Noticing more hair in your brush, pillow, or shower drain? You’re not alone. Hair loss affects millions of people—and it’s not just about aging or genetics. The truth is, there are many hidden reasons behind hair shedding, and most are fixable when identified early. In this post, you’ll learn the most common causes of hair loss, how to spot them, and what steps to take to stop it in its tracks.
⚠️ 1. Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair needs vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to grow. Deficiencies in these areas can lead to thinning and breakage.
Common culprits:
- Iron/ferritin
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- Biotin (B7)
- B12 and folate
- Protein deficiency
What to do: Get blood tests. Prioritize nutrient-dense, high-protein meals, and consider targeted supplements.
🌡️ 2. Chronic Stress (Telogen Effluvium)
Emotional or physical stress can shock hair follicles into a shedding phase 6–8 weeks later.
Triggers:
- Emotional trauma
- Major surgery or illness
- Rapid weight loss
What to do: Support your stress response with sleep, adaptogens (like ashwagandha), and nutrient-rich meals.
⚖️ 3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones regulate your hair cycle. Disruptions can cause shedding, thinning, or receding.
Causes:
- PCOS
- High testosterone/DHT
- Thyroid disorders (hypo/hyper)
- Estrogen dominance
- Menopause
What to do: Get a hormone panel and work with a practitioner on balancing naturally through diet, herbs, or medication.
🤔 4. Thyroid Dysfunction
Your thyroid controls metabolism and cellular repair. Hair loss is a top symptom of undiagnosed thyroid issues.
Look for:
- Dry skin, fatigue, brain fog
- Thinning eyebrows
- Cold intolerance
Get tested: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, TPO antibodies
⚖️ 5. Androgenic Alopecia (Hormonal Hair Loss)
Also known as female/male pattern hair loss. Driven by genetics and sensitivity to DHT (a testosterone derivative).
Clues:
- Widening part
- Thinner ponytail
- Receding temples (men)
What helps: Saw palmetto, rosemary oil, low-level laser therapy, topical minoxidil
🚒 6. Recent Illness or Infection
Viruses like COVID-19 or other systemic illnesses can cause temporary shedding.
What helps: Nutrient repletion, gentle hair care, scalp massage, and time (typically recovers within 3–6 months)
⛔ 7. Overstyling, Heat, or Harsh Products
Frequent bleaching, tight ponytails, hot tools, and harsh shampoos can damage hair shafts and follicles.
Switch to: Sulfate-free shampoo, air-drying, loose hairstyles, silk pillowcases
🩸 8. Poor Gut Health or Absorption Issues
If you’re eating well but still losing hair, you may not be absorbing nutrients properly due to gut imbalances.
Conditions to check:
- IBS or bloating
- Celiac disease
- H. pylori or SIBO
Support gut health: Add fermented foods, prebiotic fiber, and probiotics
⚡ 9. Blood Sugar Imbalance or Insulin Resistance
Blood sugar spikes disrupt hormones and stress response—both of which trigger hair shedding.
Signs: Fatigue, cravings, belly fat, brain fog
Solutions: Balance every meal with protein, fat, and fiber; reduce refined sugar and caffeine overload
⛓ 10. Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Alopecia Areata)
This occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles.
Symptoms: Patchy bald spots or sudden loss in circular areas
What helps: Medical care + support with anti-inflammatory nutrition, vitamin D, and stress reduction
🔎 Bonus: When to See a Doctor or Specialist
- Hair loss is sudden or severe
- You notice bald patches or itching
- Shedding continues beyond 4–6 months
- You suspect a medical condition (thyroid, autoimmune, etc.)
Hair loss is rarely random—it’s a signal. Whether it’s hormones, nutrient gaps, stress, or gut health, the key is to identify the underlying trigger. With the right support, most causes of hair loss can be reversed or significantly improved over time.
See our full guide on supplements that support hair growth
American Academy of Dermatology: Hair loss causes