The Real Causes of Hair Fall and How to Stop It

Hair fall is a common problem that affects both men and women, and it can be quite worrying when it happens too much. While losing 50 to 100 strands a day is totally normal, if you’re losing more than that, it might be worth checking out what’s going on. There are a bunch of different things that can cause hair loss, like poor habits, not getting enough nutrients, medical conditions, or even environmental factors. The first step to fixing hair fall is to figure out what’s causing it. In this article, we’ll break down the real causes of hair fall and give you the best solutions for each one.

Is It Hair Fall or Hair Breakage?

Before you hunt for a cause, check what you're actually losing. It sounds obvious, but it changes everything.

Pick up a fallen strand and look at the end. A strand that's shed from the root is usually full length, with a tiny white bulb at one end. That's hair fall. A short piece with no bulb, snapped somewhere along the length? That's breakage.

Why does it matter? Hair fall starts at the follicle, so the causes below are the ones to look at. Breakage happens along the strand, and it's usually down to heat, chemicals or a lack of protein. Not sure which yours is? The strand test in our guide to protein-deficient hair settles it in about thirty seconds.

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Did you know that poor nutrition is one of the main reasons why people lose their hair? Hair needs special vitamins and minerals to grow strong and healthy. If you don’t get enough of these nutrients, your hair can become thin, break easily, and grow slowly. Iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and proteins are especially important for keeping your scalp and hair healthy.

Here’s a healthy way to keep your hair strong and shiny: eat a balanced diet packed with leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, and lean meats. Foods rich in iron, like spinach, lentils, and red meat, give your hair follicles more oxygen, while zinc and biotin found in nuts and whole grains make your hair shaft stronger. Vitamin D can be gotten from the sun or with supplements if needed. If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, talk to your doctor about taking supplements.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are like the bosses of hair growth. But sometimes, they can get a little confused and mess up the hair growth cycle. Conditions like thyroid problems, PCOS, pregnancy, menopause, and even stress can cause hair to shed more or become thinner along the hairline and crown.

If you think you might have hormonal imbalances, it’s best to talk to a doctor or an endocrinologist. They can help you figure out what’s going on and give you the best treatment options. Some treatments include hormone therapy, medicine, or changes to your lifestyle. Exercise, stress management techniques like meditation, and eating a healthy diet can all help balance hormones naturally and stop hair fall.

3. Stress and Emotional Health

Stress can cause hair fall, even if you don’t notice it. When you’re stressed, it can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where a lot of your hair follicles move into a resting phase at once. This can cause you to shed a lot of hair a few months later.

Here's a tip to help you manage stress: make it a part of your daily routine. Try activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, or even a quick walk. These can help you feel less stressed. And don’t forget to get enough sleep - it’s super important for healthy hair growth. If stress feels too much to handle, talking to a professional counselor or therapist might be helpful.

4. Genetics and Hereditary Hair Fall

Genetic factors can significantly impact hair loss, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness. This hereditary condition affects both men and women, typically starting with thinning at the crown or a receding hairline.

Here’s the good news: while genetic hair loss can’t be entirely eliminated, there are effective management options available. Dermatologists offer low-level laser therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments that have shown promising results. Early intervention is crucial, so don’t hesitate to consult a professional as soon as you notice any signs of thinning.

Want to start at home while you book that appointment? Our Medicated Hair Loss Treatment lists pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) among the things it's made for. There's more on it further down.

5. Overuse of Heat and Chemical Treatments

Overusing heat styling tools, chemical treatments like straightening and bleaching, or frequent hair coloring can weaken your hair. This can cause breakage and hair loss. These processes strip away the natural oils and protein bonds that keep your hair strong.

Here’s a tip to keep your hair healthy: limit the use of flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers to no more than two to three times a week. Before styling, always use a heat protectant spray. When coloring or relaxing your hair, opt for ammonia-free hair color and gentle, nourishing treatments. Deep conditioning masks and protein treatments once a week can help repair damage and prevent breakage.

6. Poor Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair. Conditions like dandruff, fungal infections, eczema, and psoriasis can block hair follicles and cause hair loss if left untreated. Excessive oiliness or dryness can also mess up the scalp environment.

Here’s what you can do: Keep your scalp clean and balanced by using a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. If you have dandruff or fungal issues, medicated shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid can help. Regularly exfoliating your scalp with gentle scrubs or brushes can remove dead skin and product buildup, which can encourage better hair growth.

Flakes are the big one here. If you're not sure whether yours are dandruff or just a dry scalp, our guide to dandruff treatment in Pakistan walks you through it, from medicated shampoos to simple weekly routines.

7. Environmental Factors and Pollution

Air pollution, harsh sunlight, and exposure to toxins can mess with your hair cuticle and cause hair loss over time. Dust and dirt can also clog your hair follicles, making your roots weak and making your hair more prone to breakage.

Here’s what you can do: Protect your hair from the elements by wearing a scarf or hat when you’re outside for a while. Rinse your hair after being in polluted areas and use hair serums or sprays with antioxidants to fight off damage caused by free radicals. And once a month, use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any environmental buildup on your scalp.

8. Wrong Hair Care Practices

Did you know that simple everyday habits can actually cause hair fall? Brushing wet hair too hard, tying your hair in tight ponytails or buns, or using the wrong hair products can stress your hair strands and make them break.

Here’s what you can do: be gentle with your hair! Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair while it’s wet, and avoid pulling it into tight ponytails or buns. Also, choose hair ties without metal clasps that can tug on your hair. And don’t forget to choose shampoos and conditioners that match your hair type. Avoid products loaded with harsh sulfates, parabens, or alcohol, as they can dry out your hair.

9. Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, like autoimmune diseases (like alopecia areata and lupus), anemia, and chronic illnesses, can cause a lot of hair loss. In these cases, hair fall is usually a sign of a bigger health problem.

Here’s what you can do: If you notice sudden or patchy hair fall, see a doctor right away. They can help you figure out what’s going on. Treating the underlying medical condition is crucial to stopping the hair loss. Your doctor might also suggest topical treatments or medicines to help your hair grow back once the condition is under control.

How to Stop Hair Fall:

Hair fall can be a real bummer, but don’t worry, most of the time, there are things you can do to fix it. First, figure out what’s causing your hair fall. Is it what you eat, stress, hormonal issues, or something else? If you’re losing hair for a long time, or if it’s because of something serious like a disease, it’s best to talk to a doctor. But if it’s just a little hair loss, you can try some things at home. Eat a healthy diet, keep your scalp clean, and avoid harsh treatments.

If you’re still losing hair after trying these things, you can talk to a dermatologist or a hair restoration specialist. Remember, it takes time for your hair to grow back, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight. Just keep doing the right things, and you’ll be on your way to having healthy, strong hair again!

What Can Help at Home

So, you've looked at your diet, your stress and your styling habits. What else can you do from home? Here's where our hair fall range comes in.

Oil your scalp. Our Anti Hair Fall and Hair Growth Oil blends biotin, rosemary, pumpkin seed and castor oil with a mix of other herbal oils. Warm it for 10 to 15 seconds, massage it into your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 2 to 6 hours (never overnight). Use it 2 to 3 times a week for at least two months before you judge it.

Treat thinning at the root. Our Medicated Hair Loss Treatment is a scalp spray made with Capixyl and Redensyl. Spray 4 to 5 puffs onto a clean, dry scalp twice a day and massage it in. No rinsing needed. Many users notice thicker-looking hair within 2 to 3 months of steady use. Avoid it during pregnancy, and if you're under 18, check with a doctor first.

Add a derma roller. Our 0.5mm Derma Roller is designed to be used alongside the treatment, and it helps your scalp absorb the active ingredients better. Use it on clean, dry hair, disinfect it before and after each use, and stick to 2 to 3 times a week.

Wash gently. Our Coco Nourishing Shampoo is sulphate and paraben free, so it cleans your scalp without stripping it.

One thing to remember: if your hair fall is sudden, patchy or linked to a medical condition, see a doctor first. These products work best alongside proper treatment, not instead of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much hair fall is normal in a day?

Losing 50 to 100 strands a day is normal. If you're regularly finding clumps in the shower drain or on your pillow, though, it's worth looking at the causes above.

Can hair grow back after hair fall?

Often, yes. When the cause is stress, diet or a short-term illness, hair usually grows back once that cause is sorted, although it takes a few months. Pattern hair loss is different: it can be managed and slowed, but not fully reversed.

Which oil is best for hair fall?

Look for a blend rather than a single oil. Our Anti Hair Fall and Hair Growth Oil combines biotin, rosemary, pumpkin seed, castor and black seed oils, and it's made to help prevent hair fall. Use it 2 to 3 times a week for at least two months.

When should I see a doctor about hair fall?

If it's sudden, comes out in patches, or arrives with other symptoms like tiredness or weight changes, book an appointment. The same goes if it hasn't settled after a few months of looking after your hair at home.