Why is my hair falling out?

Author: Dr. Elena McGlynn III  |  Last update: Saturday, September 13, 2025

It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.

Why is so much of my hair falling out?

A person may lose hair as a result of a health-related issue, such as alopecia areata, a nutrient deficiency, or medication use. Treatment for hair loss will depend on the cause, but avoiding heat on the hair and following other lifestyle tips may help. It is natural for a certain amount of hair to shed every day.

How do I stop my hair from falling?

Medication: Over-the-counter medications you apply to your scalp (such as minoxidil, or Rogaine®) are usually the first course of treatment for thinning hair. A prescription oral medication (finasteride, or Propecia®) is approved only for men with male pattern baldness.

Does hair grow back after falling out from roots?

Certainly. When hair falls, the root still remains intact. The hair regrows back from the root. Also each follicle has more then one hair, so one falls off, the others will continue to grow. If the hair root falls, off or dies, the complete hair of the follicle does and will not regrow.

How to know if hair loss is temporary or permanent?

If the triggering event is temporary—for example, if you recover from an illness or stop taking the medication causing the hair loss—your hair may grow back after six months. Telogen effluvium is considered chronic if hair loss lasts longer than six months.

8 Reasons Why You Might be Losing Hair

Which deficiency causes hair fall?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

What does hair loss from stress look like?

No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

How to tell if hair follicles are dead?

So dead hair follicles can look like a smooth, bald patch of skin or like a scar. A trichologist may be able to get a better view of your follicles by using a microscope or other trichological tools.

How do I know if I'm losing too much hair?

It may be a sign that you're losing too much hair if: Increased shedding. Thinning or bald spots. Changes in hairline.

What not to do when hair is falling out?

Stop wearing your hair tightly pulled back in a bun, ponytail, pigtails, cornrows, or braids. If you have a habit of twisting your hair around your finger or pulling on it, try to stop. Brush or comb your hair gently, and only enough to style it. If you smoke, stop.

Why front head hair loss?

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a condition that causes hair loss on the front and sides of your scalp. Hair loss may also occur on eyebrows, eyelashes and other body parts. An autoimmune reaction, genetics or hormones may cause FFA. Healthcare providers diagnose FFA with a physical exam and skin biopsy.

How do I stop my hair from falling so much?

Additionally, using supplements formulated for hair growth, avoiding excessive heat styling, using gentle haircare products, managing stress levels, and getting adequate sleep can help reduce shedding and promote healthy hair growth.

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

When I run my fingers through my hair it falls out?

It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.

Why is my hair falling out like crazy?

Sudden hair loss can be temporary due to stressors, hormonal changes, medications, and other environmental factors. However, hair loss can also be permanent depending on the cause and how it affects the hair growth cycle.

What is a thyroid belly?

A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.

Can low iron cause hair loss?

Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.

What are signs that your thyroid is out of whack?

Symptoms
  • Tiredness.
  • More sensitivity to cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Dry skin.
  • Weight gain.
  • Puffy face.
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Coarse hair and skin.

Why am I suddenly losing so much hair?

Among the common causes are high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications.

Can lack of sleep cause hair loss?

Quality sleep is as vital for healthy hair as it is for overall health. When we don't sleep enough, it can throw off the levels of certain hormones that help our hair grow, such as oestrogen and melatonin. People experiencing regular poor sleep tend to notice more hair shedding and thinning.

How much hair loss is normal in the shower?

Quick Summary: Hair Loss In The Shower

Losing 50 to 100 hairs after showering or throughout the day is normal1. This is a natural loss of hair according to the hair growth cycle. Shampooing your hair can increase the amount of hair you shed to between 100-250 hairs per day.

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