Why Am I Losing My Hair? A QUICK Guide (2 min read)
Noticing more hair on your pillow, brush, or in the shower can feel scary. The good news is that hair loss is common — and often temporary. Here are the main things to know.
Normal vs. Hair Loss
- Normal: losing 50–100 hairs a day as part of the natural cycle (Institute of Trichologists{:target=”_blank”}).
- Possible concern:
- Widening parting
- Thinner ponytail
- Bald patches
- Hair coming out in clumps
Common Causes
- Stress – can push hairs into “resting” mode, causing sudden shedding. Usually temporary.
- Hormones – changes after childbirth, menopause, thyroid problems, or PCOS can trigger thinning.
- Nutrition – low iron, vitamin D, zinc, or protein may affect hair health.
- Genetics – inherited male- or female-pattern hair loss.
- Medical issues or medicines – conditions like alopecia areata, or treatments like chemotherapy.
(See Institute of Trichologists – Hair Loss{:target=”_blank”} for more info.)
When to Get Help
See a trichologist if your hair loss is:
- Sudden
- Patchy
- Lasting more than a few months
– If you are concerned about hair loss we are here to help. You’re welcome to contact us or complete our no bo=igation appraisal form – HERE
Remember
Hair loss can feel upsetting, but you are not alone. With the right advice, many people see improvement or learn ways to manage it confidently.
THE LONGER VERSION :
Why Am I Losing My Hair? Common (and Uncommon) Causes Explained
Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower can feel worrying. Hair is such a big part of how we see ourselves, so when it begins to fall out more than usual, it’s natural to feel unsettled. The truth is, hair loss is very common — and in many cases, it’s temporary or treatable once we understand the cause.
As a trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp health), I often see people who arrive feeling anxious and overwhelmed, asking the same question: “Why is this happening to me?” Let’s look at some of the most common (and some less obvious) reasons.
Everyday Shedding vs. True Hair Loss
It’s normal to lose 50–100 hairs a day as part of the natural growth cycle (Institute of Trichologists{:target=”_blank”}). That’s not true “hair loss.”
It becomes a concern when:
- Your parting looks noticeably wider
- Your ponytail feels thinner than before
- You notice bald patches or sudden thinning
- Clumps of hair come out when washing or brushing
Common Causes of Hair Loss
1. Stress and Emotional Strain
A common type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium (sounds like tell-oh-jen eff-loo-vee-um). This means more hairs than usual shift into the “resting” stage and then shed. It often appears a few months after a stressful event — such as illness, grief, surgery, or ongoing anxiety.
The good news? This type of shedding is usually temporary once the stress eases (Institute of Trichologists{:target=”_blank”}).
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormones are powerful chemical messengers in the body, and they can affect hair growth. Triggers include:
- Pregnancy and after childbirth (post-partum hair loss)
- Menopause (declining oestrogen can make hair thinner)
- Thyroid problems (an underactive or overactive thyroid gland)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects hormone balance
When hormones shift, hair follicles (the tiny “pockets” in the skin that grow hair) can become more sensitive, leading to shedding or thinning (Institute of Trichologists{:target=”_blank”}).
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair is made mostly of protein (called keratin), and it needs nutrients to grow well. Low levels of:
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Protein
…can all contribute to hair loss. Crash dieting, restrictive eating, or certain health conditions can make this worse (Institute of Trichologists – Nutrition and Hair{:target=”_blank”}).
4. Genetics
Some hair loss is inherited. Androgenetic alopecia (sounds like an-dro-gen-etic al-oh-pee-sha) is often called male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss. It usually develops gradually, with a widening parting, thinning on the crown, or a receding hairline.
5. Medical Conditions and Medications
Health issues such as autoimmune conditions (e.g. alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks the hair follicles), scalp infections, or chronic illnesses can lead to hair loss.
Certain medications — including chemotherapy, blood thinners, and some antidepressants — may also affect hair growth (Institute of Trichologists{:target=”_blank”}).
Less Common Causes
Other triggers include:
- Chemical damage (bleach, relaxers, harsh dyes)
- Tight hairstyles that pull on the roots (called traction alopecia)
- Scalp conditions such as psoriasis or fungal infections
When to Seek Professional Help
If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or ongoing for more than a few months, it’s a good idea to see a trichologist. They can:
- Examine your scalp and hair closely
- Discuss your health, lifestyle, and diet
- Suggest treatments or refer you to a doctor if needed
(You can find a professional through the Institute of Trichologists{:target=”_blank”}.)
A Gentle Reminder
Hair loss can feel deeply personal, but you don’t have to face it alone. The first step is understanding what’s happening. In many cases, there are ways to encourage recovery, improve scalp health, or manage the changes with confidence.
If you’re worried about unexplained hair loss, remember: you’re not alone, and help is available.
In part two we will be talking about The emotional Impact of hair loss.
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