Why is my hair falling out? Understanding the causes and what you can do about it

Most people lose around 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the natural growth cycle. ¹ You’ll often notice a few strands on your pillow or in your shower, and that’s completely normal.

Hair sheds to make way for new growth, but if you’re seeing more than usual, or your hair feels thinner and lacks volume, it might be a sign that something is off inside your body.

Common reasons hair starts falling out

Hair loss rarely has just one cause. It’s usually the result of several overlapping factors that affect how your hair grows, nourishes itself and repairs damage.

1. Stress and hormones

Emotional stress can have a huge impact on your body’s natural rhythm. During stressful periods, your hair growth cycle can shift, pushing more strands into the shedding phase. ² This condition, called telogen effluvium, can make your hair fall out for several months after a stressful event.

Hormonal changes also play a big role. After pregnancy, during perimenopause or menopause, and sometimes with thyroid imbalances, hormone fluctuations can affect the strength of the follicles and the thickness of each strand. ³

2. Nutrient deficiency

Your hair is made mostly of keratin, a protein that depends on vitamins, minerals and amino acids to form properly. If your diet is lacking in these nutrients, it’s like trying to build a house without bricks.

Low levels of biotin, zinc, iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12 are all linked to thinning hair. ⁴ Without enough of these, new hair struggles to grow in strong, leaving it brittle and more prone to breakage.

This is where supplements can help fill in the gaps. Zipvit’s Complete Hair, Skin and Nails is designed with 20 carefully selected nutrients that target hair strength and shine. It supports normal skin, hair and nails, promotes collagen formation, and provides antioxidant protection against oxidative stress, which can weaken follicles over time.

By giving your body the raw materials it needs, you support healthier hair growth from within.

3. Poor scalp health

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If the scalp is inflamed, overly oily or dry, hair follicles can become blocked or weakened.

Cleansing the scalp regularly, avoiding harsh styling products and gently massaging it can improve circulation and support growth. Some people find that probiotics and omega 3 supplements help reduce scalp inflammation, since both support a healthy balance in the skin microbiome. ⁵

4. Rapid weight changes or crash diets

When you lose weight quickly, your body can interpret it as a form of stress and shift resources toward essential functions rather than hair growth. That’s why crash diets, fasting or restrictive eating can sometimes trigger temporary hair shedding. ⁶

Hair thrives on consistent nutrition, especially protein, iron and vitamins A, C and E. If you’re adjusting your diet, make sure to include plenty of nutrient-dense foods or support your intake with a good supplement.

What nutrients support healthy hair?

There isn’t one miracle vitamin for hair growth, but a combination of nutrients work together to protect, strengthen and nourish the follicles.

Biotin helps your body convert nutrients into keratin, the main building block of hair. ⁴
Zinc supports repair and renewal of hair tissue.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and protecting against oxidative damage.
Vitamin D influences the hair growth cycle, and deficiency has been linked to hair thinning.
B vitamins (especially B6 and B12) play a role in energy metabolism and red blood cell formation, ensuring follicles get enough oxygen and nutrients.

All of these are included in Zipvit’s Complete Hair, Skin and Nails, making it an easy way to support multiple aspects of hair health in one go.

Lifestyle factors that make a difference

You can take all the right supplements, but lifestyle still matters. Regular exercise helps improve circulation to the scalp, while sleep and hydration keep cells functioning properly.

Try to reduce excessive heat styling, chemical treatments and tight hairstyles that put tension on the roots. If stress is a major factor, even 10 minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness practice each day can help rebalance your system.

And remember, hair responds slowly. It can take several months to see a noticeable improvement, so consistency is key.

When to see your GP

If your hair is falling out in patches, or you notice sudden or severe shedding, it’s worth speaking to your GP or a dermatologist. They can run simple blood tests to check for thyroid issues, iron deficiency or hormonal imbalances.

In some cases, hair loss can be linked to autoimmune conditions or medication side effects. Getting a professional opinion can help rule out anything serious and guide you to the right treatment plan.

Hair loss can feel frustrating, but in most cases it’s reversible once you identify what’s causing it. Focus on nourishing your body from within, managing stress, and giving your scalp a bit of extra care.

Zipvit’s Complete Hair, Skin and Nails supplement provides 20 essential nutrients designed to help you do exactly that. With consistent use, you’ll be supporting not just your hair, but your overall vitality and skin health too.

Because when your body has what it needs, your hair reflects that from root to tip.