Causes of Hair Loss: Understanding Treatments and Solutions

Feb 5, 2024 | Hair Loss, Longevity

Summary:

  • A medical professional can perform diagnostic exams
  • Minoxidil and finasteride (for men) are FDA-approved
  • Use vitamin E, saw palmetto, silica, horsetail, zinc, and spirulina
  • Castor oil, rosemary oil, and rice water have potential hair growth benefits
  • Exercise to support healthy hair growth

Your Ultimate Guide to Hair Loss

What are the causes of hair loss? Ever wondered why your once-thick mane seems to be thinning out? Hair loss is a universal experience and often leaves us feeling perplexed and seeking answers. This isn’t just a superficial concern—our hair is an intimate part of our identity, and its loss can impact our confidence and self-image. Let’s unravel the mysteries behind hair loss and explore the paths to reclaiming your vibrant, strong hair.

Read more: Hair Growth – Nutrafol Vs. Vegamour: Which Is Worth It?

Books: Holistic Secrets to Lustrous Hair…

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, or alopecia, is the fancy term for losing hair on your body. Hair loss comes in different flavors, each with its own causes and patterns. The big ones? Male- and female-pattern hair loss (known together as androgenic alopecia), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and anagen effluvium.

Why Am I Losing Hair?

Let’s get straight to it: your hair loss boils down to three main culprits—hormonal, nutritional, and external factors. Most hair loss issues fit neatly into one of these categories.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair sprouts everywhere on your skin except a few spots like your palms, soles, eyelids, and belly button. Some hairs are so fine they’re practically invisible. Hair is made of keratin, a protein produced in hair follicles located in the outer layer of your skin. New hair cells push out old cells at about 6 inches per year. Fun fact: the hair you see is actually a bunch of dead keratin cells.

An average adult head hosts 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and sheds up to 100 of them daily. So, a few stray hairs on your brush? No biggie. At any moment, around 90% of your scalp’s hair is growing. Hair growth follows a life cycle divided into three phases:

  • Anagen: Active growth lasting 2-8 years.
  • Catagen: Transitional growth lasting 2-3 weeks.
  • Telogen: A resting phase lasting about 2-3 months, ending with the hair being shed and replaced.

Try: Advanced Collagen

Read more: Peptide Overview…, Your Guide to Peptides in Skincare…

Take control of your hair health and reclaim your confidence—fight hair loss with powerful tools like DHT blockers, nutrient-packed supplements like Vitamin D3, spirulina, and pumpkin seed oil, cutting-edge treatments like microneedling and laser therapy, and natural remedies like castor and rosemary oil. Strong, vibrant hair is within your reach!

What Causes Hair Loss?

Male-pattern baldness largely hinges on an androgen (a “male hormone”) called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which also affects female-pattern baldness. Aging and genetics play a role too.
Alopecia areata? That’s your immune system attacking your hair follicles. Hair loss can also result from medical conditions, medications, and infections.

Try: DHT Blocker

Read more: Hormonal Imbalance In Men What You Need to Know…

Books: The Testosterone Advantage…

How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

Doctors use several methods to diagnose hair loss, including visual exams, medical history, biopsies, and lab tests. Blood tests can check for vitamin deficiencies and hormone levels. A hair pull test might be used—where a small hair section is gently pulled to see how many hairs come out. This can indicate the severity and type of hair loss.

Medical Treatments for Hair Loss

The FDA has greenlit two drugs for androgenic alopecia: minoxidil (topical) and finasteride (oral) (requires prescription). Minoxidil is for both men and women, while finasteride is men-only. Other treatments include dutasteride, prostaglandin analogs, platelet-rich plasma injections, and anti-androgens for women with high androgen levels. For alopecia areata, corticosteroid injections at hair loss sites are the go-to.

Try: Minoxidil, DHT Blocker

Tips and Supplements for Hair Loss

Wondering how to increase your chances of keeping those precious strands? Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored the effects of various supplements on hair loss. Oral supplements include Vitamin D with K2 and saw palmetto, while topical ones feature pumpkin seed oil, melatonin, and apple-derived procyanidin. Studies also looked at supplements mixing nutrients like amino acids and vitamins.

Try: Vitamin D3 + K2, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Melatonin, Hair Peptide Scalp Serum

Books: The Ayurveda Hair Loss Cure…

Adding to the mix: silica, horsetail, zinc, and spirulina are promising. Iron deficiency and protein intake are also key. For topical solutions, castor oil, rosemary oil, and rice water have shown potential.

Try: Spirulina, Castor Oil, Rosemary Oil, Rice Water

Read more: Skincare With Castor Oil…

You can find many of these ingredients such as: silica, horsetail, saw palmetto, zinc, and many more in The Nutrafol Women’s Supplement and Nutrafol Men’s Supplement.

Try: Nutrafol Women’s, Men’s Hair Growth Supplement

Other Treatments for Hair Loss

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses red and infrared light on the scalp and may help to avoid hair loss and support regrowth in androgenic alopecia (AGA). Microneedling (tiny needles puncturing the skin) can boost minoxidil’s effectiveness. Ketoconazole, an antifungal, might reduce hair loss and promote regrowth when used in medicated shampoos. And don’t forget exercise; good circulation supports strong hair growth.

Try: Advanced Dermaroller, Dermaroller

Read more: What Is Light Therapy?…

How to Be Proactive About Hair Health

Taking charge of your hair health is about understanding the root cause and choosing the right hair care for you. The easiest way to start? Incorporate these insights into your daily routine, and remember that a proactive approach is the key to keeping your locks luscious and strong.

Women's Hair Growth Supplement
$88.00

NUTRAFOL

Thickness * Strengthen * 18+ * Dermatologist Recommended

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 07:02 pm GMT
Men's Hair Growth Supplement
$87.99

NUTRAFOL

Thickness * Scalp Coverage * Dermatologist Recommended

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 05:01 pm GMT
Men's 5% Minoxidil Foam
$49.97 $36.98

ROGAINE

Topical * Aerosol * Hair Regrowth * Hair Thinning * Tricho-Prime Technology

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 08:03 pm GMT
Organic Castor Oil
$30.99 $19.99

SKY ORGANICS

100% Pure * Cold-Pressed * Hair * Lashes * Brows

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 08:02 pm GMT
Rosemary Essential Oil
$9.99 $8.49

MAJESTIC PURE 

100% Pure * Premium Grade * Hair * Aromatherapy * Skin * Massage

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 09:03 pm GMT
Rice Water Hair Growth Spray
$17.95

HAIR THICKNESS MAXIMIZER

Vit B, Vit C * Aloe Vera * Thickening * Moisturizing * Leave-In Mist

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/11/2026 10:01 pm GMT
Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
$12.95 $9.95

COMEDOGENIC

100% Pure * Anti-Aging * Skin Hydration * Hair Growth

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 10:01 pm GMT
Natural Spirulina Powder
$40.00 $34.00

VIMERGY

Super Greens * Energy * Immunity * Non-GMO * Gluten-Free

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/11/2026 10:04 pm GMT
Advanced Collagen
$19.99

YOUTHEORY

Hair * Skin * Nails * Added Vitamin C * Hydrolyzed 

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 12:00 am GMT
DHT BLOCKER
$43.95

ADVANCED TRICHOLOGY

Hair Growth * Hair Loss * Scalp * Thickness

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 10:03 pm GMT
Our Pick
D3+K2 Liquid Drops
$31.99

AZURE BIOGENICS

Bones * Immunity * Heart * Circulation

Add to Cart
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 10:02 pm GMT
Natural Melatonin Liquid
$13.95

SVASTHYA BODY & MIND

Alcohol-Free * Sleep * Kids * Adults * Natural

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/11/2026 10:04 pm GMT
Stem Cell Scalp Serum
$86.00

ACT+ ACRE

Cold Processed * Scalp * Hair Growth * Irritation

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 09:02 pm GMT
GRO+ Advanced Dermaroller
$48.00

VEGAMOUR

Exfoliates * Stimulates Growth * 1200 Microneedle * .25mm * Wide Head

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 08:04 pm GMT
Derma Roller
$6.59 $5.99

ROSELYNBOUTIQUE 

Hair * Beard * Facial Skin * Safe * Gentle

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/11/2026 10:02 pm GMT
The Ayurveda Hair Loss Cure: Preventing Hair Loss and Reversing Healthy Hair Growth For Life Through Proven Ayurvedic Remedies
$6.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 12:01 am GMT
The Testosterone Advantage: A Complete Guide to Male Hormonal Balance and Endocrine Health
$37.96
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/12/2026 12:02 am GMT
References
Tyent Shower Head
$74.95

TYENT

Shower Head * Double Filtration * Skin Health

Add to Cart
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Hair Peptide Scalp Serum
$62.00

ONESKIN

Hair Health * Hair Loss * Peptide Serum * All Hair Types

Add to Cart
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
  1. Ji Qi, Luis A GarzaAn overview of alopecias Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.(2014 Mar 1)
  2. T Grant Phillips, W Paul Slomiany, Robert AllisonHair Loss: Common Causes and TreatmentAm Fam Physician. (2017 Sep 15)
  3. Katherine A McDonald, Amanda J Shelley, Sophia Colantonio, Jennifer BeeckerHair pull test: Evidence-based update and revision of guidelines J Am Acad Dermatol. (2017 Mar)
  4. Kenia Lepe, Patrick M. ZitoAlopecia Areata Anna-Marie Hosking, Margit Juhasz, Natasha Atanaskova MesinkovskaComplementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive ReviewSkin Appendage Disord. (2019 Feb)
  5. Andjela Egger, Sydney R Resnik, Divya Aickara, Eric Maranda, Michael Kaiser, Tongyu C Wikramanayake, Joaquin J Jimenez Examining the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Literature Skin Appendage Disord.(2020 Sep)
  6. Robert S English Jr, Sophia Ruiz, Pedro Do Amaral Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review Dermatol. (2022 Jan)
  7. Jaime R Fields, Peter M Vonu, Reesa L Monir, Jennifer J Schoch Topical ketoconazole for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review Dermatol (2020 Jan)

The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

Wellness Simplified in Your Inbox

Subscribe now for Exclusive Content, Insider Tips & Special Discounts

Subscribe Form

More to Explore →

Naturally Increase Libido & Support Hormonal Balance
Naturally Increase Libido & Support Hormonal Balance
Secrets to a Lasting and Fulfilling Marriage: Timeless Wisdom from Long-Term Couples
Secrets to a Lasting and Fulfilling Marriage: Timeless Wisdom from Long-Term Couples

Recent Posts →

Secrets to a Lasting and Fulfilling Marriage: Timeless Wisdom from Long-Term Couples

Secrets to a Lasting and Fulfilling Marriage: Timeless Wisdom from Long-Term Couples

What makes some unions thrive while others falter? The journey to uncover the secrets of a lasting marriage is one of curiosity and connection, a path paved with insights that resonate deeply with our desires for love, trust, and enduring companionship. This study delves into the heart of Iranian couples’ experiences, offering a raw, open-minded exploration of the keys to a successful, long-lasting marriage.

Building Strong Partnerships in Life

Building Strong Partnerships in Life

How to be a great leader begins with curiosity. Curiosity isn’t just a trait; it’s the cornerstone of leadership. Jean Oelwang, in her insightful book on leadership, highlights how great leaders like Nelson Mandela are driven by a genuine interest in others and the world around them. This innate curiosity fosters connection and resonance with your team. When you approach conversations with an open mind and a genuine desire to understand, you create a space where trust can flourish. Imagine the energy in a room where ideas are not just heard but truly valued. That’s the power of curiosity in leadership.

Related Posts →

Categories →

Tag Cloud →

Discover more from Wellness Simplified.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading