Why am I losing hair? Understanding root causes and practical steps

The Short Answer

If you’re noticing more hair in your brush or on your pillow, you’re not alone. There isn’t a single reason most people lose hair—it's usually a mix of factors like genetics, hormones, health changes, stress, medications, and how you care for your hair. Some causes are temporary and reversible with small changes; others may require medical guidance. The good news is that understanding the contributors is the first step toward taking control and finding options that bring you hope.

Understanding the Root Causes

Hair loss happens for many reasons, and the story is different for everyone. Below are the main areas to consider, with practical questions you can ask yourself:

1) Genetics and aging

• Family history matters. If pattern baldness runs in your family, you might notice thinner areas over time or a receding hairline.
• Aging can slow the rate of new hair growth while shedding continues. You’re not alone if this feels frustrating.

2) Hormonal influences

• Hormones play a huge role in how hair grows. Postpartum hair loss, thyroid conditions, menopause, and some hormonal disorders can cause shedding or thinning.
• If you’re dealing with symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or irregular periods along with hair changes, it’s a signal to talk with a clinician.

3) Medications and medical treatments

• Some medicines and therapies can impact hair growth, including certain antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and chemotherapy.
• If you recently started a new medication and hair loss began, don’t stop meds on your own—discuss alternatives with your prescriber.

4) Medical conditions and immune factors

• Alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition) and other scalp conditions can cause patchy loss or overall thinning.
• Infections or inflammatory conditions can also affect the scalp’s health and hair growth.

5) Nutrition and weight changes

• Iron deficiency, low vitamin D, zinc imbalances, and generalized undernutrition can contribute to shedding.
• Sudden or extreme dieting can shock the system and temporarily reduce hair growth.

6) Stress and lifestyle

• Chronic stress, poor sleep, and high physical or emotional strain can shift the hair cycle toward shedding.
• Even short-term stressors can have a noticeable impact, especially if combined with other factors.

7) Hair care practices

• Overuse of heat, tight hairstyles, chemical processes, or harsh cleansers can weaken hair and scalp over time.
• Gentle handling, lower heat, and breathable styling can protect what you have while you work on root causes.

For a deeper look at how these factors can interact, you might find it helpful to read about how hormones influence hair in our related post: What causes hair thinning in women: hormones, symptoms, and fixes.

If you’re exploring more about the science behind hair regrowth, our How It Works page offers a clearer view of the concepts behind treatments and serums. How It Works

If you're also dealing with thinning hair in women, you might find this related read helpful: What causes hair thinning in women: hormones, symptoms, and fixes.

What You Need to Know

• Not all hair shedding is the same. A little daily shedding is normal, but noticeable thinning or patches deserve attention.
• Red flags: sudden, patchy loss; a scaly or very inflamed scalp; or hair loss after a medical event or new medication require medical evaluation.
• Some causes are temporary (stress, major illness, postpartum) and may improve with time and gentle care. Others, like genetic patterns or thyroid issues, may need targeted treatment.
• You don’t have to go through this alone. Many people find relief by coordinating care across a clinician, a dermatologist, and lifestyle changes.

External resources you can trust include Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology, which discuss common causes and when to seek help:

• Mayo Clinic: Hair loss causes and overview. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20374808
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Hair loss overview and guidance. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss
• NIH NIAMS: Hair loss information and resources. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/hair-loss

For more context on how genetics and hormones interact with hair growth, you can also explore related topics on our site, including our post on Hair Loss Prevention for Men and Hair loss in women under 40: early signs and practical solutions.

Action Steps

1. Start a simple shedding tracker and scalp check

• Each day, note how many hairs you find on your brush, in your shower drain, and any changes to scalp condition.
• Observe if shedding is uniform or patchy, and whether you notice new thinning areas, within a few weeks.

2. Review meds, health changes, and recent life events

• If you recently started or stopped a medication, or if you’ve had a major illness, pregnancy, or weight change, consider how these events may relate to shedding.
• Always discuss changes with a healthcare professional before stopping or changing medications.

3. Tidy up your hair care routine

• Use a gentle cleanser, avoid tight hairstyles, and minimize heat exposure.
• Let your scalp breathe and avoid chemical-intensive treatments for a period to see if there’s improvement.

4. Focus on nutrition and overall health

• Aim for a balanced diet with iron, vitamin D, zinc, and adequate protein. If you’re worried about deficiencies, ask your clinician about testing and appropriate supplements.
• If you suspect iron deficiency or thyroid issues, seek medical evaluation; addressing the root cause is often the most effective step.

5. Consider targeted options with professional advice

• In some cases, evidence-based options like topical treatments (e.g., minoxidil) or other therapies may help, but they work best when tailored to your situation. If you’re curious about regrowth options, one option among others is Bomi Hair Labs Hair Regrowth Serum—discussed with your clinician to see if it fits your plan.
• Always discuss any product use with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying conditions or take other medications.

6. Read and learn, then plan your next steps

• If you’re looking for a structured plan, you can explore options on our pricing page when you’re ready to take the next step. Pricing
• For a science-backed explanation of how regrowth products work, see our Science and How It Works pages.

7. When to seek expert help

• If you notice rapid or patchy loss, a painful or inflamed scalp, or hair loss after illness or medication changes, make an appointment with a dermatologist or trichologist for a proper diagnosis and a tailored plan.

If you’re ready to explore options, our team is here to help you find a plan that feels doable and hopeful. When you’re ready to take the next step, you can review pricing options here: Pricing.

Bottom Line / Key Takeaways

• Hair loss usually results from a mix of factors: genetics, hormones, health changes, medications, stress, and hair care habits.
• Some causes are temporary; others require medical guidance. Being proactive and seeking evaluation when needed makes a big difference.
• Practical steps—tracking, adjusting hair care, improving nutrition, and addressing medical factors—can slow shedding and support regrowth in many cases.
• You’re not alone, and hopeful options exist, including evidence-based treatments and supportive products when appropriate.

Helpful Resources and Reading

• For more on the science behind growth and treatments, see our How It Works page and the Science section.
• If you’re dealing with thinning hair in women, you might also find: What causes hair thinning in women: hormones, symptoms, and fixes.
• External resources you can trust: Mayo Clinic on hair loss causes, AAD hair loss overview, NIH NIAMS hair loss information.

Final Note of Hope

You’re doing the right thing by seeking understanding and practical steps. Hair loss can feel overwhelming, but with patience, support, and a plan tailored to you, many people find meaningful improvements and renewed confidence. If you’d like help mapping out a customized plan, we’re here for you. When you’re ready to take the next step, explore options and pricing, or reach out for guidance—you don’t have to face this alone.

If you’d like ongoing support, consider starting with a clinician’s evaluation and pairing it with gradually introduced changes to your routine. And remember: there is hope and room for improvement on your journey.

Helpful Bomi Links

• Our Science
• How It Works
• Clinical Results

Trusted Research

• American Academy of Dermatology — Hair Loss Guide
• NIH Alopecia Resource
• Hair Loss Research (DermNet NZ)

Read More from the Bomi Notebook

• Protecting fragile strands: practical styling tips during hair loss
• Receding hairline treatment for men: what actually works best?
• How Often Should You Wash Thinning Hair? Finding the Right Balance