Hair loss is far more common, and far more complex, than most people realize. While aging and pregnancy are well-known triggers, hair thinning and shedding can also be influenced by hormones, stress, nutrition, medications, and scalp health. The good news? Understanding why hair loss happens is the first step toward supporting healthier, fuller-looking hair.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women and Men
Hair loss is rarely caused by just one factor. In most cases, it’s a combination of internal and external stressors affecting the hair growth cycle.
1. Aging & Genetic Hair Loss
As we age, hair follicles naturally become smaller and less active.
In Men
- Most commonly due to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss)
- Driven by genetic sensitivity to DHT (a testosterone derivative)
- Typically affects the temples, hairline, and crown
In Women
- Often presents as diffuse thinning, especially at the crown or part line
- Can worsen during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen declines
- Hair may grow more slowly, become finer, and shed more easily
This type of hair loss is progressive but can often be supported with early intervention and scalp-focused treatments.
2. Hormonal Changes & Imbalances
Hormones play a critical role in hair growth. Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol can all disrupt the hair cycle.
Common hormonal triggers include:
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Starting or stopping hormonal birth control
When hormones fluctuate, hair can prematurely enter the shedding phase (telogen), leading to noticeable thinning.
3. Pregnancy & Postpartum Hair Loss
During pregnancy, higher estrogen levels often prolong the hair growth phase, making hair appear thicker and fuller. After childbirth, estrogen levels drop, and many women experience postpartum shedding (telogen effluvium) 2–4 months later.
While this type of hair loss can feel alarming, it is usually temporary and improves as hormones rebalance, especially with proper nutrition and scalp care.
4. Stress & Telogen Effluvium
Physical and emotional stress is one of the most underestimated causes of hair loss.
Triggers may include:
- Illness or surgery
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Rapid weight loss
- Major life changes
- Postpartum recovery
Stress pushes a large number of follicles into the resting phase at once, resulting in increased shedding several months later. The scalp and follicles often need calming, nourishing support during this time.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies & Rapid Weight Loss
Hair is not essential for survival, so when the body is under-fueled, nutrients are redirected away from hair growth.
Common deficiencies linked to hair loss:
- Protein
- Iron and ferritin
- Zinc
- B-vitamins (especially B12 and biotin)
This is especially relevant for individuals experiencing rapid weight loss, including those on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.
6. Scalp Health & Inflammation
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Buildup, inflammation, dryness, or excess oil can block follicles and impair growth.
Signs of poor scalp health include:
- Itchiness or flaking
- Excess oil or product buildup
- Sensitivity or redness
- Hair that breaks easily or won’t grow past a certain length
Addressing scalp health is often the missing link in hair restoration.
Science-Backed Treatments & Products That Support Hair Health
Keravive Scalp Treatment
Keravive is a professional, non-invasive scalp treatment designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the scalp, similar to a facial for your hair follicles.
Benefits include:
- Removal of dead skin, oil, and buildup
- Hydration and nourishment with peptides and growth factors
- Improved scalp circulation and follicle environment
Keravive is especially beneficial for stress-related shedding, postpartum hair loss, and age-related thinning. This treatment is performed in-spa with results maxmized with regular use of the Keravive at-home treatment spray.
[plated] Hair uses advanced exosome technology to support scalp and follicle health at the cellular level.
Ideal for:
- Thinning due to aging or hormonal shifts
- Weak or fragile hair
- Supporting regrowth after shedding episodes
This serum helps improve hair resilience, density, and overall scalp vitality.
Factor Five Shampoo supports hair and scalp health with growth-factor technology designed to:
- Strengthen hair strands
- Reduce breakage
- Support a healthy scalp environment
A supportive shampoo is essential for anyone experiencing shedding, thinning, or fragile hair.
Factor Five Brow & Lash Serum and Cream
Hair thinning doesn’t always stop at the scalp. Hormonal changes, aging, and stress can also impact brows and lashes.
Factor Five Brow & Lash products:
- Support fuller-looking brows and lashes
- Nourish hair follicles with growth factors and peptides
- Are gentle enough for daily use
How to Support Hair Growth Holistically
For best results, combine treatments with lifestyle support:
✔ Adequate protein and nutrient intake
✔ Stress management and sleep optimization
✔ Consistent scalp care
✔ Patience, hair regrowth takes time
Final Thoughts
Hair loss is not one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s caused by aging, hormones, pregnancy, stress, nutrition, or scalp health, identifying the root cause allows for a more effective, personalized approach.
By focusing on scalp health, cellular support, and science-backed treatments like Keravive, [plated] Hair, and Factor Five products, you can support healthier, stronger hair through every stage of life.