In 2021, when I finally recovered from the COVID-19 virus, I started seeing more hair than usual on my hairbrush each morning. I started to pay real attention when it became an everyday occurrence, but by then, my already fine hair was noticeably thinner. Like most women, I have always linked my hair to my femininity, so I was devastated, and I tried many types of cures to get it to grow back. In the end, it stopped falling out, but whether it was because of what I did or because COVID-19’s aftereffects had dissipated, I’m not sure. But it did make me realize it is possible to reverse hair loss, depending on the cause.
Hair loss is a common problem that many people face during their lives, and there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. However, there are ways to help improve hair growth, and taking steps to care for hair early can make a big difference in preventing permanent loss. Many factors, including genetics, hormones, stress, diet, and the environment, can cause hair loss. In this blog, I’ll be taking a closer look at some of the most common causes, and some tried and tested methods that can improve hair health.
What are the main causes of hair loss?
The most common reason for baldness is age-related hair loss passed down through genetics. However, there are several causes of hair loss that can affect a person at various stages of their lives.Â
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can have a big effect on hair loss. That’s especially the case with those changes that happen during pregnancy or menopause. During pregnancy, higher levels of hormones like estrogen can make hair grow thicker and fuller by keeping hair follicles in the growing phase longer. After giving birth, these hormone levels return to normal, causing many hair follicles to enter the resting phase. This often leads to extra hair shedding, a condition called postpartum hair loss.
During menopause, lower estrogen levels can cause hair follicles to stop growing sooner than usual. This drop in estrogen can also increase the levels of the dihydrotestosterone hormone, which can lead to hair changes in both men and women. In women, this condition causes hair to thin but doesn’t result in complete baldness. In men, it generally leads to receding hairlines known as male pattern baldness.Â
Supplements such as the Women’s Hormone Support Pack may be useful for supporting hormonal balance throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle and potentially reducing hormone-related hair loss.
Autoimmune conditions and illness
Some autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata and hypothyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In both cases, the hair loss happens because the normal hair growth cycle is disrupted, and the hair follicles stop working properly, preventing new hair from growing.
Alopecia areata is a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles by mistake, causing hair to fall out in small, round patches. This leads to sudden and noticeable hair loss.
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. This can cause hair to thin or fall out in patches. It is more common in women, and treating the condition can help stop this type of hair loss.
Illnesses like high fevers, serious infections, or surgeries can cause hair to fall out temporarily. However, the hair usually grows back once the person recovers or finishes treatment.
Medications
Chemotherapy, blood thinners, and other treatments can lead to hair loss because they disrupt the normal hair growth process. Chemotherapy attacks cells in the body that grow and divide quickly, including the ones in the scalp and hair follicles. This disrupts the normal hair growth process and causes a lot of hair to fall out. Blood thinners and anticoagulants lower the number of clotting factors in the blood. This can affect blood flow to the scalp, which might make it harder for hair to grow properly. In many cases, hair grows back after the person stops taking the medication.
Nutrient deficiencies
Lack of nutrients, like iron, protein, and vitamin D, can lead to hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle.
Iron is a part of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all the cells in the body, including the scalp. If a person doesn’t get enough iron, their body can’t make enough oxygen-rich red blood cells to nourish the scalp and support healthy hair growth.
Protein is needed for healthy hair because it makes up about 90% of each strand. It is needed to keep hair growing and strong. Without enough protein, hair growth can slow down or even stop.
A lack of vitamin D has been connected to hair loss because it helps trigger enzymes that create proteins like keratin, which are needed for healthy hair follicles.
Hereditary Causes
Hereditary hair loss includes conditions like male and female pattern baldness, as well as the autoimmune disease alopecia areata. Male pattern baldness happens when there is too much of the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone attaches to hair follicles and stops them from growing new hair. Female pattern baldness can be caused by genes, changes in hormones with age, and too much DHT.
Taking a high-quality multivitamin such as the His Essentials Pack can help cover any nutritional gaps that may contribute to the development of male pattern baldness.
Physical TraumaÂ
Some rare types of hair loss include traction alopecia, which happens when hairstyles pull too hard on the scalp, and trichotillomania, a condition where someone pulls out their own hair. Another type is cicatricial alopecia, caused by scarring on the scalp from injuries or infections. These conditions can lead to thinning hair or complete hair loss, which can last for different lengths of time based on how severe they are.
Stress 
Stress is a common cause of hair loss. When someone experiences physical or emotional stress, the body reacts by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can affect hair follicles, causing them to stop growing and enter a resting phase. This can lead to noticeable thinning or even bald spots on the scalp.
Stress can also cause hair loss in other ways. Some people may pull or twist their hair when feeling anxious, which can lead to losing too much hair. Stress can also lead to poor eating habits, causing a lack of nutrients that are important for keeping hair healthy.
There are various ways to manage stress, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and supplementation containing ingredients that can help to balance stress hormones, such as those found in the Stress Essentials Pack.
Stress can also come in the form of too much time in the sun without sunscreen or a hat, which can damage the scalp through harmful UV rays. Over time, this exposure can harm hair follicles, making them weak and more likely to lead to hair loss.
How to stop hair loss and regrow hair naturally
Hair loss can sometimes be slowed down, stopped, or even reversed, depending on the cause. To reverse hair loss, it’s best to see a dermatologist or hair specialist who can identify the reason behind the hair loss and recommend the right treatment. They may suggest some of the following options:
- Eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals can help prevent hair loss, especially after losing weight
- Using the right hair products, like a dermatologist-recommended shampoo
- Managing stress
- Avoiding tight hairstyles and harsh styling products
- Wearing hats or using sunscreen
- Changing medications that cause hair loss, if possibleÂ
Lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
DHT is a hormone that may be connected to hair loss in both men and women. There are ways to lower DHT levels to help reverse hair loss. One way is by eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. These foods can help balance hormones and provide vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth.
Some supplements might help reduce DHT levels. For example, saw palmetto is a plant that can block hormone receptors that create DHT and may lower how much is produced, according to some studies.
Doctors often prescribe medications like Propecia to men dealing with hair loss caused by high DHT levels. These medications should only be used with a doctor’s guidance after weighing the risks and benefits.
Medications
Loniten (minoxidil) is an oral medication that may be used to treat hair loss caused by medication, and though it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose, many doctors have been prescribing it off-label. Recently, an international panel of dermatologists from 12 countries, all of whom specialize in hair loss, issued a consensus agreement that Loniten is the preferred treatment compared to topical minoxidil in several scenarios since it’s more convenient, less expensive, or the topical form can cause adverse issues such as scalp inflammation Â
Minoxidil is most commonly used for pattern baldness. For medication-related hair loss, minoxidil works by improving blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps fight the effects of medications that affect hair growth.
Phyllotex, a gluten and dairy-free vegetarian nutritional supplement in capsule form, is an innovative solution for slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth. It is suitable for both women and men and can be bought from us over the counter without a prescription. Phyllotex is formulated to reduce excess hair shedding and promote faster growth of thicker and longer hair. It is without side effects and intended for both women and men. In clinical trials, Phyllotex was shown to reduce hair loss and promote recovery, doubling hair count in three months and doubling it again after six months.
Scalp treatments
Many scalp treatments can help support healthy hair growth. Some popular options include regular scalp massages, using essential oils like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint, using hair tools, trying low-level laser therapy, and using medicated shampoos to treat bacteria or fungi on the scalp that might cause hair loss.
How it comes together
Considering my personal hair loss was due to an extended illness, I figured nourishing my body, so it healed well from the virus was the best way to reverse hair loss and allow my hair to start growing back. I ate a healthy diet full of protein and vegetables, and I supplemented this diet with a good quality multivitamin, similar in formulation to the Her Essentials Pack. I also used the specialized hair growth supplement called Phyllotex to boost the condition of my scalp and hair follicles. I also used rosemary and peppermint essential oil in my shampoo to stimulate blood flow to the scalp. After three weeks or so, I noticed less hair in my brush, and after a couple of months, baby hairs growing all over my head.Â
Four years later, it is still growing strong!Â
FAQs
What not to do when hair is falling out?
When experiencing hair loss, avoid any harsh chemical treatments or excessive heat styling. These can further damage the hair and worsen the problem. It’s also best to steer clear of tight hairstyles that pull on the hair follicles, as this can contribute to hair loss.
Are there any natural remedies for hair loss?
Yes, some natural remedies may help improve hair growth and reverse hair loss. Some options include using essential oils like rosemary or peppermint, taking supplements such as biotin or saw palmetto, and incorporating foods rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
How do you stop hair loss due to thyroid?
Make sure thyroid levels are balanced through medication or treatments advised by your doctor. If thyroid levels are well managed, the hair loss associated with the condition should be reduced.
Can thin hair become thick again?
While genetics play a large role in hair thickness, there are some steps you can take to potentially improve the thickness of your hair. This includes ensuring a balanced and healthy diet, reducing stress levels, avoiding harsh hair treatments, and using products specifically designed for thinning hair.
Does rosemary oil grow hair?
There is some evidence that rosemary oil can reverse hair loss and promote hair growth. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote healthy hair follicles. However, more research is needed to fully determine its effectiveness.
