Hair Loss: Symptoms, Causes, and What's Really Happening on Your Scalp

Antony A

Aug 4

5 min read

Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Let's Actually Figure That Out

Finding more hair than usual on your pillow, in your comb, or swirling down the shower drain isn't just your problem alone. Hair fall is a widespread issue across India. Whether you live in humid Chennai, experience the dry Delhi winters, or reside anywhere in between, it's a familiar worry. The real challenge is that most of us don’t pause to figure out the actual cause, and end up treating the wrong issues for years.

Let's change that today. This post delves into what hair loss really means, how to tell when it's shifted from normal to troublesome, and identifies the most common causes. Armed with this info, you'll be able to make better decisions about your hair health.

First, What Counts as "Normal" Hair Fall?

Here's a fact that might surprise you: losing 50 to 100 strands of hair per day is entirely normal. Our hair grows in cycles; at any given time, some strands are in the resting phase, ready to shed. So, if you find hair in your comb every morning, it's not necessarily a cause for alarm.

The worry begins when shedding consistently exceeds this range, or when you notice your hair isn't growing back as it used to.

Recognising the Symptoms of Hair Loss

Hair loss can take various forms. Understanding these different patterns can be key to identifying what's going on.

Gradual Thinning on the Top of the Head

The sneakiest type, gradual thinning, is quite common. Men often discover a receding "M" shaped hairline. Women might notice a widening of their center part or a general loss of volume at the crown. Sometimes it's only pointed out by others or comes as a surprise in photos.

Circular or Patchy Bald Spots

Individuals may experience hair loss in coin-sized circular patches. These spots could be itchy or slightly painful before the hair actually falls out, and it could even affect the beard or eyebrows.

Sudden Loosening of Hair

Emotional shock, physical stress, or illness can cause hair to fall out in handfuls, often during combing, washing, or even just running your fingers through it. Known as telogen effluvium, this type is usually temporary but shocking when experienced.

Full Body Hair Loss

Certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy, can lead to hair loss all over the body. Thankfully, this is typically a temporary issue.

Scaling or Crusting on the Scalp

Hair fall combined with redness, scaling, broken hair, or swelling might signal a fungal infection such as ringworm. This situation calls for medical attention; a better shampoo won't do the trick.

The Most Common Causes of Hair Loss

Here’s where things can get complex. Hair fall is rarely due to a single cause, often involving a combination of issues.

Heredity (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Genetics is the leading cause of hair loss globally. If your family has a history of hair thinning, your risk of experiencing the same is higher. Men will notice a receding hairline and bald patches, while women usually experience diffuse thinning. This type, called androgenetic alopecia, can be slowed with care and treatments, but no shampoo or oil can completely reverse it.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones significantly affect your hair. In India, many women experience hair fall linked to thyroid imbalances, PCOS, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause. Post-delivery, dramatic shedding may occur around three to six months. While it’s typically temporary, the experience can still be distressing.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Hair fall is strongly linked to low iron, vitamin D, and insufficient protein intake. Vegetarian and vegan diets in India, though healthy in many respects, can sometimes lack adequate iron and B12, impacting hair growth. If you haven’t had blood work done lately and are losing hair, it'd be wise to discuss it with your doctor.

Stress

Both physical and emotional stress can trigger premature hair follicle resting. Unfortunately, a delay of two to three months between a stressful event and hair fall is common, making it tricky to connect the two. Illness, surgery, or challenging times can manifest on your scalp weeks later.

Scalp Conditions

Severe or untreated conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and fungal infections can contribute to hair fall. An inflamed, unhealthy scalp doesn't promote healthy hair growth. Think of your scalp as soil; if the foundation is unhealthy, so will be what grows from it.

Certain Medications and Medical Treatments

Hair loss can be a side effect of some medications, like certain blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and acne treatments. Chemotherapy is a well-known treatment-related cause. If you've started a new medication and notice increased shedding, discuss it with your doctor to explore alternatives.

Hair Styling Habits and Product Buildup

Tight hairstyles, such as braids, high ponytails, and extensions, can cause traction alopecia. Repeated tension damages hair follicles. Frequent use of heat tools without protection, chemical treatments like straightening and coloring, and heavy product buildup weaken hair over time. Brands like TRESemmé and Schwarzkopf offer heat protection and repair products, but changing underlying habits is crucial.

Autoimmune Conditions

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss on the scalp, beard, and other areas. It's unpredictable; hair may regrow, or it may not. Proper medical management is necessary; home remedies won't suffice.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Honest advice: consult a dermatologist if you're experiencing patchy hair loss, heavy shedding for over two to three months, scalp symptoms like itching or scaling, or suspect hormonal or nutritional issues. Ideally, a dermatologist or trichologist, if accessible, is preferable to a general physician.

Many hair fall issues are treatable, but correct treatment is essential. Spending on oils and growth serums won't solve a thyroid or iron deficiency problem; it's frustrating and costly.

What You Can Do Right Now

Track your hair loss for a week or two, estimate the amount, and see if the pattern is improving, stable, or worsening.
Reevaluate your diet honestly. Are you consuming enough protein, and iron-rich foods like lentils, spinach, and legumes?
Limit unnecessary heat and tension on your hair while pinpointing the cause.
Manage stress levels. While it may sound simple, your body does keep score.
Get basic blood tests: a full blood count, thyroid panel, iron, and ferritin levels, and check vitamin D.

The Bottom Line

Hair loss is common and often treatable, but understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. Genetics, hormones, nutrition, stress, scalp health, styling habits, and medical conditions can each play a role, sometimes simultaneously. Identifying the root cause is the first step towards meaningful treatment.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming posts as we dive deeper into specific treatments, oils, scalp care routines, and what truly works. But, it all starts here: understanding your hair beyond just buying products.