Losing hair is normal - up to a point. The average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs a day as part of the natural growth cycle. But when you start noticing more hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or in your brush than usual, and it continues for weeks - something has shifted.
For women in particular, hair loss is often dismissed or misunderstood. It is rarely talked about openly, yet it affects a significant portion of women at some point in their lives. Understanding why it happens is the first step to doing something about it.
Why hair falls out - the most common causes
Hair loss in women is rarely caused by one thing. In most cases, it is the result of several overlapping factors.
Hormonal changes. Oestrogen plays a significant role in keeping hair in its growth phase. During pregnancy, after giving birth, during perimenopause, or as a result of thyroid imbalances, hormonal shifts can push large numbers of follicles into the shedding phase simultaneously. This is why postpartum hair loss, which typically begins three to four months after delivery, can feel sudden and alarming, even though it is a normal physiological response.
Nutritional deficiencies. Iron deficiency is one of the most common and most overlooked causes of hair loss in women. Ferritin, the protein that stores iron, is essential for hair follicle function. Low levels, even within the "normal" range, can significantly reduce hair density over time. Deficiencies in zinc, vitamin D, and biotin can also contribute, though their role is secondary to iron in most cases.
Chronic stress. Prolonged physical or emotional stress triggers a condition called telogen effluvium - a temporary but significant increase in shedding. The hair does not fall out immediately; instead, the stress pushes follicles into a resting phase, and the shedding begins two to three months later. This delay often makes it difficult to connect the loss to its cause.
Scalp health. A congested, inflamed, or imbalanced scalp creates conditions that are hostile to healthy hair growth. Excess sebum, product buildup, and microbial imbalance can restrict follicle function over time, without causing any obvious symptoms on the surface.
Aggressive haircare habits. Tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, harsh shampoos, and chemical treatments all place mechanical and chemical stress on the hair and follicle. Over time, this weakens the shaft and can cause traction alopecia - hair loss concentrated at the hairline and temples.
When is it time to act?
There is no precise threshold, but there are clear warning signs that hair loss has moved beyond normal shedding:
You are finding significantly more hair than usual in the shower, on your pillow, or in your brush - consistently, over several weeks. Your parting appears wider than it used to. You can see your scalp more easily in areas where you previously could not. Your ponytail feels noticeably thinner.
If any of these apply, the time to act is now, not in six months. Hair follicles that have been dormant for too long become progressively harder to reactivate. Early intervention produces significantly better results than late intervention.
If you suspect a hormonal or nutritional cause, a blood panel - checking ferritin, thyroid function, and vitamin D at minimum - is a worthwhile starting point before committing to a topical treatment routine.
No topical product can override a hormonal imbalance or a severe nutritional deficiency. But for the majority of women experiencing hair loss related to scalp health, stress, or mild follicle weakening, a consistent professional-grade home routine can make a measurable difference.
The key word is consistent. Hair grows slowly, roughly one centimetre per month. Results from any treatment protocol take a minimum of eight to twelve weeks to become visible. Most people give up before they reach that point.
What to look for in a shampoo: a formula specifically designed to stimulate the scalp, not just cleanse it. Ingredients that support circulation, reduce inflammation, and create a healthier follicular environment. Free from SLES, silicones, and parabens - which can contribute to buildup and scalp irritation over time.
What a lotion adds: a leave-in scalp treatment applied after washing delivers active ingredients directly to the follicle without being rinsed away. Used consistently after shampooing, it extends the benefit of the shampoo and addresses the scalp environment between washes.
The Prolas Hair Loss Routine combines the Vital Ker Hair Loss Shampoo and Lotion - a professional protocol used in salons for over a decade, now available for home use. Available as a complete routine at a 15% discount.