Seeing more hair in your brush or shower drain than usual can be unsettling. For many of us, our hair is a part of our identity and noticing it thinning or falling out can cause feelings of concern.
The experience is incredibly common, and understanding the reasons behind it is the first step towards addressing it. Changes in your hair can be triggered by a wide range of factors, from your daily habits to underlying health conditions.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss is a complex issue with many potential culprits. One of the most common is hereditary-pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. If your parents or close relatives experienced hair loss, you may have a genetic predisposition to it. This happens gradually as you age, with hair follicles shrinking and eventually stopping the production of new hairs.
Hormonal shifts are another significant factor. Events like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can trigger a temporary type of hair loss called telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase. Similarly, conditions that affect your hormones, such as thyroid problems or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle. Stress, both physical (like a major surgery or illness) and emotional, can also push hair into a resting phase, leading to noticeable thinning a few months after the stressful event.
How to recognize early signs
You might first notice a change in your hairline, particularly a receding pattern around the temples or forehead in men. For women, a common early sign is a widening part. You may find that when you style your hair, more of your scalp is visible than before.
Pay attention to the amount of hair you’re shedding. While losing up to 100 hairs a day is normal, finding unusually large clumps of hair on your pillow, in your comb, or clogging the shower drain is a clear signal that something has changed. Comparing recent photos with older ones can also help you spot gradual thinning over time.
Everyday habits that help protect your hair
Being gentle is key. When your hair is wet, it’s more fragile, so avoid aggressive towel-drying. Instead, pat it dry or wrap it in a microfiber towel. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots to prevent putting stress on the follicles.
Consider your diet as well. Your hair follicles need a steady supply of nutrients to grow strong. Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, protein, and vitamins. Foods like leafy greens, eggs, fish, and nuts provide the building blocks for healthy hair. Managing stress is also crucial. Activities like yoga, meditation, and regular walks can help lower stress levels, which in turn supports healthy hair growth.
Choosing the right products
When you’re dealing with thinning, look for shampoos and conditioners formulated to be gentle and volumizing. Harsh chemicals and heavy formulas can weigh your hair down, making thinning more apparent.
Scalp health is fundamental for hair growth, so consider products that nourish. Some ingredients can create a better environment for your hair to grow. For instance, some people find success with natural hair growth products that contain ingredients like rosemary oil or saw palmetto, which are believed to support follicle health. When trying a new product, apply it as directed and give it time. It can take a few months to see a noticeable difference in your hair’s thickness and shedding rate.
When to see a professional
If you’ve made lifestyle adjustments and are still concerned about hair loss, it may be time to make an appointment with a dermatologist. You certainly should if you experience sudden or patchy hair loss, or if the loss is accompanied by scalp itching, burning, or pain. These could be signs of an underlying medical condition like alopecia areata or a scalp infection that requires specific treatment.
A doctor can perform a thorough examination, which may include blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. They can provide a clear diagnosis and discuss a range of treatment options with you, from topical medications to prescription drugs, helping you create a plan that addresses the root cause of your hair loss.
