Hair loss can come down to a lot of different factors, even though it’s often assumed to be purely genetic. That’s why the best place to start is understanding the full picture. When you know what might be causing it, the worry usually eases a bit too. You get a clearer sense of what you can actually influence yourself.
1) Hormonal factors (DHT)
DHT is a compound derived from testosterone, and it plays a key role in androgenetic hair loss.
Over time, it can shrink the hair follicle, causing hair to grow thinner and for a shorter period. This process is largely genetic and especially common in men.
The follicle doesn’t disappear right away, it gradually weakens. The process is slow and usually happens in stages.
2) Collagen hardening around the follicle
The connective tissue around the hair follicle is normally flexible. In some types of hair loss, it starts to stiffen and tighten. This is known as perifollicular fibrosis.
When this tissue hardens, the follicle has less space and blood flow is reduced. That means less oxygen and fewer nutrients, and hair becomes thinner over time.
This factor often goes unnoticed, even though it plays a significant role in how hair loss progresses.
Collagen hardening can also be supported preventively with haircare. Four Reasons BASE THE Serum and Four Reasons BASE Anti-Hairloss Shampoo help limit excessive hardening around the follicle, which may support hair anchoring and reduce shedding.
3) Scalp inflammation and irritation
Scalp imbalance often shows up before hair loss. Dryness, oiliness, flaking or ongoing sensitivity can weaken follicle function. When the scalp is irritated, it’s not exactly an ideal place for hair to grow.
This doesn’t always mean visible inflammation. Sometimes it’s more subtle, low-level stress that builds up over time.
4) Reduced microcirculation and lack of nutrients
Hair follicles constantly need oxygen and nutrients. If microcirculation slows down, growth can weaken. This may show up as thinning, slower growth or hair that just feels a bit lifeless.
Microcirculation is one of the key building blocks of hair growth, even though it doesn’t get talked about that much.
5) Stress and hormonal shifts (telogen effluvium)
Acute stress, illness, childbirth or hormonal changes can push a large number of hairs into the resting phase at the same time. This leads to increased shedding, often with a delay of a few months. In most cases, this type of hair loss is temporary. As the body recovers, hair growth usually returns to normal over time.
6) Traction alopecia
Long-term mechanical stress like tight hairstyles, braids or extensions can put strain on the follicles. Constant pulling can cause inflammation and eventually damage the follicle. In this case, the key is to remove the stress early. The sooner the situation is addressed, the better the chances for recovery.
7) Autoimmune hair loss
In autoimmune conditions, the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles. This can lead to patchy or more widespread hair loss. This type of hair loss requires medical evaluation and treatment. Cosmetics can support scalp health, but they won’t affect the immune response itself.
8) Other medical or systemic causes
Hair loss can also be linked to medications, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid function, pregnancy or aging. In these cases, hair loss is usually connected to internal processes in the body. Scalp care can support overall conditions, but the root cause lies elsewhere.
Temporary or long-term?
Some types of hair loss are clearly temporary, others develop gradually over the years. Stress-related shedding often improves as the body recovers. Genetic hair loss, on the other hand, tends to progress step by step.
One thing stays consistent in almost every situation: taking care of your scalp is always worth it. When the environment around the follicle is as healthy as possible, hair has better chances of staying stronger for longer.
