Top 11 Causes of Hair Fall and How to Prevent Hair Loss Naturally

By

Monica Saxena 

Certified in Holistic Health & Nutrition

|Fully Accredited Professional Nutritionist | Wellness Blogger |

Hair is often called our crowning glory, but hair loss has become a common problem for people of all ages. Losing hair is normal, with an average of 25–100 hair strands falling daily, but when shedding exceeds this range, it may indicate an underlying health or lifestyle issue. Hair fall can range from mild thinning to severe baldness, affecting confidence and appearance.

Understanding the root causes of hair fall is the first step to preventing it. While some causes are reversible with proper care, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments, others may require medical intervention or may be irreversible.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 11 reasons for hair fall, explain how they affect your hair, and share effective strategies to prevent hair loss naturally.

What causes hair fall

Hair fall is mainly caused by

1, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
2, Excessive use of heat styling, chemicals, or tight hairstyles can weaken hair roots.
3, Underlying conditions like thyroid issues, anaemia, or scalp infections also trigger hair loss. One or more of these reasons may contribute to hair loss; let's explore them further.

1. Stress and Its Impact on Hair Health

Often, whenever you are under stress, you will notice hair fall, giving you more stress. This stress is a major contributor to hair loss in both men and women. Physical and emotional stress both trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which pushes hair follicles into the shedding phase prematurely. This can result in noticeable thinning of hair within a few months after a stressful event.

Stress is a major contributor to hair loss, with cortisol, the stress hormone, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Stress reduces blood circulation to the scalp, limiting nutrient supply to hair follicles. Chronic stress can also worsen conditions like alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.

Practising meditation for 10–20 minutes daily reduces cortisol levels. Physical activity like yoga increases blood circulation to the scalp and reduces stress. Adequate sleep for 7–8 hours supports hair regeneration. Supplements like biotin, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can strengthen hair follicles. The best thing is to engage in hobbies or leisure activities so that it can lower stress levels.

 2. Poor Scalp Hygiene

Neglecting scalp hygiene can lead to clogged follicles, dandruff, and bacterial or fungal infections—all of which can contribute to hair fall. Oily scalp, dust, sweat, and pollution particles can accumulate and weaken hair roots.

Wash hair regularly 2–3 times per week with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to keep your scalp clean. Use a gentle scrub or brush to remove dead skin and excess oil. Often, overwashing or excessive washing can strip natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness. Drink plenty of water to maintain scalp moisture. A clean and nourished scalp ensures healthy follicles, stronger strands, and reduced hair shedding.

3. Chemical Damage from Hair Products

Many of us are so often so influenced by the dazzle shown by chemical-laden hair products that we put too many chemicals in our hair in the name of hair care. Frequent use of chemical-laden shampoos, hair dyes, sprays, and straighteners can severely damage hair. Chemicals penetrate the hair shaft and scalp, weakening follicles and breaking the natural protein structure of hair.

They strip natural oils, causing dryness, triggering scalp irritation, damaging follicles, and leading to hair brittleness. It is better to switch to herbal shampoos with aloe vera, hibiscus, or amla. Use natural hair dyes like henna or indigo and limit the use of heat styling tools, and always apply a heat protectant. Regular use of natural and gentle products helps retain hair strength and prevents breakage.

4. Nutrient Deficiency and Hair Loss

Hair is made of keratin, a protein that requires adequate nutrition to grow. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can slow hair growth, weaken follicles, and increase shedding. The Key Nutrients for Healthy Hair are:

1.      Biotin (Vitamin B7): Promotes hair growth and strengthens strands.

2.      Vitamin E: an antioxidant that improves scalp circulation.

3.      Iron: Prevents anaemia-related hair thinning.

4.      Zinc: Supports follicle repair and prevents hair loss.

5.      Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Nourish scalp and hair.

6.      Vitamin B12: Helps in red blood cell formation, essential for follicle health.

7.      Selenium: Protects hair from oxidative stress.

The dietary sources to get these nutrients are eggs, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, fish, and beans. Other sources include nutritious foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for antioxidants, as well as dairy or fortified plant-based alternatives. Correcting nutrient deficiencies through diet or supplements can reverse hair loss in most cases.

 5. Medication-Induced Hair Fall

Certain medications may list hair loss as a side effect. These include beta-blockers (for high blood pressure), blood thinners, antidepressants, and cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)

Before discontinuing any medication, consult your doctor and ask about alternatives or dosage adjustments. To support hair health, eat food that is protein-rich and start doing scalp massages. Medication-induced hair fall is usually reversible once the drug is adjusted or stopped under medical supervision.

6. Excess Sugar and Unhealthy Diet

Diet has a direct impact on hormone levels and hair growth. Excess sugar, refined flour, and processed foods can increase DHT levels, a hormone linked to hair thinning. High sugar intake can also worsen scalp inflammation and reduce nutrient absorption.

Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Reduce refined sugars, processed foods, and carbonated drinks, and include healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado, and fatty fish. Hydrate yourself with water, herbal teas, and fresh juices. Maintaining a nutrient-rich diet supports hair follicles and prevents premature shedding.

7. Hair Loss Due to Weight Loss

Rapid or extreme weight loss can stress the body, leading to temporary hair thinning. Nutrient deficiencies caused by restrictive dieting or crash diets may deprive follicles of essential vitamins and minerals.

Avoid going on fad diets and focus on gradual weight loss. Your diet must have enough protein from eggs, legumes, and dairy. Take multivitamins if recommended by a healthcare professional. Hair usually regrows once your diet is balanced and nutrient intake is restored.

8.    Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can coat the hair shaft, making it stiff, dry, and brittle. This buildup can block moisture, weakening hair strands. To combat hard water damage, always rinse hair with a lemon or vinegar solution after washing. Use a water softener or filter for your shower. Make a rule to deep condition your hair every week to restore hair moisture. Preventing mineral buildup keeps hair soft, shiny, and less prone to breakage.

 9. Genetic Hair Loss

Hereditary hair loss, or androgeneticalopecia, is a common cause of baldness. In men, it often starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown; in women, hair becomes thinner all over the scalp. In such conditions, managing hair loss is the key. Some prescription medications may slow hair loss. Trichologists recommend hair transplantation for advanced cases. Scalp massage with essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, or coconut oil may stimulate blood flow. Maintain a protein-rich diet to support your follicle health. Genetic hair loss cannot be completely reversed, but treatments can slow progression.

10. Thyroid Problems and Hair Health

Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can lead to hair thinning. Thyroid hormones regulate hair growth, so an imbalance affects the hair cycle. For managing thyroid-related hair loss, get your thyroid levels checked regularly. Take prescribed thyroid medications consistently and include foods that are rich in iron, protein, and selenium in your diet, like spinach, amaranth leaves, drumstick leaves (moringa), beetroot, lentils (masoor, moong, urad dal), chickpeas (chana), kidney beans (rajma), black beans, tofu, and soybeans.

Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, and regular sleep. Hair regrowth usually occurs after thyroid levels are stabilized. 

11. Ageing and hair loss

As we age, hair follicles naturally shrink, hair grows more slowly, and strands become thinner. Hormonal changes, reduced blood circulation, and oxidative stress contribute to age-related hair loss. For having Healthy Hair while ageing

·         Use gentle shampoos and conditioners.

·         Try volumising products like thick oil and keratin to improve hair thickness.

·         Maintain a protein-rich diet and include antioxidant-rich foods.

·         Scalp massage increases circulation and stimulates hair growth.

Although ageing-related hair loss cannot be fully prevented, proper care can help maintain hair density and shine.

Hair fall is a complex issue influenced by lifestyle, diet, genetics, stress, and health conditions. While some causes are irreversible, most hair loss can be prevented or reversed with proper care, nutrition, and early intervention. By maintaining a balanced diet, reducing stress, using gentle hair products, and treating underlying medical conditions, you can protect your hair and maintain your crowning glory.

Remember, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp and lifestyle. Treat your hair with care, nourish it with the right nutrients, and embrace natural remedies for long-term hair health.