CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS
Causes Of Hair Loss: What's Behind Thinning And Shedding
Hair loss, or alopecia, can affect anyone at any age, and it almost always has an identifiable cause, sometimes more than one. Our trichologists have diagnosed and treated hair loss for over 60 years, from the straightforward (nutrition, stress, seasonal shedding) to the less obvious (thyroid conditions, hormonal fluctuations). Below, we explain the most common causes we see in clinic and what tends to help.
Thyroid conditions
One of the most under-diagnosed causes of hair thinning. The good news: hair loss from a thyroid problem is not permanent and can be reversed with the right treatment and medication.
Chemotherapy and your hair
A cancer diagnosis is distressing enough without the added worry of hair loss during treatment. We support clients through chemotherapy-related hair loss with practical, judgement-free advice.
Postpartum hair shedding
Many women shed a noticeable amount of hair 3 to 6 months after giving birth. Known as postpartum shedding or telogen effluvium, it's common, temporary, and often more distressing than it needs to be without the right context.
Hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives, including the pill, coils, injections, patches and vaginal rings, work by adjusting your hormone balance, and since hair growth cycles are hormone-driven, some people notice shedding as a result.
Medication and hair loss
Certain medications, and overuse of vitamin or mineral supplements, can trigger shedding. It's one of the most overlooked causes of telogen effluvium we see in clinic.
Stress and hair loss
Stress can raise the body's production of adrenaline, which converts into cholesterol and, through a chain of hormonal effects, disrupts the hair growth cycle.
General health and your hair
Hair cells are the second fastest-growing cells in the body after intestinal cells, which makes hair an unusually sensitive barometer of what's happening internally.
Chemical processing
Colouring, straightening and perming can all weaken hair to the point of breakage if not managed carefully, which is sometimes mistaken for hair loss from the root.
FAQs
Genetic pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) is the most common cause overall, but temporary shedding from stress, thyroid conditions, postpartum hormone shifts or medication is also very common and is often reversible.
Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, causing diffuse shedding 2 to 3 months later, known as telogen effluvium. It's usually temporary once the underlying stress resolves.
No. Postpartum hair shedding is temporary and related to hormone levels returning to normal after pregnancy. Most people see regrowth within 6 to 12 months.
A trichologist consultation, including a scalp examination and a review of your medical history, is the most reliable way to identify the specific cause, since several factors can overlap.