Why Am I Losing Hair? 7 Lesser-Known Causes You Shouldn’t Ignore
4 days ago
3 min read
Have you ever noticed more hair in the shower drain or on your pillow in the morning? Losing hair can feel scary—especially when you don’t know why it’s happening. While it’s normal to shed 50–100 hairs a day, anything more could be a sign that something else is going on.
Sure, stress and genetics are common causes. But what about the not-so-obvious reasons? Let’s take a look at 7 lesser-known causes of hair loss that you might be missing—and why they matter.
1. Your Diet Is Missing Key Nutrients
Your hair needs fuel to grow. If your body isn’t getting enough nutrients, your hair may suffer.
Watch out for:
Low iron (common in women)
Not enough protein
Missing vitamins like B12, Vitamin D, or zinc
💡 Tip: Eating a balanced diet with lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains can help.
2. Wearing Tight Hairstyles Too Often
Do you love high ponytails, braids, or slick buns? These can cause something called traction alopecia—a type of hair loss caused by pulling on the scalp.
What to avoid:
Styles that tug too tightly
Wearing the same hairstyle every day
💡 Tip: Give your hair a break with looser styles and let your scalp rest.
3. Hormonal Changes (Not Just from Aging)
Hormones are powerful. If they shift, your hair can react. This happens with:
Pregnancy or childbirth
Starting or stopping birth control
Thyroid problems
💡 Tip: If your hair loss started after a big life event, talk to a doctor about checking your hormone levels.
4. Hidden Scalp Issues
You might not feel it, but your scalp could be irritated or inflamed.
Look out for:
Itching or burning
Red patches or flaking
Bumps or sores
💡 Tip: A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Don’t ignore signs of discomfort!
5. Medications You Might Be Taking
Some medications list hair loss as a side effect. This includes:
Blood pressure meds
Antidepressants
Acne treatments
Chemotherapy drugs
💡 Tip: Don’t stop any medications without speaking to your doctor first. But if you’ve noticed hair loss after starting something new, bring it up.
6. Sudden Weight Loss or Crash Dieting
Losing a lot of weight quickly can shock your body—and your hair.
Your body may go into survival mode, saving energy for vital functions and putting hair growth on pause.
💡 Tip: Aim for slow, steady weight changes with proper nutrition.
7. Chronic Stress or Trauma
Did you know stress can push your hair follicles into a “resting” phase? This condition is called telogen effluvium—and it can happen months after a stressful event.
Common triggers include:
Losing a loved one
Major illness or surgery
Job loss or moving
💡 Tip: Practice self-care. Gentle exercise, talking to someone, and getting good sleep can support both your mind and your hair.
When Should You Worry?
If your hair loss is sudden, getting worse, or you see patches of missing hair—don’t wait. It’s best to get help early. The sooner you find the cause, the better your chances of slowing it down or reversing it.
Hair Loss Isn’t Always What You Think
Hair loss can feel frustrating and even embarrassing. But remember—you’re not alone, and many types of hair loss can be treated or improved with the right care.
At New Look Institute, we are experts on scalp health, trichology, and non-surgical hair restoration. Whether your hair loss is from stress, diet, hormones, or something else, we can help you get to the root cause—literally. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward healthier, fuller hair.
