Hair loss is not a diagnosis. It is a symptom with many possible causes.
Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward finding the right treatment strategy — and avoiding the frustration of addressing the wrong problem.
Many people assume a single cause — or reach for a single product — without considering that different types of hair loss require fundamentally different approaches.
Driven by genetic sensitivity to DHT. Progressive, chronic, and follows predictable patterns. Responds well to treatments that target DHT or stimulate follicle activity — but requires ongoing management.
A temporary increase in follicles entering the resting phase, triggered by physiological or emotional stress. Usually reversible once the trigger is resolved — but often confused with pattern loss.
Thyroid disorders, postpartum shifts, menopause, and PCOS can all affect the hair cycle. Addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance is typically the most effective approach.
Iron, vitamin D, zinc, and protein deficiencies are all associated with increased shedding. Easily identifiable with blood testing — and often highly responsive to targeted correction.
Minoxidil will not resolve a vitamin D deficiency. Addressing stress won’t stop androgenetic alopecia. The most effective hair loss strategies begin with understanding what is actually happening — and why. This page is your starting point for that process.
Each cause operates through different mechanisms and calls for a different response. Here is an overview of the most frequently encountered types of hair loss.
Answer these questions to help narrow down the most likely cause of your hair loss and find the right deep-dive guide to explore next.
Blood testing for ferritin (stored iron), full iron panel, vitamin D, thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4), and relevant hormonal markers can clarify many cases of hair loss that are otherwise difficult to diagnose from symptoms alone. A GP or dermatologist can guide appropriate testing for your situation.
Many people focus on the amount of hair they lose, but the pattern of thinning and shedding can sometimes provide clues about the underlying cause. Different hair loss conditions often affect different areas of the scalp, which is why understanding common shedding patterns can be helpful when deciding what to investigate next.
Hair appears thinner everywhere rather than in specific zones. Overall density decreases and the part line may look wider over time. This pattern is commonly associated with telogen effluvium, illness, nutritional deficiencies, medications, rapid weight loss, or hormonal changes. It can also arise following periods of significant physiological or emotional stress.
Gradual reduction in density centred around the top of the scalp, with a widening central part and increasing scalp visibility. This is a hallmark pattern of female pattern hair loss and androgenetic alopecia — a condition influenced by genetic predisposition and hormonal factors.
Recession around the temples, changes to the shape of the hairline, or thinning at the frontal scalp are characteristic features of male pattern hair loss. This follows a well-recognised progression linked to androgenetic alopecia and the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible follicles.
Distinct, localised areas of missing hair — often circular or irregular — that differ from the more gradual thinning seen in common pattern hair loss. Patchy loss can have a range of causes and may warrant evaluation by a dermatologist to determine whether conditions such as alopecia areata or scalp-related issues may be involved.
A noticeable increase in hair found in the shower drain, on a hairbrush, or on the pillow — often occurring two to four months after a triggering event. This delayed shedding pattern is frequently seen in telogen effluvium, where a physiological shock pushes large numbers of follicles into the resting phase. Common triggers include major stress, illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, and significant dietary changes.
Hair shedding patterns can offer useful clues, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. Similar-looking thinning can sometimes have very different underlying causes. Understanding the pattern may help guide further investigation, but accurate diagnosis should be based on a complete assessment of symptoms, medical history, and potential underlying triggers — ideally with evaluation by a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional.
The following short videos from Sofia Hair Health (@sofiahairhealth) illustrate some of the hair loss concepts discussed above. They are provided as educational visual examples and do not form the basis of the factual content on this page.
Video 1
@sofiahairhealth — Is your hair loss being caused by DHT, stress or nutrition?
Illustrates how to consider whether hair loss may be linked to DHT, nutritional factors, or stress — based on the overall pattern of symptoms.
Video 2
@sofiahairhealth — Too Much Hair Falling Out? A simple self-check
Demonstrates a simple self-check method to help assess whether increased daily shedding may be a concern worth investigating further.
Video 3
@sofiahairhealth — DHT or Not DHT? Identifying the pattern
Explores physical signs that may indicate DHT-driven hair loss, including scalp characteristics and thinning location — contrasting this with other types of hair loss causes.
Video 4
@sofiahairhealth — 7 signs your hair loss is becoming chronic
Outlines warning signs that temporary hair shedding may be transitioning into a more persistent pattern, which may indicate the need for professional assessment.
Honest answers to some of the most commonly searched questions about hair loss causes — including a few persistent myths worth addressing directly.
One study found elevated DHT in rugby players using creatine — but no study has directly linked creatine to measurable hair loss. Those with strong genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia may choose caution, but the current evidence does not establish creatine as a cause of hair loss in healthy individuals.
Creatine and hair loss guide →Hair loss associated with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro is most likely a consequence of rapid weight loss triggering telogen effluvium — not a direct drug effect. This shedding is typically temporary and resolves as weight and nutrition stabilise.
Weight loss drugs and hair loss →No. Hair follicles receive oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream — not from air exposure. The idea that hats suffocate follicles has no biological basis. Hats do not cause androgenetic alopecia or any other form of permanent hair loss.
Hat myth guide →Self-directed research and evidence-based habits are valuable — but some situations call for professional evaluation rather than a DIY approach.
Most gradual hair thinning can be explored and managed with the guidance available on this site. However, some presentations suggest underlying medical conditions that require professional diagnosis and treatment.
Once you have a clearer picture of the cause, explore the relevant sections of the HairGrowthHub system.
The biology of hair growth, the hair cycle, nutrition, hormones, and lifestyle factors — the complete foundation layer.
ExploreMinoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride — the evidence-based treatments with the strongest track record for androgenetic alopecia.
ExploreHow to structure a sustainable, consistent routine that addresses your specific situation — from beginner to advanced.
ExploreMicroneedling, GHK-CU, and other complementary approaches to support your core treatment protocol.
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