Most Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women and How to Tackle Them ?

Hair loss can occur due to lifestyle factors, health issues, or environmental influences. Below are the most common reasons:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies 

A poor diet lacking adequate nutrients can significantly impact hair health. Nutrients like iron, protein, biotin, and vitamin D are essential for robust hair growth:

Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels can lead to anemia, reducing oxygen supply to hair follicles and causing hair to weaken. 

Protein Deficiency: Since hair is primarily made of keratin (a type of protein), inadequate protein intake contributes to hair thinning. 

Actionable Tip: 

Include protein-rich food like eggs, paneer, pulses, and soya. Vegetarians should consider fortified cereals and supplements for iron and biotin. 

Add vitamin-D-rich sources such as sunlight exposure, fatty fish, and fortified milk to your routine.

2. Hormonal Imbalances 

Fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy, menopause, or due to conditions like PCOS can induce hair thinning.

PCOS Hair Loss: Higher androgen levels can shrink hair follicles and reduce hair volume. 

During Menopause: The drop in estrogen levels affects scalp health, resulting in hair loss.

Actionable Tip: 

Consult a best hair specialist to address hormonal imbalances. Treatments such as low-dose androgen blockers or hormone therapy may help alleviate hair issues related to hormonal shifts.

3. Stress and Telogen Effluvium 

Long-term stress triggers a condition called telogen effluvium, which pushes hair follicles into the resting phase, causing shedding after 2-3 months.

Cortisol’s Role: Stress hormones disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, reducing regrowth and amplifying hair fall.

Actionable Tip: 

Engage in stress-relief practices like yoga, journaling, or meditation to regulate cortisol levels. Adequate sleep (6-8 hours) is equally important.

4. Scalp Health and Hygiene 

Neglecting scalp health can result in clogged follicles, itchiness, and infections, weakening hair roots. 

Dandruff and Buildup: Poor scalp hygiene causes conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, aggravating hair loss. 

Actionable Tip: 

Use sulphate-free and mild shampoos to cleanse buildup without stripping natural oils. 

Exfoliate your scalp once a week using scalp scrubs to improve blood circulation and remove dead cells.

5. Thyroid Disorders 

Both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid glands can lead to hair thinning, as they disrupt the production of proteins and oxygen delivery to scalp follicles.

Actionable Tip: 

Undergo regular thyroid function tests if hair loss is paired with symptoms like weight fluctuations or fatigue. Medications can regulate thyroid levels and assist in hair restoration.

6. Excessive Styling and Heat Treatments 

Frequent use of heat-styling tools and over-application of chemical treatments damage hair cuticles, making them dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. 

Frequent Colouring: Contains harsh chemicals that strip away the hair’s natural protective oils. 

Actionable Tip: 

Limit heat exposure and use protectant sprays during styling. 

Opt for soft, protective hairstyles like braids to reduce strain on hair follicles.

7. Genetic Factors 

Androgenetic Alopecia affects women too. It results in a gradual thinning of hair at the crown and widening of the part. Genetics play a substantial role in these cases.

Actionable Tip: 

Early diagnosis is important. Treatments like minoxidil (FDA-approved) can help slow genetic hair loss when used consistently as per medical advice.

Taking preventive measures can significantly reduce hair fall, ensuring stronger, healthier strands over the long term.

Here’s how you can protect your crowning glory:

Stay Hydrated: 

Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily. Dehydration can lead to a flaky scalp and weakened follicles. 

Oil Massage Routine: 

Massage your scalp 1-2 times a week with oils like coconut, argan, or castor oil to boost blood circulation and stimulate growth.

Scalp-Friendly Hairstyles: 

Avoid tight ponytails or buns—these can lead to traction alopecia, where hair roots weaken due to tension. 

Balanced Diet: 

Include antioxidants (found in berries), omega-3 fatty acids (from walnuts, salmon), and zinc-rich foods (like pumpkin seeds). 

Sun Protection: 

Protect your hair from excessive sun exposure using scarves or hats to minimise UV-related damage.

Trim Regularly: 

Split ends can travel upwards, affecting hair health. A trim every 6-8 weeks minimizes damage.

Mindful Shampooing: 

Wash your hair 2-3 times a week based on your scalp type. Overwashing strips essential moisture, while too little washing can lead to buildup and weakness.

PRP Therapy 

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) involves injecting your plasma (rich in growth factors) into the scalp to rejuvenate hair follicles and stimulate growth. 

How it works: Plasma extracted from your blood is concentrated and injected into areas of excessive thinning. This boosts blood supply and collagen production. 

What to expect: Improvements typically show after 3-4 treatments.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) 

LLLT uses safe, non-invasive light to stimulate hair follicles and enhance cell metabolism. 

How it works: The laser improves blood flow, encouraging follicles in the resting phase to re-enter the growth phase. 

Best suited for: Early stages of hair thinning or post-transplant recovery.

Medications and Supplements 

Minoxidil: Encourages regrowth in the crown area by increasing follicle activity. 

Biotin Supplements: Improve keratin structure within strands.

Note: Always consult a dermatologist before starting any treatments.

Believing in hair myths can cause unnecessary stress. Here are facts to clear up common misconceptions:

Myth: Cutting hair frequently makes it grow faster. 

Reality: Hair growth occurs at the follicle level—regular trims simply prevent split ends. 

Myth: Washing hair daily causes hair fall. 

Reality: Washing removes debris and oil build-up. However, use mild shampoos to avoid stripping natural moisture. 

Myth: Tight scarves or helmets cause hair loss. 

Reality: While consistent tension can lead to weakening, wearing helmets occasionally has no adverse impact if hair is regularly cared for. 

Myth: Hair loss is irreversible. 

Reality: Many types of hair loss are controllable or even reversible with timely action and medical help.
 

If hair loss is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like scaling, itchiness, or redness, reaching out to a dermatologist or trichologist is crucial. Early diagnosis allows tailored solutions, minimizing long-term damage.

At HairMD Pune, we offer advanced diagnostics, including trichoscopic evaluations and personalised plans, to restore hair health effectively.

Take the proactive route—your hair deserves the best care!