Hair loss from the roots has many causes — some completely normal, others worth investigating when shedding is heavy and density visibly drops. Here are the seven factors to know, and how each is treated.
7 causes of hair loss from the roots
1. The natural hair-growth cycle
Every hair passes through a growth phase (up to ~8 years, ~90% of hairs), a short transition phase (about a month), then a resting/shedding phase. Losing 50–150 hairs a day — more when washing — is normal. Only sudden heavy loss, thick clumps or bare patches are cause for concern.
2. Genetic (hormonal) loss
Genetic baldness, hormonal loss — different names for the same condition, in which DHT weakens the follicles until the hair sheds. One of the most common causes.
3. Underlying health conditions
Anaemia, thyroid problems, and — in women — PCOS or menopause can cause sudden, heavy shedding.
4. Certain medications
Some blood-pressure, antidepressant, heart, gout and blood-thinning drugs, arthritis medication, and chemo/radiotherapy can trigger loss.
5. Nutritional deficiencies
Low vitamin D, protein, zinc, iron or biotin — and, conversely, excess vitamin A — can all cause shedding from the roots.
6. Skin conditions
Alopecia areata (an autoimmune attack on the follicles) causes bare patches, while fungal infections and seborrhoeic dermatitis also affect the scalp.
7. Telogen effluvium
A very common cause: follicles enter the shedding phase early after surgery, childbirth, psychological stress or depression.
Hair loss causes and when to see a doctor — with Dr. Sherif Hegazy
How hair loss from the roots is treated
Treatment starts with diagnosis: the doctor examines the scalp and orders vitamin, thyroid, vitamin D and iron-store tests. Options then include:
- Key hair vitamins to support regrowth.
- Minoxidil or finasteride for genetic loss.
- A hair transplant for permanent loss.
- Hair stem cells or nano-fat injections for genetic or severe loss.
- PRP or mesotherapy sessions, alone or combined.
The most important advice: diagnose first and run the tests before trying any unproven remedy. Book an assessment to start the right plan.
