Understanding Hair Loss: The Truth Behind Alopecia and How to Manage It

Hair loss is a unique journey for everyone. When you suddenly notice excessive shedding, it’s called alopecia. If you’re experiencing this, you’re in the right place to get help. However, the truth is that hair loss doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time—often months or even years—for your body to reach a state where hair begins to fall out. This can be due to deficiencies, stress, hormonal imbalances, or other underlying conditions.

The only situation where hair loss occurs rapidly is during chemotherapy. Even then, it typically takes a few weeks for the treatment to damage hair follicles since it targets the fastest-dividing cells in the body—both cancer cells and hair cells.

Hair loss is not an isolated event; it’s the result of internal changes that have been building up over time. It can stem from lifestyle shifts, poor diet, inadequate supplementation, or improper scalp care. Let’s explore the key factors contributing to hair loss and what you can do to restore balance.

Main Factors Causing Hair Loss:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies – The Root Cause for Many

One of the biggest contributors to hair loss is a lack of proper nutrition. Many of my clients have diets that are low in essential nutrients. You may be eating regularly, but if your meals lack the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed to sustain bodily functions, your hair will suffer.

Your body relies on nutrients to fuel mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells), build muscle, and support hair growth. Without adequate protein intake, for example, you cannot produce strong, healthy hair. Hair is primarily made of protein, so neglecting this essential macronutrient can result in weak, brittle strands that shed prematurely.

2. Stress – A Silent Saboteur

Stress wreaks havoc on the body, and hair loss is often a visible symptom. Even if you feel that stress doesn’t affect you much, your body tells a different story. Stress influences sleep, digestion, and nutrient absorption, all of which play a role in hair health.

Mitochondria—tiny energy factories in each cell—are particularly sensitive to stress. When overwhelmed, they struggle to function properly, affecting overall cell health, including hair follicles. The key isn’t to eliminate stress completely (which is impossible) but to manage it effectively. Practices like yoga, meditation, exercise, and adaptogenic herbs (such as ashwagandha) can help your body cope better.

3. Deficiencies – A Hidden Epidemic

In my practice, 8 out of 10 clients suffer from nutritional deficiencies, and I myself manage chronic ferritin and iron deficiency. I monitor my levels with blood tests every six months to stay on top of it.

Hair follicles are like tiny factories that require specific ingredients to function. Essential nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin D3, iron, magnesium, and ferritin play a crucial role in hair health. When these are depleted—whether due to stress, poor diet, undiagnosed conditions like celiac disease, or restrictive eating—hair loss follows.

I highly recommend getting a blood test at least once a year. Many people are shocked to discover how much their nutrient levels impact hair health. If you’re losing hair, your body has already been struggling for a long time.

4. Hormones – The Key Players in Hair Growth

Hormones play a crucial role in hair health. Your body functions like a well-oiled machine, provided you give it the right nutrients and healthy fats to produce hormones efficiently. The liver is also essential in processing and eliminating toxins, which, if not managed, can disrupt hormonal balance.

Each hair follicle has receptors for hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and androgens. Even vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin. Any hormonal imbalance—whether due to pregnancy, postpartum changes, puberty, menopause, or conditions like PCOS—can significantly impact hair quality and density.

One of the most overlooked hormonal issues affecting hair health is thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid hormones play a critical role in hair growth, and there is currently an epidemic of thyroid-related disorders. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can severely impact your hair, leading to thinning, shedding, and changes in hair texture.

Additionally, the liver plays a crucial role in thyroid function, as it converts T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (active thyroid hormone). If your liver isn’t functioning optimally, your thyroid hormones will be imbalanced, negatively affecting your hair. Supporting liver health through proper diet, hydration, and detoxification can make a huge difference in hair quality.

Many people today turn to hormonal pills to address hair loss, acne, or heavy periods. However, these medications only mask symptoms rather than treat the root cause. Once you stop taking them, the original issue often returns. Hair loss, acne, and other symptoms are messages from your body—listen to them and address the underlying cause rather than just covering them up.

How to Take Control of Your Hair Health

The good news? Today, there are solutions to almost every hair loss issue. While some cases require advanced treatments, lifestyle changes, or supplementation, you can take steps right now to support your hair growth:

• Prioritize nutrition: Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
• Manage stress: Find techniques that work for you—meditation, exercise, or adaptogens.
• Monitor deficiencies: Get blood tests regularly to track iron, ferritin, vitamin D, and other key levels.
• Support hormonal balance: Maintain a healthy liver, consume good fats, and avoid unnecessary hormonal medications.
• Use targeted scalp treatments: While no shampoo alone can cure hair loss, professional trichological products with active ingredients can support your scalp’s health and enhance your treatment results.

Below, I have listed professional-grade hair care kits designed to support different types of hair loss. These products are science-backed and formulated specifically for scalp health. However, remember — products are only an addition to a holistic approach. If you don’t address underlying causes, no topical treatment will provide long-term results.

If you’re struggling with hair loss and need personalized guidance, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to restore your hair health and confidence!