Hair Loss: Causes, Types, & How Haircare Can Help

Hair loss and thinning are common concerns, but there isn't one single cause. From genetics and hormonal changes to stress, styling habits and hair breakage, many different factors can affect how full and healthy your hair looks.

Understanding what may be behind the change can help you decide how best to care for your hair — and where a good haircare routine can make a difference.

Is Hair Shedding Normal?

Some shedding is a normal part of the hair's natural growth cycle. Hair grows, rests and eventually sheds before new growth begins.

You may notice hairs in your brush, shower, or on your clothes without there necessarily being a problem. It's a noticeable change in your usual amount of shedding, thinning or hair density that's more useful to pay attention to.

So, what are some of the most common causes of hair loss?

1. Genetics and Pattern Hair Loss

One of the most common causes of gradual thinning is androgenetic alopecia, better known as male or female pattern hair loss.

Genetics and hormones both play a role. It can appear as a receding hairline or thinning around the crown, while others may experience more general thinning across the top of the scalp.

2. Stress and Increased Shedding

Periods of physical or emotional stress can sometimes disrupt the normal hair-growth cycle and lead to increased shedding, known as telogen effluvium.

Illness, major life events and other changes affecting the body can all be potential triggers. The increased shedding may not become noticeable until some time after the triggering event.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can affect the hair at different stages of life.

Changes associated with pregnancy, after childbirth, menopause, and certain hormonal conditions can all influence the hair-growth cycle and may contribute to temporary or longer-term changes in hair density.

4. Nutrition and General Health

Hair growth is influenced by overall health and nutrition.

In some cases, nutritional deficiencies or significant dietary changes can contribute to changes in the hair. Certain illnesses, medications, and medical treatments can also affect hair growth or shedding.

If hair loss is significant or unexplained, it's worth speaking to a healthcare professional rather than assuming diet or haircare is the cause.

5. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata typically causes sudden, distinct patches of hair loss and is different from everyday shedding or gradual pattern thinning.

Sudden or patchy hair loss is something to discuss with a healthcare professional.

6. Traction and Styling Habits

Sometimes the way we style our hair can contribute to the problem.

Repeatedly wearing very tight ponytails, braids, extensions or other styles that pull on the hair can place stress on both the hair and follicles.

Reducing unnecessary tension and giving the hair regular breaks from tight styles can help protect it.

Hair Loss vs Hair Breakage: What's the Difference?

Not everything that looks like hair loss is actually hair being shed from the root.

Hair shedding occurs when a hair leaves the follicle as part of the hair-growth cycle, whereas breakage happens when the hair strand itself snaps.

If you're finding lots of shorter broken pieces rather than complete strands, your hair may need more protection from heat, chemical processing and mechanical stress.

Conditioning, careful detangling, reducing excessive heat and choosing products suited to fragile or damaged hair can all help maintain the condition of the hair you already have.

Can Haircare Help With Hair Loss?

Haircare can't address every cause of hair loss, but the right routine can still play an important supporting role.

A well-chosen shampoo and conditioning routine can help keep the scalp and hair clean and cared for, while products designed for weak or fragile hair can help maintain its condition, reduce avoidable damage, and improve your scalp health. 

At Renew Hair Professional, our Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo is formulated for thinning, fine, weak and damaged hair, with a botanical-rich blend of scalp-loving ingredients: grape, rosemary, nettle, sage, calendula, chamomile and nasturtium extracts, alongside aloe vera and other plant extracts.

When Should You Get Advice About Hair Loss?

If you experience sudden or patchy hair loss, significant or persistent shedding, scalp symptoms or an unexplained change in your hair, it's worth speaking to an appropriate healthcare professional.