Hair loss can happen for many reasons, from temporary shedding and genetics to hairstyles, nutrient deficiencies and medical conditions. Learn how the main types differ and when to speak to your GP.
🕒 6 min read
If you've noticed more hair than usual in your brush, on your pillow or in the shower, it's natural to wonder why your hair is falling out. Hair loss has many possible causes, and the pattern, speed and circumstances in which it develops can all offer clues as to what may be happening.
Some causes are temporary, while others are progressive or may need treatment. Understanding the difference is the first step towards knowing whether you simply need to give your hair time to recover or speak to a healthcare professional.
- Sudden, increased shedding across the scalp: could be telogen effluvium.
- Gradual thinning in a recognisable pattern: could be male or female pattern hair loss.
- Loss around areas repeatedly pulled by hairstyles: could be traction alopecia.
- Sudden round or oval bald patches: could be alopecia areata.
These are general clues rather than a diagnosis. A GP or dermatologist can help establish the cause of unexplained hair loss.
How much hair loss is actually normal?
Some daily hair shedding is completely normal. According to the NHS, people typically lose around 50 to 100 hairs a day, often without noticing.
This happens as individual hairs naturally move through their growth cycle and are replaced by new ones. A few hairs in your brush or shower drain therefore does not necessarily mean you're experiencing hair loss.
What is more useful than trying to count individual hairs is noticing a change from what's normal for you. A sudden increase in shedding, a widening parting, a receding hairline, reduced ponytail volume or areas where more scalp is becoming visible may be worth investigating.
Temporary shedding: could it be telogen effluvium?
If the shedding appeared relatively suddenly, is spread across much of your scalp and began a few months after a significant physical or emotional stressor, one possible cause is telogen effluvium.
Telogen effluvium is excessive hair shedding that occurs when more hairs than usual move into the resting phase of the hair cycle. Triggers can include illness, high fever, surgery, significant stress, weight loss or hormonal changes.
The delay can make the connection difficult to spot. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, excessive shedding commonly becomes noticeable a few months after the triggering event.
Acute telogen effluvium is usually temporary, but if shedding is persistent or you're unsure what caused it, speak to your GP.
If your shedding began after having a baby, our guide to postpartum hair loss explains that specific pattern and timeline in more detail.
Gradual thinning: could it be pattern hair loss?
Hair that becomes gradually thinner over time and follows a recognisable pattern could be male or female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
In men, this often appears as a receding hairline or thinning around the crown. In women, the first noticeable sign is often general thinning or a widening parting.
Unlike temporary shedding, pattern hair loss is hereditary and tends to progress over time. The American Academy of Dermatology describes hereditary hair loss as the most common cause of hair loss worldwide.
If you think you may have pattern hair loss and want to explore treatment, speak to a GP or dermatologist so the cause can be confirmed first.
What other causes of hair loss should you know about?
Can tight hairstyles cause hair loss?
Yes. Regularly wearing hairstyles that place repeated tension on the hair can cause traction alopecia. Tight ponytails, buns, braids, extensions and other styles that continually pull on the follicles can all contribute.
The hairline is often one of the first areas affected. Changing the hairstyle early can prevent further damage, but prolonged tension can eventually lead to permanent hair loss. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends acting when you first notice broken hairs, a receding hairline or loss in areas where the hair is repeatedly pulled.
What causes sudden patchy hair loss?
Sudden round or oval patches of hair loss can be a sign of alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, alopecia areata most commonly causes one or more round patches on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. In many cases there is no obvious trigger.
Because alopecia areata is different from ordinary shedding or pattern hair loss, new patchy hair loss should be assessed by a GP or dermatologist rather than self-treated.
Can nutrient deficiencies cause hair loss?
Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss in some people. Iron, protein, zinc and biotin are among the nutrients that can be relevant when intake or body stores are inadequate.
Iron deficiency is a particularly useful example because hair loss can be one of its symptoms. The NHS also lists tiredness, low energy, shortness of breath and paler skin among the possible symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.
However, seeing hair loss does not mean you should assume you're deficient or start taking high doses of individual nutrients. Blood tests can help identify deficiencies where appropriate, so if you have other symptoms or are concerned about your diet, speak to your GP.
For more on the nutritional side of hair health, you can also read our guide to nutrients that support skin, hair and nails.
Could medication or a medical condition cause hair loss?
Yes. Hair loss can occur alongside some illnesses, medical treatments and medicines. Cancer treatment is a well-known example, while conditions affecting hormone levels or nutritional status can also contribute.
An underactive thyroid is one condition worth being aware of. As well as dry hair or hair loss, the NHS lists symptoms including fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain, constipation and difficulty concentrating.
If your hair loss began after starting a medicine or treatment, do not stop taking it without medical advice. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or prescribing clinician about whether it could be contributing and what your options are.
Could compulsive hair pulling be the cause?
Trichotillomania, sometimes called hair-pulling disorder, is a condition in which a person repeatedly pulls out their own hair. It commonly affects the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes and may sometimes happen without the person fully realising they're doing it.
The NHS recommends seeing a GP if you're pulling out your hair. Treatment commonly involves cognitive behavioural therapy, including a technique called habit reversal training.
The emotional side of hair loss
Hair loss can affect much more than appearance. Changes to your hair can affect confidence, mood and how you feel about yourself, regardless of the underlying cause.
The NHS recognises that hair loss can be upsetting and recommends discussing its impact on your wellbeing with your GP if you're finding it difficult to cope.
Seeking help for the emotional impact is just as valid as seeking help to understand the physical cause.
When should you see a doctor about hair loss?
Hair loss has many possible causes, and it isn't always possible to identify yours from the pattern alone. Speak to your GP if you're worried about your hair loss or if you notice:
- Sudden or unexplained hair loss.
- Round or clearly defined bald patches.
- A painful, itchy, inflamed or visibly changed scalp.
- Persistent excessive shedding that is not improving.
- Hair loss alongside symptoms such as persistent fatigue or unexplained weight changes.
- Hair loss that may have started after a new medicine or treatment.
A healthcare professional can assess your hair and scalp, discuss your medical history and decide whether any further investigation is appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common causes of hair loss?
Common causes include hereditary male or female pattern hair loss, temporary excessive shedding such as telogen effluvium, traction alopecia caused by repeated tension from hairstyles, and autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata. Illness, nutritional deficiencies, medicines and medical treatments can also contribute.
Is it normal to lose a lot of hair?
It's normal to shed around 50 to 100 hairs a day. More important than counting individual hairs is noticing whether you're shedding substantially more than usual or seeing visible changes such as thinning, a wider parting or more scalp showing.
How much hair loss is too much?
There isn't one number that defines excessive hair loss for everyone. A noticeable increase from your normal level of shedding, visible thinning, a receding hairline, reduced ponytail volume or bald patches are more useful signs that the change may be worth investigating.
When should I worry about hair loss?
Speak to your GP if you're worried about your hair loss, particularly if it is sudden, patchy, persistent, associated with scalp pain or inflammation, or accompanied by other unexplained symptoms. Getting the correct diagnosis is important because different types of hair loss need different approaches.
Supporting your hair while you work out the cause
The most useful first step with hair loss is understanding what's causing it. A nutritional supplement cannot correct every cause of hair loss, and conditions such as pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, thyroid disease or significant nutrient deficiencies may need specific assessment or treatment.
Alongside a varied, balanced diet, Hair Vitality with Keranat® provides targeted nutritional support with Keranat® plus biotin, zinc and selenium. Biotin, zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair.
If you're taking medication, have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are unsure whether a supplement is suitable for you, speak to a healthcare professional before taking it.
Browse the full hair, skin and nails range to explore Healthspan's nutritional and topical hair-care options.
