why does hair fall occurs - #24241
I am really worried about my hair fall and just can't figure out why does hair fall occurs. It started a couple of months ago after I had a bad flu, and I thought maybe it was just stress or something temporary. But now, it’s like every time I brush my hair, there’s a ton of strands on the floor and in the brush. I tried changing my shampoo, started taking some vitamins, like biotin, and even tried eating more healthy, but nothing seems to really help! My friends say, “oh it could be hormonal,” but that sounds so vague. Like why does hair fall occurs, for real? Sometimes I think maybe I’m washing too often or maybe even too less... like I can’t keep track! Also, my scalp feels kinda itchy at times, which makes me wonder if there’s more going on. I went to a doctor, who said it’s probably not a major issue, but I still can’t shake this feeling that something’s off. Does anyone know why does hair fall occurs and if I should be doing more? Just feeling kinda lost on this whole hair fall thing, and any advice would be super helpful.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
The reason hair fall occurs can be multifaceted, and it can be due to a combination of factors. Illness or stress, like a bad flu you mentioned, can indeed trigger hair fall, possibly due to a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a temporary state where more hair follicles than usual enter the shedding phase, often seen a couple of months after a stressful event or illness. Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to hair loss, especially in women, where changes in thyroid levels, pregnancy, or menopause can be influential. While it’s true shampoos don’t typically stop hair from falling out, what you use on your hair should mainly focus on gentle care to prevent further irritation or damage. Tight hairstyles or excessive styling can lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Given that you mentioned an itchy scalp, it could be worth investigating underlying scalp conditions, such as dandruff or fungal infections, which might need specific treatment. Nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of iron, vitamin D, or other essential nutrients, can also contribute to hair fall, so a balanced diet is key. Biotin is popular, but unless there’s a deficiency, it might not be very impactful. It’s often advisable to have a chat with your healthcare provider about running tests to check for those deficiencies or any hormonal imbalances. If the hair loss persists or worsens, seeing a dermatologist could help uncover specific issues so they can offer treatments like topical minoxidil or other interventions. You shouldn’t worry too much about how often you’re washing your hair unless you’re noticing significant changes from this; moderate washing depending on your hair type is generally sufficient. If there’s a rapid or noticeable thinning, or if you see bald patches, seek immediate attention, as there could be other underlying issues that need quick assessment.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.