Hair Loss

Hair loss can occur for many reasons, including genetics, hormonal shifts, medical conditions, medications, or the natural aging process. While anyone can experience hair loss, it is more common in men.

Both men and women may develop androgenic alopecia, also called hereditary or pattern hair loss. This is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide.

Alopecia is a broad medical term used to describe conditions that cause hair loss. Alopecia itself is not contagious, but in some cases it may be associated with underlying health issues.

There are several forms of alopecia, including:

• Alopecia Areata

  An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss.

• Alopecia Totalis

  Complete loss of hair on the scalp.

• Traction Alopecia

  Hair loss caused by prolonged tension from hairstyles such as tight ponytails, braids, or extensions.

• Alopecia Universalis

  A rare condition involving total hair loss across the entire body.

• Scarring Alopecia

  Inflammatory skin disorders that permanently damage hair follicles, preventing regrowth.

• Cicatricial Alopecia

  A poorly understood inflammatory condition that may follow burns, infections, or trauma and results in permanent hair loss.

• Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

  A form of scarring alopecia that typically causes gradual hairline recession and may affect eyebrows and eyelashes.

There is no definitive scientific evidence proving that wearing hats causes hair loss. However, very tight or poorly ventilated hats may reduce airflow or increase tension on hair follicles, which could contribute to temporary shedding.

Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss. It is a scalp condition related to flaking and irritation rather than damage to hair follicles.

• Seborrheic Dermatitis

  This condition does not directly cause hair loss, but scalp inflammation and scratching may damage follicles and increase shedding.

• Scalp Psoriasis

  Psoriasis does not permanently damage hair follicles, but excessive scratching, stress, or harsh treatments can lead to temporary hair loss.

• Itchy Scalp Conditions

  Fungal infections, allergic reactions, or inflamed hair follicles may cause both itching and hair shedding when follicles are damaged.

There is no strong evidence linking shampoos to permanent hair loss. While some products may dry or weaken hair, common shampoos—including dry and dandruff shampoos—are not proven causes of hair loss.

Hair loss has been linked to deficiencies in:

• Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
• Iron
• Zinc

Correcting deficiencies may help support healthy hair growth.

Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can leave residue on the hair. This buildup may dry out hair strands, making them more prone to breakage rather than true hair loss.

Certain medications can interfere with the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding. The extent of hair loss depends on the medication, dosage, and individual sensitivity.

Common drug categories associated with hair loss include:

• Acne medications containing retinoids
• Antibiotics and antifungal medications
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Blood thinners
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Immunosuppressants
• Cancer treatments
• Seizure medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Hormone therapies
• Mood stabilizers
• NSAIDs
• Parkinson’s medications
• Steroids
• Thyroid medications
• Weight loss drugs

Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

Hair loss is common with chemotherapy. Certain drugs are more likely to cause significant hair shedding during treatment.

Hair loss may also be linked to specific health conditions or life events:

• Childbirth, illness, or major stress

  Hair shedding may increase several months after physical or emotional stress.

• Thyroid Disorders

  Thyroid imbalances can disrupt hair growth, causing thinning or clumps of hair loss.

• Diabetes

  Diabetes may slow hair growth and increase hair shedding across the body.

• COVID-19

  Temporary hair shedding (telogen effluvium) may occur 2–3 months after infection and usually resolves over time.

• Smoking and Vaping

  Smoking has been associated with increased risk of hair thinning and loss.

Prescription medications commonly used to treat hereditary hair loss include:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine®)

  Available as a prescription oral tablet or topical solution, foam, or shampoo. FDA-approved for both men and women.

• Finasteride (Propecia®)

  A daily oral prescription for men that slows hair loss and may promote regrowth.

• Spironolactone (Aldactone®)

  A prescription option for women that helps reduce androgen-related hair loss.

Other treatments may include off-label use of dutasteride for men.

Results typically appear after several months of consistent use. Continued use is required to maintain hair growth.

Most people begin noticing results within 3–6 months, with optimal results seen after 6–12 months of daily use.

Spironolactone may take 6–12 months to show noticeable improvement in women with androgenic hair loss.

Shampoo alone cannot treat hair loss, but moisturizing formulas with active ingredients such as ketoconazole may help improve scalp health.

Stress-related hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, is usually temporary.

• Acute stress hair loss resolves within six months
• Chronic stress hair loss lasts longer but does not cause total baldness

Addressing the underlying stressor often leads to natural regrowth within 6–8 months. Treatments may include minoxidil, supplements, and gentle hair care practices.

Collagen may support hair health by providing amino acids and protecting hair follicles, though research is limited. Collagen can be consumed through supplements or dietary sources like bone broth.

A balanced diet is essential, but supplements may help support regrowth. Common options include:

• B vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Biotin
• Iron

Other supplements such as pumpkin seed oil, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant-based nutraceuticals may also support hair health.