Why does hair loss occur and what helps against it?
Hair loss is a widespread problem affecting millions of people worldwide. It's all the more worrying when hair becomes visibly thinner or more hair than usual accumulates on pillows and brushes. But don't worry, you're not alone with this problem. Hair loss is not an inevitable fate. With the right knowledge, targeted care, and modern treatment methods, the process can be controlled and, in many cases, even reversed.
In this guide, we delve into the causes of hair loss and present the most effective solutions, from vitamin deficiencies to innovative products like modern exosome hair serums. Our goal: to provide you not only with sound information but also with a clear roadmap back to healthy, strong hair. Because understanding the causes of your hair loss will also make it easier to find the right answer to the question: What helps with hair loss?
Causes of hair loss
Hair loss is a complex process with numerous triggers, from genetic factors and hormonal changes to lifestyle and environmental factors. Our hair goes through a natural cycle consisting of a growth phase (anagen), a transition phase (catagen), and a shedding phase (telogen). If this balance is disrupted, hair loss increases, and regrowth slows.
The main causes are:
Genetic factors (androgenetic alopecia):
The most common form of hair loss in men and women. Inherited genes make the hair roots sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This weakens the follicles, leading to miniaturization and ultimately to the cessation of new hair growth. Targeted therapy is crucial here.
Hormonal changes:
Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) can trigger sudden hair loss. Hair growth often returns to normal once hormone levels stabilize.
Stress (telogen effluvium):
Physical stress such as surgeries, accidents, or illnesses, as well as psychological stress, can trigger many hair follicles to fall out simultaneously. Hair loss often only becomes apparent months after the triggering event. Stress management plays a crucial role here.
Nutrient deficiency:
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy hair growth—above all, iron, zinc, biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin D, and protein. A one-sided diet or crash diets can exacerbate deficiencies and promote hair loss.
Environmental and care errors:
Air pollution, hard water, frequent coloring, perms, intensive blow-drying with heat or tightly tied hairstyles strain the hair structure and permanently weaken the roots.
Why do men experience hair loss?
So-called male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) affects approximately 50% of all men up to the age of 50. The cause is the genetic sensitivity of the hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Typical features include a receding hairline at the temples and thinning hair at the back of the head. Over time, these areas can merge, forming a bald patch on top. Additional factors such as stress, malnutrition, or smoking can accelerate the process.
However, early treatment and the use of strengthening hair products can significantly slow the progression.
Why do women experience hair loss?
Hair loss is often more complex in women because hormonal fluctuations play a particularly large role.
Hormonal influences:
Hair loss is very common after pregnancy. During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels cause many hairs to remain in the growth phase longer. After birth, hormone levels drop, and many hairs fall out simultaneously. During menopause, the decline in estrogen also leads to thinning hair. Furthermore, conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can contribute to hair loss.
Genetic predisposition:
Genetic hair loss manifests differently in women than in men. Instead of a bald patch, it usually presents as diffuse thinning—particularly at the crown, which gradually widens (the so-called "Christmas tree pattern").
Lifestyle factors:
Chronic stress, iron deficiency (e.g. due to heavy menstruation) or thyroid diseases are among the most common triggers for female hair loss
Androgenetic hair loss in women
Some women develop a pattern similar to male pattern baldness. This form is called androgenetic alopecia in women.
Causes :
Hair follicles are hypersensitive to male hormones (androgens). Even with normal androgen levels, this sensitivity can lead to hair loss. This pattern is particularly pronounced after menopause.
Symptoms :
Typical features include a widening parting, thinning hair, and a loss of fullness. A receding forehead line is less common, but thinning on top of the head is characteristic.
Solutions :
Treatment depends on the severity. Options include topical solutions, vitamin supplements, or hormonal regulation. Modern hair serums containing exosomes are also promising, as they can promote cell communication and revitalize weakened hair roots.
Hair loss in children
Hair loss in children is particularly worrying for parents and should always be medically investigated. The causes are significantly different from those in adults.
Fungal infections (Tinea Capitis) :
A fungal infection of the scalp that causes hair breakage, dandruff, redness, and round, bald patches. It is contagious and requires urgent medical treatment.
Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies :
A deficiency of iron, zinc, biotin or other important vitamins and minerals can lead to hair loss if the diet is inadequate.
Alopecia Areata :
An autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair roots. It typically results in smooth, coin-sized bald patches.
Trichotillomania :
An obsessive-compulsive disorder in which children pull out their own hair due to stress or anxiety. In this case, psychological support is necessary.
Symptoms of hair loss
Early detection of hair loss is the first step toward effective treatment. Look out for the following signs:
- Increasing hair loss : When washing, combing or on the pillow, you find significantly more hair than usual (normal is about 50-100 per day).
- Thinning hair : The ponytail appears less full, or the hair loses volume overall.
- Widening parting : Especially in women, hair loss is indicated by visible thinning on the top of the head.
- Receding hairline : Typical in men, especially at the temples, creating an “M”-shaped hairline.
- Circular bald spots : Sudden, round, or irregular bald areas on the scalp.
If these symptoms occur, an examination by a dermatologist is important to clarify the causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
How can hair loss be prevented?
Hair loss can't always be completely prevented. However, with the right measures, you can slow the process, protect existing hair, and promote new hair growth:
- Balanced diet : A diet rich in protein, iron, zinc and vitamins, including meat, fish, eggs, legumes, green leafy vegetables and nuts, strengthens the hair roots from within.
- Gentle hair care : Avoid chemical and mechanical stress. Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos, avoid tightly tied hairstyles, and reduce heat when styling. Soothing scalp massages also promote blood circulation.
- Stress management : Yoga, meditation, sports or creative hobbies help to reduce stress – and inner balance has a direct positive effect on hair health.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements : Have your blood levels checked by a doctor. If a deficiency is confirmed, supplementing with biotin, zinc, iron, or vitamin D may be beneficial.
- Professional treatments : Modern serums and therapies that specifically strengthen the hair roots are an important component of prevention.
Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Hair follicles are among the fastest-dividing cells in the body—and are therefore sensitive to nutrient deficiencies. The following vitamins and minerals play a particularly important role:
- Iron : An essential component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen. Iron deficiency (anemia) results in insufficient supply to the hair roots, resulting in hair loss.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) : Essential for keratin production, the basic building block of hair. A deficiency leads to brittle hair and increased hair loss.
- Zinc : Supports tissue growth and repair and regulates the sebaceous glands at the hair roots. Zinc deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss.
- Vitamin D : Promotes the regeneration of hair follicles. A deficiency is often associated with alopecia.
- Vitamins A, C and E : Powerful antioxidants that protect hair roots from free radicals and support healthy hair growth.
What helps with hair loss?
The answer to the question "What helps against hair loss?" always depends on the individual cause. However, there are proven natural approaches as well as modern scientific solutions:
- Natural oils and plant extracts : Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and pumpkin seed oil can promote blood circulation and inhibit the hormone DHT. Saw palmetto and stinging nettle are also considered effective herbal supplements.
- Medical therapies : Minoxidil (topical) and finasteride (oral, for men only) are FDA-approved agents for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
- New-generation care products : Exosome hair serums are particularly innovative. They not only address the symptoms but also work directly at the cellular level by promoting hair root regeneration.
What are the benefits of an exosome hair serum?
- Activates dormant hair roots : Exosomes send “growth signals” to weakened follicles – comparable to a skin-regenerating serum, only specifically for the scalp.
- Nourishes and strengthens hair roots : Provides essential growth factors that promote healthy and strong hair.
- Thickens hair : Increases the diameter of fine hair and visibly provides more body and density.
- Soothes and hydrates the scalp : Reduces inflammation, maintains moisture balance and creates the ideal basis for new hair growth.
These innovative serums combine exosomes with plant extracts, vitamins, and peptides and are considered one of the most modern approaches in hair research.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about hair loss
Can hair loss be stopped completely?
Genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) cannot be completely stopped. However, with the right treatments, high-quality products, and a healthy lifestyle, the process can be significantly slowed, existing hair protected, and new growth stimulated.
Do exosome hair serums work for everyone?
Exosome hair serums that target cellular regeneration can produce noticeable positive effects for many users. However, the effectiveness depends heavily on the type and stage of hair loss, genetic factors, and regularity of use. Particularly good results are usually achieved in early to moderate stages.
Which vitamins are important against hair loss?
The most important nutrients for healthy hair include biotin (vitamin B7), iron, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C. If there is a deficiency, these can be supplemented specifically in consultation with a doctor; they are a central component of any effective hair care regimen.
Are natural oils or medicinal products more effective?
Natural oils such as rosemary or peppermint oil can have a preventative and supportive effect. Scientifically proven active ingredients such as minoxidil or biotechnological products such as exosome serums, however, are often significantly more effective in advanced stages. A combination of both approaches usually works best.
Are there seasonal influences on hair loss?
Yes. Many people notice increased hair loss in the fall. This "seasonal shedding phase" is often related to the stress on the hair roots caused by the sun and heat in the summer. However, this effect is usually temporary.