Hair Loss: Why It Happens & What You Can (And Can't) Do About It

Hair is an important piece of the picture we present to the world every day. It affects how you hold your head and how you move your body, and it can influence how you feel about yourself on any given day. Hair can also be indicative of health—if your hair is full and shiny, it imparts a vibrant image of wellness. If it's falling out or thinning, it could indicate an underlying problem. So, how can you keep your hair as healthy and happy as possible? Let's review the basics.

It's a common belief that losing up to 100 hairs a day is completely normal1, but what happens when you start losing more than you expected, even by the handful? Not only can it induce panic, it should raise questions about why your hair is falling out at such an alarming rate. Hair loss stems from genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, disease, hormone shifts, and emotional stress; in many cases, it's a combination of these factors.

A remedy in this case most often involves embracing what you've got. If you're a man with a nicely shaped head, you may be able to rock the shaved look. It's much trickier for women, who tend to be less comfortable shaving their heads, but a skilled stylist can help create a cut that works with your hair. You can also try medications like minoxidil and finasteride (Rogaine and Propecia) under the guidance of your physician.

Fortunately, most of the lifestyle factors that affect hair loss can be modified, so put away the cigs and scan your products for sodium lauryl sulfate, stat! Instead, look for products made with gentler foaming agents and nourishing natural ingredients, as well as hair-friendly essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and geranium. Let your hair air dry more often, and try using a DIY hair oil (see recipe below) regularly to see if you notice increased growth over six months.

Some of the main nutritional requirements for healthy hair are these: protein, B vitamins (especially B-12 and B-7, also called biotin), vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, and zinc. Specifically, regular consumption of foods like oysters, fish, spinach, pumpkin seeds, tofu, quinoa, beans, walnuts, eggs, yogurt, and lentils can support lustrous locks and healthy growth. You can also supplement for healthy hair with zinc or biotin, both of which have fairly extensive anecdotal—though not much medical—support. Lastly, a supplement called Viviscal3, made from shark and mollusk powder, has shown some promise if you don't mind eating sharks and mollusks.

You needn't assume you have one of these diseases if you're experiencing hair loss, but you may want to have a work-up with your health care provider if your hair loss increases suddenly.

Hippocrates observed that eunuchs did not develop baldness. They were missing testosterone, and its derivative, DHT (dihydrotestosterone), and therefore did not have the androgenic effect of those hormones in their systems. Women with excess or imbalanced androgens, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or those who are taking hormone replacement therapy, can often start to see hair loss as a side effect. Adjustments to medications or altering the hormone therapy can be helpful in correcting the imbalance and decreasing serum levels of androgens.

In most cases, telogen effluvium will resolve with time and attention to supporting the health of the hair. Growth can be stimulated by topical application of minoxidil (Rogaine) once daily, and possibly by regular use of diluted rosemary essential oil on the scalp.

As with any aspect of wellness, hair health is an evolving, ever-shifting condition that requires balance, persistence, and patience. Developing a relationship with your hair, in which you recognize it as a dynamic part of your body rather than a static accessory, will result in greater happiness over time. Even after my hair grew back, it has continued to change with me over the years, slightly thinner now than it was in my 20s. Now, as I let my silvers start to sparkle after deciding not to cover my gray anymore, I find that my hair supports and enhances my identity, especially when I care for it kindly like any other part of my body.

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