
11 Surprising (and some obvious) Reasons Your Hair is Falling Out
February 1, 2025
In this Healthy Insight:
- Reasons for Hair Fall Out
- Benefits of Biotin
- Potential Ways to Prevent Hair Loss
If you’re noticing more hair in your brush lately, it could be due to several reasons that may surprise you.
- Medications. Certain medications for mood, joints, heart, skin and blood pressure can all cause your hair to thin and fall out.
- Childbirth. During pregnancy, your hormones are in full swing making your hair thicker and more luxurious. After childbirth, your hormones get back to normal and the extra hair falls out.
- Iron deficiency. If you don’t consume enough iron from your diet, you may have low levels leading to hair loss, brittle nails and dull skin.
- Stress. Anxiety can cause your body to attack your hair follicles, making your hair more likely to fall out when brushed.
- Insufficient protein. When your body is low on protein, it conserves where it can, and that includes stopping hair growth. Adding more protein-rich meat, eggs, and beans to your diet can help kick-start growth again.
- On (or off) birth control. Hormone-based contraceptives can trigger hair loss.

- Styling tools and treatments. Brushing too vigorously when your hair is wet, regularly using blow dryers, bleach, dye, curling irons, and hair spray can dry out your tresses. And wearing braids or weaves can weigh your hair down and cause it to break or thin.
- Smoking. Toxins in cigarette smoke can affect your hair follicles and keep it from growing.
- Menopause. Once again, shifting hormones are to blame, and this time it often affects the top and crown of your head.
- Genetics. Thinning hair can run in families, making it important to keep your hair nourished with a healthy diet.
- Vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies of vitamin B-12, folate and biotin have all been linked to hair loss. Biotin specifically is a common ingredient in hair strengthening shampoos.
How biotin benefits hair
Also known at Vitamin B-7, biotin is found in nuts, eggs, meat and dairy and is the go-to for healthy hair. Biotin can help boost the speed at which new cells, including scalp cells, are produced and strengthens existing strands. Many biotin fans claim it stimulates stronger, fuller-looking hair faster than other ingredients and restores moisture due to styling and treatments.
Potential ways to prevent hair loss
- Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair
- Use high-heat hair styling tools sparingly or not at all
- Go natural without dyes and treatments
- Don’t chemically treat or bleach your hair
- Use a shampoo that’s mild and suited for your hair