There is a difference between hair shedding, hair thinning and hair breakage.

It’s normal to shed some hair every day. However, when significantly more hairs than usual move into the resting phase at the same time, you can experience a condition called telogen effluvium. The increased shedding often becomes noticeable several months after the triggering event rather than immediately. 

Possible triggers and causes of hair loss or thinning include:

• Genetics and female-pattern hair loss — often seen as a widening part or gradually decreasing density.
• Hormonal changes — including pregnancy, postpartum changes, perimenopause and menopause.
• Iron or other nutritional deficiencies — particularly where diet, illness or restricted eating is involved.
• Thyroid conditions — both underactive and overactive thyroid disorders can be associated with hair changes.
• Physical illness, fever or surgery — shedding can occur months after the body experiences significant physical stress.
• Psychological stress — substantial or prolonged stress can contribute to excessive shedding.
• Rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting — insufficient energy, protein or nutrients can affect the hair-growth cycle.
• Medications and medical treatments — some medications can contribute to hair loss or shedding.
• Autoimmune conditions — alopecia areata, for example, occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and commonly causes patches of hair loss.
• Scalp inflammation and disease — some conditions affecting the follicle require medical treatment.
• Traction — repeatedly wearing very tight hairstyles can damage follicles and eventually cause permanent hair loss.
• Ageing — hair growth naturally slows and density can decrease as we age. 

“I’m shedding hair everywhere.”

If you’re suddenly finding considerably more hair in your brush, shower or around the house, this can be excessive shedding rather than progressive pattern hair loss.

Telogen effluvium is a common cause. Importantly, the trigger can occur two to four months before you notice the increased shedding, which is why people often struggle to connect the two events. 

“My part is getting wider.”

A gradually widening part, thinner ponytail or decreasing density over the top of the scalp can be characteristic of female-pattern hair loss. It is the most common form of hair loss in women and often becomes apparent during the 40s, 50s or 60s, although it can begin earlier. 

“I’ve developed a bald patch.”

Distinct patches of hair loss should be medically assessed. One possible cause is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that can cause round or patchy areas of hair loss. 

“My hair isn’t falling from the root — it’s snapping.”

That’s different again.

Fine, chemically treated, heat-damaged or mechanically stressed hair can break through the lengths. In this situation, improving the condition of the fibre and reducing damaging practices becomes particularly important.

“My scalp is sore, itchy, red or looks different.”

Don’t ignore the scalp.

Hair loss accompanied by significant redness, scaling, pain, burning, inflammation or changes to the skin should be assessed. Some inflammatory conditions can damage follicles, and certain forms of scarring alopecia can cause permanent hair loss, making early diagnosis particularly important. 

The first step isn’t buying a miracle shampoo.

It’s trying to understand why the hair is thinning.

If you’re experiencing unexplained or significant hair loss, speak with your GP or dermatologist. Depending on your history and symptoms, they may investigate possible contributing factors such as iron status, thyroid function or nutritional deficiencies.

Medical treatment is available for certain forms of hair loss. For example, minoxidil is one of the established treatments for female-pattern hair loss, while other treatments may be considered by a doctor or dermatologist depending on the diagnosis. 

What can we do in the salon?

This is where professional salon care can make a genuine difference. While we cannot diagnose or medically treat hair loss, we can help protect the hair you have, recognise visible changes and adapt your colour, cutting, styling and home-care routine accordingly

We can help assess the visible condition of your hair and scalp, monitor changes in density over time, identify breakage, adjust colouring and lightening techniques for increasingly fragile hair, recommend gentler styling practices and appropriate professional haircare, and create cuts, colour and styling strategies that make finer hair appear fuller.

Hair loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

There are dozens of reasons someone’s hair can become thinner. Rather than hiding the problem or assuming it’s simply ageing, the most useful thing you can do is understand what has changed, when it started and what might have happened in the months leading up to it.

When should I see my doctor?

If your hair loss is sudden, substantial, patchy, persistent or unexplained, if you’re losing eyebrows or eyelashes as well, or if your scalp is painful, inflamed or noticeably changing, it’s sensible to seek medical advice.

And if you’re simply worried about the amount of hair you’re losing, that’s also a perfectly reasonable reason to speak with your GP.