How to Determine the Cause of Hair Loss

If you looked in the mirror and noticed your hair is getting a little thin, there’s no reason to panic! Many people experience hair loss at some point in their lives—but that doesn’t make it any easier. Since hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, it’s important to figure out the cause before you start treating your hair loss. If you’re concerned about your health or you’re losing hair rapidly, talk to a medical professional.

1

Look at your family history.

Hair loss is often genetic. If your parents or grandparents experienced hair loss in their lives, there’s a good chance you have the gene for it too.^{[1]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Licensed CosmetologistExpert Interview. 11 December 2019.} Men with genetic hair loss usually lose it from the front of the scalp, while women with genetic hair loss usually notice thinning on the top of the head.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
- If you’re hitting your mid-to-late 40s, there’s a good chance your hair loss is genetic.
- Topical creams can sometimes help with genetic hair loss.
Advertisement

2

Switch up your diet.

Biotin, iron, protein, and zinc help hair grow thick and strong. If you aren’t getting enough of these nutrients in your diet, try eating more balanced meals and tracking your intake. Over time, you may notice your hair loss slow or even stop.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Try getting biotin through eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes).^{[4]XResearch source}
- Get enough iron by eating liver, red meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and soy bean flour.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- Try getting protein through lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and legumes.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Get enough zinc through red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains.^{[7]XResearch source}

3

Stop perming, coloring, and relaxing your hair.

Treatments like these can damage hair over time. If you’ve been going to the salon for years and getting harsh chemical treatments, it could lead to hair loss over time.^{[8]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Licensed CosmetologistExpert Interview. 11 December 2019.} Try giving your hair a break to see if it grows back.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Unfortunately, hair loss caused by damage may be permanent.
Advertisement

4

Avoid pulling your hair back.

Tight hairstyles can damage your follicles and cause hair loss. If you often wear your hair back in a tight bun or ponytail, try leaving your hair down or wearing looser styles.^{[10]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Licensed CosmetologistExpert Interview. 11 December 2019.} Messy buns, low ponytails, and braids are a good alternative that won’t pull your hair as much.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Hair loss caused by pulling your hair back is permanent, but you can prevent any further hair loss by wearing your hair loose.

5

Take a blood test.

Figure out if you have any underlying medical conditions. Your doctor will run some labs to check out your thyroid and your hormone levels. If it is a medical condition, you can treat the underlying cause to stop your hair loss.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Pregnancy and an inflammatory condition can also cause hair loss, which your doctor can check for.
Advertisement

6

Get a scalp biopsy.

Hair loss can be caused by a scalp infection. If you have red, itchy, or scaly skin on your scalp, you may need medical treatment. Ask your doctor to take a sample and test it to see what’s going on.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansOrganization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communitiesGo to source}
- Most scalp infections can be treated with topical creams.

7

Check the side effects on your medication.

Some prescription meds can cause hair loss. If you recently started a new medication, talk to your doctor about your hair loss. You may be able to switch to a new one or cut down on your dosage to stop your hair loss.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Always talk to your doctor before stopping a medication. Suddenly quitting a prescription can cause health problems.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
What are some common reasons for hair loss?
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
You may lose your hair due to excessive pulling, heat, and exposure to the elements. Hereditary factors can also be responsible for it.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question
Can excessive use of shampoo lead to hair loss?
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
If you use too much shampoo or wash your hair frequently it can cause hair loss. Shampooing with the wrong ingredients for your scalp type can also have a similar impact.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question
Is there any connection between stress and hair loss?
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Yes, hair loss is closely related to stress. So it is necessary to reduce stress to prevent hair loss.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0