Hair loss: causes, types and what you can do
Why does hair fall out, and when is it more than normal? The most common types, typical triggers and how to support your scalp and hair now.
Losing hair every day is completely normal. Hair loss becomes an issue when you lose noticeably more hair than usual over several weeks, or your hair becomes visibly thinner. The cause is usually genes, hormones, stress or a nutrient deficiency. Once you know the cause, you can respond in a targeted way.
When is hair loss normal?
As a rule of thumb, up to around 100 hairs a day is considered normal. On wash days it's often more, because loose hairs come out all at once. What matters is less the exact number than the change: if you've been losing noticeably more than usual for a longer period, it's worth taking a closer look. Read more in How many hairs a day is normal?
How your hair grows
Every hair goes through a cycle of three phases:
- Growth phase: The hair grows, usually over several years. Most of your hair is in this phase right now.
- Transition phase: Growth stops and the hair root regresses. This phase only lasts a few weeks.
- Resting phase: The hair sits loosely in the scalp for a few more months and then falls out. A new one grows back in the same place.
Many types of hair loss develop when this rhythm is disrupted: too many hairs switch to the resting phase at the same time, or the growth phase keeps getting shorter.
The most common types at a glance
| Type | Typical pattern | Common cause |
|---|---|---|
| Hereditary hair loss | Men: receding temples, thinning crown. Women: widening parting. | Inherited sensitivity of the hair roots to DHT |
| Diffuse hair loss | Evenly spread over the whole head, often suddenly heavier | Stress, infection, fever, childbirth, strict diets, nutrient deficiency, medication |
| Seasonal hair loss | More hair loss in autumn, eases after a few weeks | Natural hair cycle |
| Alopecia areata | Round, smooth bald patches | The immune system targets the hair roots |
| Traction hair loss | Thinning areas at the hairline or parting | Constantly tight hairstyles, extensions |
The most common type is hereditary hair loss. We explain how it develops in Hereditary hair loss. You can read why more hair falls out in autumn in Hair loss in autumn.
Typical triggers
- Genes: The predisposition to hereditary hair loss is inherited.
- Hormones: Pregnancy and childbirth, the menopause, stopping the pill or a thyroid condition can trigger hair loss.
- Stress and strain: Severe stress, an operation or a feverish infection often only show up two to three months later as diffuse hair loss.
- Diet: An iron deficiency or a very one-sided diet can be behind it.
- Medication: Some medicines list hair loss as a possible side effect. But never stop taking them on your own.
By the way: hair loss often feels sudden, but it usually starts gradually. You can read what to look out for in Recognising the early signs.
What you can do yourself
- Gentle care: Wash mildly, detangle gently, cut down on heat and tight hairstyles. That way you don't lose extra hair through breakage.
- Scalp care: A scalp spray like our Hairforte Spray brings care right to where your hair grows.
- Keep an eye on nutrients: Your hair needs what your whole body needs. Zinc and biotin, for example, contribute to the maintenance of normal hair – both are in our Xpecia tablets.
- Be patient: Hair grows slowly. You'll only see changes after weeks to months, so stick with your routine.
When should you see a doctor?
If hair loss lasts longer than two to three months, bald patches appear, your scalp itches, burns or flakes a lot, or you also have symptoms such as severe tiredness, have the cause checked by a dermatologist. This often includes blood tests such as iron and thyroid levels.
Frequently asked questions
Can stress cause hair loss?
Yes. Severe stress can cause many hairs to switch to the resting phase at the same time. This often only becomes visible two to three months later.
Does the hair grow back?
That depends on the cause. With seasonal and diffuse hair loss, it usually grows back once the trigger has passed. Hereditary hair loss usually progresses gradually. All the more reason to start a regular routine for scalp and hair early on.
Do women get hereditary hair loss too?
Yes. In women it usually shows differently than in men: the hair becomes thinner mainly at the parting, and receding temples are less common.
Summary
Hair loss has many faces and almost always an identifiable cause. Watch how your hair changes, care for your scalp and hair regularly and give your routine time. You'll find suitable care in our Hair loss category.