these can trigger hair loss. If you’re unsure about your current eating plan, consider consulting a dietitian to strike the right balance.
4. Vitamin Deficiencies
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can lack of B12 cause hair loss?” the answer is that it certainly can. B12, biotin, folate, and riboflavin are particularly important for healthy hair.
An iron shortfall can also be a culprit, especially in pre-menopausal women, by affecting the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles.
If your diet is missing these key vitamins and minerals, speak with a healthcare professional. They can suggest dietary adjustments or supplements to help correct any imbalance.
5. Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when hair follicles are strained by tight styling—think braids, dreadlocks, or hair extensions. The loss typically appears near your hairline, where tension is at its highest.
Giving your hair a break from tight styles can help, as can switching up your look to reduce stress on your scalp. If caught early, hair should regrow within a few months; otherwise, consult a dermatologist for guidance.
6. Medications
Certain medications list hair loss among their side effects. When balancing overall health against thinning hair, your well-being takes priority.
If you’re concerned, discuss the duration of your prescription with your doctor. Once treatment is finished, if your hair doesn’t bounce back, consider seeing a medical professional for further evaluation.
7. Stress
Emotional or physical stress can prompt a condition called telogen effluvium. Our hair cycles through active (anagen) and resting (telogen) phases, and high stress can push more strands than usual into the resting stage.
This results in accelerated shedding and thinner-looking hair. In addition to stress management techniques, consider lifestyle shifts—like meditation or therapy—to lessen the impact on your hair and overall health.
Hair Transplantation: A Possible Solution
For those seeking more permanent results, hair transplantation may be an option. This surgical procedure involves moving hair from a densely packed region of your scalp to the areas where thinning or bald spots appear.
It usually takes five to eight hours under local anaesthesia, and patients can typically go home the same day.
If you’re experiencing significant hair loss and are looking for a comprehensive approach, talk to a specialist about whether this treatment aligns with your needs.
Final Thoughts
Hair loss can feel daunting, but understanding the possible triggers—genetics, styling choices, diet, and beyond—goes a long way toward finding the right solution.
If you suspect you’re shedding more than normal, begin by checking for deficiencies, evaluating your styling routine, and managing stress levels.
Professional guidance from dermatologists, trichologists, or dietitians can also offer a targeted plan to protect and rejuvenate your strands.
Because hair, at the end of the day, isn’t just about looks—it’s a reflection of your overall health and well-being.