Hair Fall Reason – Complete Guide to Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

Hair fall is one of the most common hair concerns worldwide. It affects both men and women and can happen at any age. While losing a few strands daily is normal, excessive hair fall can be alarming and may point to an underlying problem.

According to dermatologists, shedding 50–100 hairs a day is considered normal. Anything more than that could be due to genetics, health issues, poor diet, stress, or external damage.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore:

How Hair Growth Works

Before understanding hair fall, it’s important to know the hair growth cycle. Each strand of hair goes through three stages:

Normally, 90% of our hair is in the growth phase. But if more follicles enter the resting phase, visible hair thinning occurs.

Common Reasons for Hair Fall

Hair fall can be caused by multiple factors, sometimes more than one at a time. Let’s explore them in detail:

Genetic Factors (Androgenetic Alopecia)

• What It Is: A hereditary condition that causes permanent hair thinning.

• Who It Affects: Both men and women.

• Signs:
  
  • Men: Receding hairline, thinning at the crown.

  • Women: Widening of hair part, overall thinning.

• Why It Happens: Hair follicles shrink over time due to genetic sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

• Example: If your father or mother experienced early hair thinning, you may also have a higher risk.

• Treatment Options:
  
  • Minoxidil lotion

  • Finasteride (for men)

  • Hair transplant surgery

  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy

Hormonal Imbalance

• Causes:
  
  • Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism)

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Menopause

  • Pregnancy & postpartum changes

• Impact: Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones directly affect hair growth.

• Example: Women after childbirth often notice increased shedding due to a drop in estrogen levels.

• Solution:
  
  • Consult an endocrinologist

  • Balance hormones through medication

  • Follow a nutrient-rich diet

Nutritional Deficiencies

• Nutrients Essential for Hair:
  
  • Protein (for hair structure)

  • Iron (for oxygen supply to follicles)

  • Vitamin D (stimulates follicle activity)

  • Zinc (repairs tissue)

  • Biotin (improves keratin production)

• Why Deficiency Happens:
  
  • Poor diet

  • Crash dieting

  • Medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption

• Example: Anemia due to low iron can make hair brittle and thin.

• Solution:
  
  • Eat eggs, fish, spinach, nuts, and seeds

  • Consider supplements (after medical advice)

Stress (Telogen Effluvium)

• What Happens: Stress pushes more hair follicles into the resting phase, causing sudden shedding.

• Causes:
  
  • Surgery

  • Major illness

  • Emotional trauma

  • Sudden weight loss

• Example: Many people report hair fall after recovering from high fever or COVID-19.

• Solution:
  
  • Manage stress with meditation, yoga, exercise

  • Ensure proper sleep

Unhealthy Hair Care Practices

• Damage Sources:
  • Heat styling tools (straighteners, curling irons)

  • Frequent chemical treatments (coloring, perming)

  • Tight hairstyles (ponytails, buns)

  • Harsh shampoos with sulfates

• Impact: Weakens the hair shaft and damages roots.

• Solution:
  
  • Use sulfate-free shampoos

  • Let hair air-dry

  • Avoid tight hairstyles

Medical Conditions

• Conditions Linked to Hair Loss:
  
  • Alopecia areata (autoimmune condition causing bald patches)

  • Scalp infections (fungal, bacterial)

  • Chronic illnesses (diabetes, lupus)

• Treatment: Requires proper diagnosis and targeted medical treatment.

Seasonal & Environmental Factors

• Causes:
  
  • Monsoon (fungal scalp infections due to humidity)

  • Hard water (mineral deposits weaken hair)

  • Pollution (dust, chemicals block hair follicles)

  • Excessive sun exposure (damages hair proteins)

• Solution:
  
  • Protect hair with scarves or hats

  • Use filtered water for washing

  • Keep scalp clean and dry

Summary Table – Causes & Solutions

How to Prevent Hair Fall

Prevention depends on the cause, but these universal tips help strengthen hair:

Maintain a Healthy Diet

• Include lean proteins (eggs, chicken, lentils)

• Eat iron-rich foods (spinach, pumpkin seeds)

• Consume omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseeds, walnuts)

• Stay hydrated with 2–3 liters of water daily

Reduce Stress

• Practice mindfulness meditation

• Engage in regular physical activity

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
  

Protect Hair from Damage

• Use microfiber towels instead of rough cotton

• Avoid excessive brushing, especially when wet

• Limit chemical treatments to 2–3 times a year

Maintain Scalp Hygiene

• Wash hair regularly to remove dirt and oil buildup

• Use anti-dandruff shampoo if needed

• Massage scalp to improve blood circulation

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a dermatologist or trichologist if:

• Hair fall is sudden and severe

• You notice bald patches

• Scalp is itchy, red, or painful

• Hair thinning worsens within a few months

Expert Tips for Strong, Healthy Hair

• Oil hair once or twice a week with coconut or almond oil

• Trim split ends every 6–8 weeks

• Use silk pillowcases to reduce friction

• Avoid washing hair with very hot water

• Wear protective hairstyles in harsh weather

Final Thoughts

Hair fall is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By understanding the exact reason — whether it’s genetic, hormonal, nutritional, or environmental — you can choose the right preventive steps and treatments. Healthy hair starts with a healthy lifestyle, so nourish your body, care for your scalp, and protect your hair from damage.

FAQs – Hair Fall Reason

1. Is it normal to lose hair daily?
Yes. On average, shedding 50–100 strands of hair per day is considered normal as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, if you notice a sudden increase in shedding, visible thinning, or bald spots, it may indicate an underlying issue such as hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, or stress, and you should consult a dermatologist.

2. Can a poor diet cause hair fall?
Absolutely. Hair is made of a protein called keratin, and without adequate protein, your hair structure weakens. Similarly, deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin can slow growth, make hair brittle, and cause breakage. A nutrient-rich diet with eggs, leafy greens, fish, nuts, and seeds is essential for maintaining strong and healthy hair.

3. Does oiling hair reduce hair fall?
Oiling can help in nourishing the scalp, moisturizing hair strands, and improving blood circulation, which may reduce breakage and dryness-related shedding. However, oiling alone cannot stop hair fall caused by genetics, hormonal imbalance, or medical conditions. It’s best used as part of an overall hair care routine along with proper nutrition and gentle hair handling.

4. How long does stress-related hair fall last?
Stress-induced hair fall, known as Telogen Effluvium, usually lasts 3–6 months after a stressful event such as illness, surgery, or emotional trauma. In most cases, hair regrows once the stressor is managed. Regular exercise, meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep can speed up recovery.

5. Can seasonal changes increase hair fall?
Yes. Seasonal shedding is common, especially during monsoon and autumn, due to humidity changes, fungal infections, and scalp dryness. Additionally, harsh winters can make hair brittle, while summer sun exposure can damage hair proteins. Protecting your hair with scarves or hats, maintaining scalp hygiene, and staying hydrated can help reduce seasonal hair fall.