Why is my hair falling out more than usual?

Why Is My Hair Falling Out More Than Usual?
Hair naturally goes through growth, rest and shedding phases. It’s normal to lose 50–100 hairs a day. But if you suddenly notice more strands on your brush, pillow or in the shower drain, it’s natural to wonder “why is my hair falling out more than usual?” Below, we look at common causes, when to worry and practical steps you can take.

Understanding Normal Hair Shedding
Hair grows in cycles:

• Anagen (growth phase): lasts 2–6 years
• Catagen (transition phase): lasts 2–3 weeks
• Telogen (resting phase): lasts about 3 months

At the end of telogen, old hairs fall out to make room for new growth. If more hairs enter telogen at once, you’ll notice shedding beyond the usual 50–100 strands a day.

Common Causes of Increased Hair Fall

1. Physical or Emotional Stress
   • Major surgery, serious illness or high fever
   • Emotional upheaval (bereavement, job loss, relationship stress)
   • Childbirth (often 2–4 months after delivery)
   – This is called telogen effluvium. Hair usually regrows in 6–9 months once stress eases.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies
   • Iron deficiency (one of the most common causes)
   • Low protein intake
   • Inadequate zinc, biotin or other B-vitamins
   – A balanced diet with lean protein, leafy greens, whole grains and nuts supports healthy hair growth.

3. Hormonal Changes
   • Thyroid disorders (over- or under-active thyroid)
   • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women
   • Menopause (estrogen and progesterone levels drop)
   – Hormone imbalances can shift hair into the shedding phase.

4. Medications and Treatments
   • Chemotherapy or radiation
   • Blood thinners, antidepressants, beta-blockers
   • High-dose vitamin A or retinoids
   – Check with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.

5. Genetic Factors
   • Androgenetic alopecia (male- or female-pattern baldness)
   – Often begins gradually with thinning at the temples or crown in men, widening part in women.

6. Autoimmune Conditions
   • Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss when the immune system attacks follicles
   • Lupus can lead to diffuse thinning or scarring alopecia
   – A dermatologist can diagnose and treat these conditions.

7. Scalp Health and Hair Care
   • Over-styling (tight ponytails, braids or buns) causes traction alopecia
   • Harsh chemicals (bleaching, perms, frequent coloring)
   • Infrequent washing leading to buildup of oil or dandruff
   – Use gentle shampoos, avoid tight hairstyles and limit chemical treatments.

8. Environmental Factors
   • Changes in season (more fall-phase hairs in summer)
   • Sun exposure, swimming in chlorinated water
   – Wear a hat, rinse hair after swimming and use UV-protective sprays.

When to Seek Medical Advice
Most causes of increased shedding are temporary and resolve in months. But speak to a doctor if you notice:

• Sudden, patchy hair loss
• Signs of infection on your scalp (redness, pain, pus)
• Thick scarring or permanent bald patches
• Other unexplained symptoms (weight changes, fatigue, heat/cold intolerance)

You can try a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker if you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant a visit to the clinic.

Practical Steps to Manage and Reduce Hair Loss

1. Track Your Shedding
   • Keep a hair‐fall diary: note how many hairs you lose daily, any new symptoms or changes in health
   • Take photos of thinning areas to monitor progress

2. Improve Your Diet
   • Aim for 1.0–1.5 g protein per kg body weight (eggs, fish, poultry, legumes)
   • Eat iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, lean red meat) and vitamin C to boost absorption
   • Include sources of zinc (nuts, seeds), biotin (eggs, almonds) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flax)

3. Adopt Gentle Hair Care
   • Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair
   • Limit heat styling; air-dry when possible
   • Choose sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners
   • Avoid tight hairstyles and give your hair regular breaks from extensions or clips

4. Manage Stress
   • Practice relaxation techniques: deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery
   • Regular exercise (30 minutes most days) can lower stress hormones and boost circulation to the scalp
   • Get adequate sleep (7–9 hours) to support overall health

5. Consider Supplements (With Caution)
   • Only if testing shows a deficiency (eg, iron or vitamin D)
   • Avoid high-dose supplements without medical supervision
   • Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement

6. Professional Treatments
   • Topical minoxidil (over-the-counter foam or solution) can help certain types of hair loss
   • Finasteride (prescription pill) for men with androgenetic alopecia
   • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or low-level laser therapy under dermatologist guidance
   – Always discuss risks, benefits and realistic expectations with your doctor.

When to Be Concerned
If hair fall is accompanied by:

• Rapidly expanding bald patches
• Scalp pain, burning, itching or oozing
• Symptoms of infection (fever, chills)
• Signs of a systemic problem (unexplained weight loss, night sweats, extreme fatigue)

…see a healthcare provider promptly. Some serious conditions—like thyroid disease, autoimmune disorders or infections—require early diagnosis and treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Losing 50–100 hairs daily is normal; a sudden increase may have many causes.
• Stress, nutrition, hormones, genetics, medications and hair care practices all play a role.
• Most cases improve with lifestyle changes and gentle care; some need medical treatment.
• Use free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker if you’re unsure about your symptoms.
• Always talk to a doctor about anything that could be life‐threatening or serious.

If you’re worried about your hair loss or notice any alarming symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.