Hair loss can feel deeply personal — and incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s a widening part, excessive shedding in the shower, or sudden bald spots, noticing your hair thinning can trigger a wave of questions, stress, and self-doubt. 

But here’s the truth: hair loss is common. It impacts people of all walks of life and at any stage. 

The good news is that more support, treatment, and hope are available than you might think.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of hair loss, their causes, and different treatment options. 

What Causes Hair Loss?

Several different causes of hair loss exist, including genetics, hormones, stress, health issues, and hair habits. 

Genetic conditions like pattern baldness and alopecia can cause hair loss in men and women at all stages of life. Additionally, hormone fluctuations that women experience through pregnancy, menopause, thyroid, and PCOS can impact hair loss. 

But it’s not just genetics or hormones that cause hair loss. Stress-inducing events like emotional trauma, dealing with chronic stress, and life changes are factors in hair loss. Autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and medications can also impact hair loss. Lastly, over-styling, tight hairstyles, and harsh treatments can cause hair to fall out. 

Types of Hair Loss 

Hair loss can either be temporary or permanent. There are a few different types of hair loss to be aware of: 

• Shedding occurs when more hair is lost from the scalp than usual, but new hair grows back. External environmental factors, like hormonal or lifestyle changes, usually cause it. Shedding is generally temporary and can resolve independently within a few months after removing the trigger.
• Thinning is when hair becomes finer in texture and less dense overall. It’s usually a gradual process. Hair thinning is often due to genetics, hormonal shifts, aging, or nutritional deficiencies. It can be progressive if left untreated, but there are treatments to slow or reverse it, depending on the cause.
• Bald spots are localized patches where hair is completely gone, with no visible strands or regrowth. They’re most common with alopecia and usually signal a more specific condition that needs professional diagnosis and treatment.

Common Hair Loss Conditions

If you’re experiencing hair loss of any kind, you might be dealing with one of these common hair loss conditions. 

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair shedding triggered by physical or emotional stress. It often looks like diffuse thinning where hair falls out all over, not in patches. You often notice hair shedding in the shower or on your pillow, and your hair may feel noticeably thinner over time. 

Telogen effluvium is often caused by illnesses, surgery, childbirth, crash diets, major stress, or medications, and mostly impacts women. It’s easily treated, where once the trigger is removed, hair will regrow in three to six months. 

Alopecia

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks hair follicles. It manifests in sudden bald patches on the scalp, eyebrows, lashes, or body. It may progress to affect the entire scalp or the entire body. 

Alopecia is most commonly caused by autoimmune dysfunction, often triggered by stress or illness. However, genetic disposition can also play a role. 

Alopecia is unpredictable, where hair can regrow and fall out again. Early treatment with a dermatologist improves the chances of regrowth. 

There are several different types of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), traction alopecia (hair loss caused by repeated tension to the hair over time), and scarring alopecia (inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue). 

Anagen Effluvium

Anagen effluvium is rapid hair loss during the growth phase, often caused by a sudden shock to the body. It looks like large amounts of hair fall out quickly within days or weeks. Anagen effluvium usually affects the entire scalp and sometimes eyebrows or eyelashes. 

Anagen effluvium is most commonly seen during chemotherapy or radiation, but can also be caused by poisoning or autoimmune diseases. 

This type of hair loss is usually reversible after the trigger is removed. Hair often regrows over time, though it may come back as a different texture. 

Hair Loss Treatment Options

Several treatment options to treat hair loss include medical interventions, lifestyle changes, and cosmetic options. 

Medical interventions 

Medical solutions for hair loss are usually backed by science and prescribed or recommended by dermatologists or trichologists. A few common ones include:

• Copper peptides. Copper peptides have been shown to assist with hair growth. Copper Tripeptide-1 has been shown to have a similar result on hair growth as a 5% minoxidil treatment. Copper peptides help encourage hair growth by blocking the hormone (DHT), which has been shown to curb hair growth and prevent further hair loss. 
• Laser therapy. Laser therapy uses red light to stimulate cellular activity in hair follicles,  strengthen thinning hair, and accelerate healing and regrowth after hair transplant procedures. It is best for androgenetic alopecia or postpartum hair loss. It is painless and noninvasive, and users see their results improve with consistent use. 

Lifestyle changes

Small, intentional lifestyle shifts can support hair health from the inside out: 

• Nutrition. Hair is made of protein and depends on vitamins/minerals like biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin D. Prioritize whole foods, lean proteins, leafy greens, and omega-3s. Avoid deficiencies from crash diets or gut issues.

• Scalp care. A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong hair. Regularly exfoliate and hydrate your scalp to avoid buildup from heavy products. You can try scalp scrubs, massaging with oils, tea tree, or rosemary-infused shampoos.
• Stress reduction. Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium and worsen autoimmune flare-ups. To reduce stress, prioritize sleep, movement, and mindfulness practices (like breathwork or therapy). 

Cosmetic options 

Cosmetic options give those who suffer from hair loss confidence-boosting solutions while they treat or live with it.

• Wigs and toppers offer lightweight, breathable, and incredibly natural-looking hair options.
• Extensions and clip-ins are ideal for mild thinning or short-term volume
• Hair systems for non-surgical hair replacement options customized to blend with your natural hair

Take control of your hair loss

Hair loss isn’t just about what’s happening in your head — it affects how you feel, show up, and see yourself. The good news? You’re not alone and don’t have to accept it as your new normal. With the right information, support, and tools, you can take control of your hair health.