Why you're losing so much hair

Hair shedding is an inevitable part of daily life for many people. However, there’s a difference between hair loss that’s normal and excessive. That difference may seem minor, but it can have bigger implications for your hair, as well as your overall health and well-being.

Here’s what you need to know about hair loss, including what tends to cause abnormal shedding and what you can do about it.

What counts as “too much” hair loss?

Generally, you lose at least some hair each day. This is a regular part of the natural hair growth cycle. The main phases in this cycle are:

• Anagen: When hair grows
• Catagen: When hair “transitions,” with slowed growth, and prepares for shedding
• Telogen: When hair rests, neither growing nor falling out
• Exogen: When hair falls out. Some consider this part of the telogen phase, rather than a distinct phase in and of itself

This cycle occurs continuously, with strands reaching various points and phases at different times. That’s why you may see some new growth on your scalp mixed in with your established strands, while also losing hair.

It may sound worrying to experience daily shedding, but the American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that losing 50 to 150 hairs daily is considered normal. However, if you start to experience heavier shedding than this—or notice certain signs, such as more hairs getting caught in your brush or the shower drain, a wider part, or a receding hairline—it could be an early sign of excessive hair loss and may warrant further evaluation.

The most common causes of excessive hair loss

There are myriad causes of excessive hair loss. Some causes are temporary, others permanent; some are rooted in your daily habits, while others are outside of your control. It’s essential to understand what might be causing your hair loss so you can take the necessary and appropriate steps to address potential contributing factors.

Hormonal imbalances 

Hormonal imbalances can be significant contributors to excessive hair loss. That’s because certain hormones called androgens help regulate the hair growth cycle. These hormones are involved in reproductive functioning, but are also responsible for hair growth. Hormonal changes, particularly androgens, can alter the hair growth cycle.

That said, many health conditions and regular life events can contribute to hormonal imbalances, including:

• Thyroid disorders
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Aging
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Metabolic shifts

Some of these contributors, like pregnancy, are temporary. In these instances, hair may return to its previous state on its own after some time passes. Others may benefit from a more hands-on approach to management. For example, certain foods may be better for your hormonal health, and incorporating more of these functional foods into your diet could help with metabolic regulation. Other conditions, such as thyroid disorders, will likely require the support of a medical professional to address effectively.

Nutritional deficiencies 

Nutrition is another critical part of overall hair health. By eating a highly nutritious diet, you can ensure your body has the fuel it needs to support proper hair growth. Certain nutrient deficiencies, however, can result in hair loss, such as:

• Iron
• Protein
• Zinc
• Biotin
• Collagen
• Vitamin D

If you have a restrictive diet or have recently and rapidly lost significant weight, you may also experience hair loss. Improving overall nutrition may help support healthy hair growth, particularly when a deficiency is present.

If dietary changes aren’t feasible or you simply can’t get enough of the required nutrients in your daily diet, taking supplements might help. A multivitamin or targeted supplement may be appropriate when guided by a healthcare provider and based on your individual needs.

Stress and cortisol

Stress is another frequent culprit behind hair loss. Acute or short-term stress can trigger a form of temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. During periods of significant stress, more hairs than usual may shift from the active growth (anagen) phase into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to increased shedding. These effects are often delayed and may appear weeks to months after the initial stressor.

Chronic stress can influence hormones and inflammatory signaling in ways that disrupt the hair growth cycle. Over time, this may keep hair follicles in the resting phase longer than usual, leading to increased shedding and slower regrowth. Elevated cortisol levels associated with ongoing stress are thought to play a role in these changes, which can make it harder for follicles to return to the active growth phase.

Genetics

In some cases, hair loss is influenced by genetics. With heredity-patterned baldness, your genes trigger a change in your previously established hair growth cycle. Over time, certain parts of the scalp may no longer experience hair growth during the hair growth cycle.

Genetic hair loss tends to occur in a predictable pattern that differs for men and women:

• Male pattern baldness: Typically occurs in an “M” shaped recession on the front of the scalp, before progressing to the crown and temples. In late stages, only a ring of hair around the temple remains, with baldness impacting the rest of the head.
• Female pattern baldness: Typically occurs across the entire head, but may be most noticeable along the hair part. 

Unlike some other causes of hair shedding, genetic hair loss is typically progressive. However, certain treatments and lifestyle approaches may help slow progression or support hair density over time, particularly when addressed early.

Medical conditions and medications

In addition, certain medical conditions have been linked to hair loss. Perhaps the most well-known is an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata. This disease is characterized by the immune system attacking hair follicles, causing hair to shed. 

Other common conditions that may be associated with hair loss include:

• Other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
• Thyroid disorders, including various types of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
• PCOS
• Diabetes and insulin resistance
• Chronic inflammation, especially if it impacts the scalp

The steps you need to take to help address underlying causes and manage hair-related changes will vary depending on the exact nature of your specific condition. It’s always best to work with a medical professional to determine how to treat or manage your condition and its impacts, including hair loss.

Beyond this, the medications you take may also contribute to or outright cause shedding. Some of those with strong links to hair loss are:

• Chemotherapy drugs
• Certain antidepressants and antipsychotics
• Blood thinners
• Acne medications
• Beta blockers and other drugs used to treat heart conditions
• Medicines used to treat stomach and digestive issues
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Hormonal drugs, including birth control
• Certain steroids

Depending on the drug and the person, the hair loss may vary. In some cases, it may be more prolonged or difficult to reverse. For others, it may be minor and temporary. Before you stop taking the medication, though, consider the health benefits each medication provides. You’ll also want to talk with a healthcare provider before stopping or changing the dose of a medication, especially if it’s prescribed.

Lifestyle factors

Finally, different lifestyle factors may be to blame for hair loss. Some are rooted in your personal habits, such as sleep quality and how you care for and style your hair. Again, your diet and overall nutrition are major contributors to your hair health. If you don’t get enough vital nutrients, due to crash dieting, for example, you may see hair loss as a result. 

Your diet can even lead to other hair-loss contributors. For instance, you could start to see blood sugar instability as a result of your diet if you tend to eat a lot of refined carbohydrates and sugar. This could lead to insulin resistance, which may impact your hair follicles. This may include lifestyle modifications and, when appropriate and prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, medical treatments to support metabolic health (such as GLP-1–based therapies). These treatments are not indicated specifically for hair loss but may be part of a broader care plan when clinically appropriate.

It’s worth noting that some lifestyle factors are rooted in your environment, such as air quality and pollution. You may be able to make lifestyle shifts, such as improving sleep quality and being more gentle when caring for your hair, to improve your hair health. However, environmental factors can be more challenging to address.

Early signs that your hair loss may get worse if left untreated

Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to pay attention when you notice changes to your hair so that you can do something about it. Keep your eyes open for the following signs and symptoms, as they may indicate your hair loss could worsen if left unchecked:

• Increased shedding, especially when washing, brushing, or styling your hair
• Thinning at any part of your hairline, including your part, temples, or crown
• Increased visibility of your scalp through your hair
• A thinner-than-usual ponytail, bun, or updo when putting your hair up
• Any changes to your hair, including its texture, strength, or growth rate

At the end of the day, you know your hair better than anyone else. Stay attuned to changes that are abnormal for you in particular, especially if you suspect you may be experiencing anything known to cause hair loss.

Treatments and strategies that may help slow hair loss

There are many potential causes of hair loss, so it’s hard to know what’s actually causing it, which also makes hair loss tricky to slow and reverse. That’s why it can be valuable to take a multi-pronged approach to treating hair loss. Consider implementing the following strategies to slow ongoing loss and promote restoration:

• Nutrition: Focus on a balanced, nutritious diet to ensure your body gets everything it needs to support your hair. Incorporate foods known to promote hair health, including whole grains, protein, and leafy greens.   
• Targeted supplementation: If you suspect you have nutrient gaps, a healthcare provider may recommend specific supplements based on lab testing or dietary intake rather than generalized blends. These specific supplements may include nutrients that are associated with female hair growth and male hair growth, respectively.
• Hormonal balance: Strive to keep your hormones as balanced as possible through healthy practices, such as a balanced diet, high-quality sleep, and regular physical activity. If you’re experiencing a hormone imbalance, you may need to work with a medical professional to address it.
• Stress management: Do your best to manage stress effectively. Remove stressors when possible and improve your ability to respond to and cope with those that remain, working with a mental health professional for support if needed.
• Natural remedies: Some natural remedies may help promote hair health and stimulate growth. This may include scalp massage, depending on the cause of hair loss.
• Handling hair carefully: Be gentle when caring for your hair. Don’t brush or wash it roughly, avoid wearing tight hairstyles, and minimize the use of heated styling tools. Always go to a salon to color your hair or for other treatments.

Taking a variety of proactive steps may help address contributing factors and support overall hair health over time.

When you should talk to a medical professional

In some instances, the above strategies may not be the right solution for addressing hair loss. If that’s the case, you may need to get in touch with a medical professional for help. Here are some red flags that warrant a professional evaluation:

• The onset of your hair loss is very sudden, especially if there’s no discernible cause
• You notice changes in your scalp, such as itchiness, redness, sensitivity, or irritation
• You experience hair loss after a significant physical change or event, such as starting a new medication, losing weight, or experiencing a health condition
• You lose hair from other parts of your body, in addition to your scalp
• Other symptoms accompany your hair loss
• You’ve tried naturally addressing hair loss, and those efforts haven’t worked
• Your hair loss is impacting your mental and emotional well-being

Ultimately, you may be unable to prevent hair loss or restore your hair after loss without professional medical support. It’s generally better to be proactive about caring for your hair and health rather than waiting for the issue to get progressively worse.

If you’re at all concerned, it never hurts to reach out to get the help you need. Consider seeing a dermatologist, in addition to going down other avenues. You may benefit from working with a health coach, so you can consistently take actions to boost your overall health. Alternatively, a mental health professional can support your efforts to reduce stress and improve your mental health. This is another area where taking a multi-pronged approach may be the best choice for your hair health and your overall health.

Hair loss can have many different causes, and in some cases, more than one factor may be involved. Taking a thoughtful, individualized approach may help you better understand what’s contributing to changes in your hair and how to manage them over time.

At a loss when it comes to dealing with your hair loss? Shed is here to help you treat your tresses. We offer simple solutions to promote sustainable health and wellness. Visit the website for more information about hair health treatments and solutions for both men and women.

FAQs about hair loss

Why am I losing so much hair all of a sudden?

Sudden hair loss is often triggered by a disruption to the hair growth cycle rather than permanent follicle damage. Common causes include physical or emotional stress, rapid weight loss, hormonal changes, illness, or nutritional deficiencies. These triggers can push a large number of hairs into the shedding phase at the same time, leading to noticeable thinning several weeks or months after the initial event. While alarming, this type of hair loss is often temporary and may improve once you address the underlying cause.

Can hair grow back after excessive shedding?

In many cases, hair can grow back after excessive shedding, particularly when the hair follicles remain healthy. Conditions like stress-related hair loss or nutrient deficiencies are often associated with temporary shedding, and improvement may occur once contributing factors are addressed. However, the timeline for regrowth varies and may take several months before new growth becomes visible. Early evaluation may help identify potential causes and guide appropriate next steps.

How long does it take to stop hair loss once treated?

The timeline for changes in hair shedding depends on the cause and the type of treatment used. Some people may notice reduced shedding within a few weeks of addressing contributing factors such as nutritional gaps or stress, while hormonal or metabolic causes may take several months to stabilize. Because hair growth occurs gradually, visible changes in density typically follow after shedding has slowed.

Does weight loss cause hair loss?

Some people notice increased shedding after rapid weight loss or major diet changes, including during GLP-1 treatment, as the body adjusts to reduced calorie intake. Sudden changes in nutrition, protein intake, and metabolic signaling can interrupt the hair growth cycle and may lead to increased shedding. In some cases, underlying metabolic conditions or insulin resistance may also play a role. Supporting the body with adequate nutrients and maintaining metabolic balance may help minimize hair loss during or after weight changes.

What vitamins help with hair growth?

Hair growth relies on a range of nutrients that support follicle health, oxygen delivery, and cell turnover. Vitamins and minerals such as iron, biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and protein are commonly associated with healthy hair. Deficiencies in these nutrients may contribute to increased shedding or changes in hair quality. Addressing nutritional gaps through diet or, when appropriate, supplementation may help support overall hair quality over time.

Disclaimer:
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hair loss can have many underlying causes, and individual needs may vary. You should consult a licensed healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance specific to your situation before starting or changing any treatment, supplement, or medication.