Why Is My Hair Falling Out? 27 Reasons You’re Losing Hair

Although hair loss may ultimately come down to genetics in many people, there are a range of other reasons why you may be experiencing temporary, or permanent hair loss [2]. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Individuals who were assigned male at birth may experience androgenetic alopecia in the form of male pattern hair loss whereas individuals assigned as female will experience this type of genetic hair loss condition through female pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia is a progressive condition that’s caused by a combination of enzymes, hormones and genetics.

In severe cases, androgenetic alopecia in men may progress to retrograde alopecia. This is characterised by hair loss around the nape and ears, as well as the temples and crown.

2. Medication that causes hair loss

Every time you start taking a new medication, you should always make sure to read the side effects, specifically if they are linked to temporary hair loss. 

These will always be included on the box of medication and may sometimes include hair loss [3]. This is especially true with acne medications high in Vitamin A, blood thinners, depression medication and medication for high blood pressure. Learn more about vitamin A and hair loss, and medications that cause hair loss.

3. Iron deficiency

When you don’t have enough iron, it becomes hard for your body to produce haemoglobin [4]. Haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body and to your hair follicles, giving them what they need to grow and stay healthy.

An iron deficiency can make your hair thin or brittle, and even cause hair loss in some cases. This may present in a similar way to male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss [5]. 

Iron deficiency can also cause symptoms such as yellow or pale skin, shortness of breath, brittle nails, weakness and a fast heartbeat. Learn more about improving hair texture damaged by iron deficiency.

4. Stress and anxiety

We’ve all been through stressful situations in our lives but, if you are constantly feeling stressed or anxious it could start to be the cause of the hair loss you’re experiencing. Stress- or anxiety-related hair loss is known as telogen effluvium.

To add insult to injury, the stress of experiencing this type of hair loss can often make your hair fall out at a quicker rate, making the whole thing turn into a vicious cycle [6].

Normally this hair loss is temporary. Hair can be regained after stress through a range of stress-relieving strategies to reduce hair loss.

5. Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives such as birth control pills, implants, and injections will often interact with your hormones. As a result, birth control can cause hair loss especially if you already have a history of baldness in your family.

If hair loss or thinning hair is something that you are concerned about, there are non-hormonal contraceptive alternatives you can use instead.

6. You’ve recently stopped using a contraceptive

Similarly, if you’ve recently stopped using a contraceptive, it can result in changes in your hormones which could trigger hair loss.

You’ll probably start to notice changes in your hair a few weeks or months after coming off the contraceptive, but it should only last as long as it takes for your hormones to become naturally balanced again.