Hair loss can be caused by a huge number of factors, from genetic pattern hair loss, stress, medications, hormonal fluctuations and skin conditions – and knowing the reason for your hair loss might be vital to finding the right solutions.
Experiences of hair loss can also vary widely. Some people see a very gradual recession, where their hairline creeps backwards; others see thinning over the whole head, and balding might be in specific patches and not others.
If the above sounds familiar, then we’re here to help you identify why it might be happening and how we can help. And don’t just think hair loss is just for men; female hair loss or thinning is common, too.
The reasons can be temporary, such as a health issue or a vitamin deficiency, or may be down to genetics and ageing.
Causes of Hair Loss: Key Takeaways
- The most common cause of hair loss is pattern hair loss – a hereditary trait that runs in families and isn’t necessarily linked to your underlying health or lifestyle.
- Other types of hair loss can be related to medical conditions, lifestyle factors such as wearing very tight hairstyles or tugging at your hair, or your hormonal and stress levels.
- It’s essential to identify the cause of hair loss because some issues may need to be controlled before hair restoration can be successful, including autoimmune conditions, because transplanted follicles could simply continue to fall out.
7 Reasons for Hair Loss
1. Genetics and Their Link to Hair Loss
Your genes play a key role in balding or hair loss. Take a look at your parents or grandparents to see who you are taking after! It’s the most common cause of hair loss and is completely natural.
Male Pattern Baldness is common and is related to your genes and the male sex hormone, dihydrotestosterone. It usually commences with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown.
Over time, hair follicles shrink, resulting in shorter, finer hair. About 50% of males experience male pattern baldness, with no real cure, and many contemplate hair restoration.
2. Post Partum Hormonal Changes
Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, and one of the few perks is the thickening of your hair. Unfortunately, post-pregnancy, the hair quite often goes in the other direction, and you might find yourself losing a lot more hair than usual.
It may seem shocking at times; however, postpartum hair loss is a natural process that usually occurs around the 3rd month after giving birth and can last for around 10-12 weeks.
If you find your hair does not return to its original fullness, we are also experts in female hair restoration at KSL Clinic.
3. Illness and Medication Side Effects
Have you recently had a trauma on your immune system, such as an illness or a major operation? That kind of physical stress can lead to temporary hair loss.
Some of the many conditions that can result in hair loss as a side effect include:
| Condition | Reason for Hair Loss |
| Underactive Thyroid | Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system; the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, and in turn you can suffer from tiredness, depression, weight gain and hair loss. If you have an underactive thyroid, it’s worth reading this guide to Hypothyroidism by the British Thyroid Foundation. |
| Lupus | This is an autoimmune disease that can cause many symptoms, including fatigue, swollen joints, skin rashes, and hair loss. It may take time for your hair to return, so you could consider wearing a wig, hair extensions, a hair transplant, or simply refreshing your hairstyle to cover balding patches. |
| Psoriasis | Skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis can cause scalp inflammation and discomfort. Itching, tissue damage, and the flaking that often occurs can contribute to hair loss, as can the temptation to scratch. |
4. Sustained High Stress Levels
Are you wondering why there is more hair in the plug hole than on your head? When you brush your hair, are there excessive amounts left in the brush? And have you noticed a receding hairline over the past few years?
This could well be caused by stress, with research that has shown how the hormones released when we feel anxiety or depression can correlate with hair loss.
Emotional stress can lead to hair loss in circumstances such as the death of a loved one, divorce or losing your job. It’s important to see a doctor to seek advice and ways in which you can cope with the stress, which in turn will assist your hair loss.
5. Telogen Effluvium or Shock Loss
This is the most common type of stress-related hair loss, where the follicles may go into a ‘resting phase’ or fall out in unusually large volumes.
Although shock loss can be a common and temporary response to surgical procedures like a hair transplant, it can also be prompted by illnesses, emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies and medications.
6. Varied Forms of Alopecia
Alopecia is a blanket term for the multiple types of the condition. Hair falls out in chunks mainly due to shock or stress; the immune system can affect the follicles, causing hair to fall out in clumps.
Some types of alopecia, like traction alopecia, are caused by pressure and abrasion on your follicles, such as when wearing tightly tied-back hair every day or heavy extensions. Others, such as alopecia areata, are connected to your immune system.
7. Hair Pulling or Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is due to a compulsive act of pulling your own hair out of your head. Usually, this condition is a coping mechanism. If you suffer from trichotillomania, it is important to ensure the condition is controlled or the stress or anxiety prompting the habit is managed before considering a hair restoration treatment.
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Other reasons for hair loss
| Cause of Hair Loss | Description | Is It Usually Temporary? |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Low levels of iron, zinc, vitamin D, or protein can disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger increased shedding. This is more common with restrictive diets or rapid weight loss. | Often temporary once deficiencies are corrected |
| Hormonal imbalances (non-pregnancy) | Conditions such as PCOS, menopause, or hormone sensitivity can affect hair density and growth patterns, particularly in women. | Sometimes, depending on cause and management |
| Traction alopecia | Repeated tension from tight hairstyles, braids, ponytails, or extensions can damage follicles over time, leading to thinning around the hairline or temples. | Yes, if caught early |
| Age-related hair thinning | As part of the natural ageing process, hair growth slows and follicles may produce finer hair, even without genetic baldness. | Progressive |
| Scalp conditions | Chronic scalp inflammation, fungal infections, or severe dandruff can interfere with healthy follicle function if left untreated. | Usually temporary with treatment |
| Rapid weight loss | Sudden calorie restriction or crash dieting can push hair follicles into a shedding phase. | Yes |
| Chemotherapy or medical treatments | Certain medical treatments and medications can interrupt hair growth by affecting rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. | Often temporary after treatment ends |
How Can I Uncover the Reason for My Hair Loss?
Hair loss, or balding, whether you are male or female, affects your life and confidence. You can either embrace it, seek assistance with coping mechanisms, or come and see one of our consultants to discuss the specific causes of your hair loss.
Dr Matee, Surgical Director at KSL Clinic, says, ‘It may not be obvious why you’re experiencing hair loss, especially if this is something that doesn’t tend to affect members of your family and is, therefore, less likely to be pattern hair loss.
The best way forward is to consult a hair restoration professional who can analyse your scalp and hair, discuss your medical history and any changes in your lifestyle, and provide personalised guidance about the possible solutions or treatments you may wish to consider.’
You won’t be disappointed, and we’re a friendly team who want the best outcome for you and your confidence.
Share this article with someone you love who might be suffering, not knowing if what they’re going through is normal… It IS!
Interested in FUE eyebrow transplants or FUE beard transplants? You can find us at the following clinics:
- KSL Clinic Hair transplants in Kent
- KSL Clinic Hair transplants in Bristol
- KSL Clinic Hair transplants in Manchester
- KSL Clinic Hair transplants in Newcastle
- KSL Clinic Hair transplants in Birmingham
- KSL Clinic Hair transplants in London
- KSL Clinic Hair transplants in Dublin
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell if Hair Loss Is Related to Stress?
If you know you’ve been under extreme stress lately and have seen hair loss at the same time, you may be able to connect the two things – but it’s not always clear why hair loss is occurring, and whether it’s completely separate from life events.
The best advice is to speak with a hair restoration practitioner or your GP, but the positive news is that stress-related hair loss can be treated and may even reverse once stress levels are under control.
Can Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?
While relatively rare, people with serious deficiencies or other contributing factors who also lack essential vitamins and nutrients can experience hair loss. This is why a balanced diet is key to maintaining healthy, thick hair.
How Can I Tell if Hair Loss Is Related to Stress?
If you know you’ve been under extreme stress lately and have seen hair loss at the same time, you may be able to connect the two things – but it’s not always clear why hair loss is occurring, and whether it’s completely separate from life events.
The best advice is to speak with a hair restoration practitioner or your GP, but the positive news is that stress-related hair loss can be treated and may even reverse once stress levels are under control.
Can Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?
While relatively rare, people with serious deficiencies or other contributing factors who also lack essential vitamins and nutrients can experience hair loss. This is why a balanced diet is key to maintaining healthy, thick hair.
