Hair loss: the complete guide to causes and gentle hair care
Hair loss is almost always a symptom of something else - an imbalance in the body, on the scalp, or in your hair care routine. Understanding the cause is the first step toward supporting a healthier scalp and reducing unnecessary hair breakage.
It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs a day. When shedding increases noticeably, your hair becomes thinner, or bald patches appear, it is a sign that something is affecting the hair cycle. There are many causes, and they often work together, so identifying the right one is key to taking the right steps.
Common causes of hair loss
The hair cycle has three phases: growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen). When too many hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, shedding increases. The most common triggers are:
- Stress and exhaustion - cortisol directly affects the hair cycle and can trigger diffuse hair loss (telogen effluvium), which appears 2-4 months after the stressful period
- Hormonal changes - menopause, pregnancy, PCOS, and increased sensitivity to androgens can shrink hair follicles and result in finer, thinner hair
- Nutritional deficiencies - deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D are common underlying causes, especially in women
- Unsuitable hair care products - harsh sulfates and irritating ingredients can irritate the scalp and weaken the hair's hold
- Mechanical stress - tightly tied-up hair, hair products, and excessive brushing can cause breakage and traction alopecia
- Medical conditions - alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, hypothyroidism, and other systemic diseases can manifest as hair loss
Hair loss in women: hormones play a major role
The most common pattern in women is diffuse hair loss across the whole head, especially at the crown. It is usually caused by androgen sensitivity in the hair follicle, hormonal changes associated with menopause, or iron deficiency. Unlike male-pattern hair loss, which often follows a clear pattern, hair loss in women is more evenly distributed and harder to spot early. Read more about alopecia and diffuse hair loss for a deeper overview of medical causes and symptoms.
When itching and hair loss go hand in hand
An irritated or inflamed scalp negatively affects the environment around the hair follicle. Chronic itching, flaking, or redness are signs that the scalp environment is out of balance, which can directly weaken the hair's hold and increase shedding. Read more about the connection in our article on itchy scalp and hair loss.
What shampoo has to do with it
Harsh sulfates cleanse aggressively and can irritate the scalp, disrupt the balance of the microbiome, and increase inflammation around the hair follicle. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo reduces this strain and gives the scalp a better environment. Read our guide to hair loss and shampoo for practical advice, and find out how to choose the right shampoo for hair loss.
What you can do
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but several steps can support scalp health and reduce unnecessary hair breakage. Start by replacing irritating products with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser. Massage your scalp each time you wash your hair to stimulate circulation. Avoid mechanical stress from tightly tied-up hair and rough hair ties. Address nutritional deficiencies and ask a doctor to rule out medical causes if shedding is significant.
FOAM's Rice Serenity shampoo bar cleanses with a gentle, sulfate-free coconut-derived surfactant without irritating the scalp. Free from paraffin, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. Learn more about scalp health and what affects it in our complete guide to the scalp.
The Editor's Note: Hair loss is rarely a problem you can solve with a single product. It takes a holistic approach: proper nutrition, minimal mechanical stress, and a scalp environment that supports the hair follicle. Start with the basics and give it time.
Hair loss: overview of causes and steps to take
| Cause | Common pattern | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stress | Diffuse shedding 2-4 months after a stressful period | Stress management, gentle routine |
| Hormonal changes | Thinning hair at the temples | See a doctor, use sulfate-free cleanser |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Diffuse shedding, brittle hair | Blood tests, dietary adjustments |
| Unsuitable products | Increased shedding when washing | Switch to sulfate-free shampoo |
| Mechanical stress | Hair breakage, bald patches | Gentle hair ties, looser hairstyles |
| Alopecia areata | Round bald patches | Dermatologist assessment |
Explore further
Is your hair loss related to the scalp environment and itching? Read about itchy scalp and hair loss for an in-depth overview of the biological causes. Wondering whether your shampoo could make a difference? The guide to shampoo for hair loss will help you choose the right one. Could the cause be medical, with alopecia as a possibility? Read our guide to alopecia and hair loss.
Important information about hair loss
The right shampoo can often help prevent or relieve hair loss, but if you experience more hair loss than is normal for you, it is important to find out the cause and rule out medical conditions in consultation with your doctor. Hair loss can be a symptom of many different medical problems that require medical treatment to help you feel well.