What is hair loss (alopecia): causes, types, solutions
Posted by Ivatherm
Hair loss (alopecia) is a complex condition with multiple causes and manifestations, affecting both men and women, with not only physical but also emotional impact. From genetic and hormonal factors to nutritional imbalances, stress, or inadequate care, all can contribute to hair thinning or loss.
Understanding the type of alopecia and its underlying causes is essential for choosing the most suitable solutions, whether they are medicinal treatments, supplements, non-invasive therapies, or lifestyle changes.
With a proper and personalized routine, hair loss can be managed effectively, or even stopped, and scalp health and hair appearance can be considerably improved.
Table of Contents
What is hair loss (alopecia)?
Hair loss, medically termed alopecia or baldness, is a dermatological condition of the hair follicles where a person loses hair from the scalp. Hair shedding is a normal physiological process, as we lose up to 100 hairs a day on average, which should not be a cause for concern.
However, when hair begins to fall out excessively, exceeding the normal count of 100 hairs per day, the medical condition of alopecia occurs.
This medical condition is not considered just a health issue, but also an aesthetic problem, as the hair is no longer as thick and has a negative psychological impact.
Why does hair fall out? Causes of hair loss
Excessive hair loss can have multiple causes and can appear gradually over time or suddenly. Depending on this, alopecia can be temporary or permanent.
Possible causes leading to hair loss can be medical or related to other factors.
Main medical causes of hair loss:
Hormonal imbalances
Autoimmune diseases
Side effects of certain medications
Nutritional deficiencies
Stress (physical or emotional)
Infections
Other factors that can lead to hair loss:
Age
Genetic factors
Environmental factors
Poor nutrition
Improper hair care
Medical conditions that can cause hair loss
Hormonal imbalances: hormones play a very important role in regulating hair growth, and when the hormonal balance is disrupted, hair growth can be affected.
Androgenetic alopecia – this is the most common form of hair loss, caused by the sensitivity of follicles to androgen hormones (testosterone and its derivatives). It mainly affects men (baldness), but also women (thinning hair at the crown).
Thyroid disorders – both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause thinning or diffuse hair loss, as thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of hair follicles.
Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause – sudden hormonal changes during these periods can cause telogen effluvium (temporary diffuse hair loss).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – causes an imbalance between estrogens and androgens, favoring male-pattern hair loss in women (frontal alopecia or vertex).
Autoimmune conditions: in some autoimmune diseases, the immune system tends to mistakenly attack its own cells; even hair follicles on the scalp can be affected.
Alopecia areata – manifests as sudden hair loss in round, well-defined areas; in some cases, hair can fall out completely (alopecia totalis or universalis).
Systemic lupus erythematosus – can lead to hair loss through chronic inflammation of the scalp. Hair becomes brittle, breaks easily, and there is a possibility that it may not regenerate.
Medications and treatments: certain medications can have hair loss as a side effect, either due to their impact on the hair growth cycle or by affecting the general health of the follicles.
Chemotherapy – destroys rapidly dividing cells, including those of hair follicles. Typically, hair grows back after the treatment ends.
Medications for hypertension (beta-blockers), antidepressants, anticonvulsants, retinoids (isotretinoin) – can trigger alopecia as a form of temporary hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies: hair needs nutrients to grow healthy. Dietary deficiencies can lead to weakening of hair strands and even their loss.
Iron deficiency (iron-deficiency anemia) – iron is essential for the oxygenation of follicles, and its lack leads to hair loss.
Vitamin D and zinc deficiency – both are important for cell proliferation and the immune function of the skin.
Lack of protein and biotin – hair is made of keratin, a protein; without adequate protein intake, growth is impaired.
Physical and emotional stress: can force a certain proportion of hair strands to enter the resting phase (telogen), which can lead to sudden hair loss.
Telogen effluvium – can be triggered by severe infections, surgeries, childbirth, diets or rapid weight loss, and various emotional traumas.
Scalp infections: some can directly affect the scalp and hair follicles.
Dermatophytosis (ringworm) – fungal infection that causes hair loss in circular areas, sometimes with scaling and itching, as in the case of seborrheic dermatitis.
Chronic bacterial or viral infections – can indirectly contribute to weakening the follicles, especially if the immune system is compromised.
Other factors that can cause hair loss
Age: represents a very important factor that can lead to hair loss, as hormonal imbalances occur with aging, and the immune system becomes weaker. According to statistics, 4 out of 10 men face significant hair loss or the onset of baldness before the age of 40.
Genetic factors: the onset of baldness can have a hereditary cause, being genetically transmitted from one of the parents. In such cases, it is androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss influenced by genetics and hormonal factors. This form of alopecia evolves progressively and, in most cases, is irreversible, as it permanently affects hair follicles, reducing their capacity to produce new hair strands.
Environmental factors: alopecia can be significantly influenced by environmental factors as well.
Pollution – harmful particles in the air (e.g., fine dust or heavy metals) can affect scalp health and weaken the hair root.
Prolonged sun exposure – without proper protection, it can damage the structure of the hair strand, drying it out and making it more brittle.
Oxidative stress caused by free radicals from the environment can affect cell regeneration and lead to hair thinning, and subsequently to hair loss.
Hard water – treated with chlorine or rich in mineral salts, can contribute negatively to hair degradation.
Sudden climate changes or extreme temperatures can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
Urban lifestyle – characterized by a fast pace, unbalanced diet, lack of sleep, and constant exposure to psychological stress, has a direct impact on general health and implicitly on hair health.
Poor nutrition: an adequate intake of essential vitamins and nutrients, especially proteins obtained through a balanced and healthy diet, contributes to maintaining general health. Conversely, a nutrient-poor diet or restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies that visibly affect hair health, favoring thinning and hair loss. Also, eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia have similar effects, as the body no longer receives the resources needed for cell regeneration, including that of hair follicles.
Improper hair care: frequent use of harsh products, shampoos with sulfates, dyes with ammonia, or styling tools at high temperatures dries out and weakens the hair strand. Also, tight hairstyles (tight buns or ponytails) or extensions can stress the follicles, causing hair loss. A gentle hair care routine is important, with products suitable for the scalp type and avoiding harsh treatments.
Types of alopecia and hair loss
Alopecia, meaning partial or total hair loss, can have several forms, depending on its causes and manifestations. The main types are:
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) – represents the most frequent form, of genetic and hormonal origin; it appears in both men (male-pattern baldness) and women, but with different manifestations.
Alopecia areata (AA) – is autoimmune in nature and manifests as sudden hair loss in round, well-defined areas.
Telogen effluvium (TE) – occurs when a large number of hair strands enter the resting phase (telogen) prematurely, caused by stress, surgeries, childbirth, drastic diets, etc.
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) – fungal infection of the scalp, more common in children, leading to hairless areas and sometimes inflammation.
Traction alopecia – caused by hairstyles that excessively tension the hair strands (tight pigtails, braids, buns, extensions), affecting the follicles.
Scarring alopecia – results from the irreversible destruction of hair follicles through inflammation or dermatological diseases; it is permanent in most cases and very difficult to treat.
Hair loss in women and men
In men, androgenetic baldness is the most common, which usually begins with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning hair at the crown. It can progress to total baldness, being quite aggressive and appearing before the age of 40.
In women, alopecia is characterized by diffuse thinning of the hair, especially in the central area of the scalp (the parting becomes more visible). It does not usually lead to complete baldness. It can occur after menopause or following hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, or other medical conditions.
Solutions for hair loss: how to stop it
There is a variety of solutions against alopecia that help stop hair loss and regenerate it by stimulating the growth of new hair (baby-hair). The main solutions for alopecia are:
Medications and dietary supplements
Laser treatments
Hair transplant
Proper and balanced nutrition
Dermocosmetics
Medications and supplements for hair loss
For treating hair loss, medications, dietary supplements, or topical treatments can be recommended, depending on the cause (genetic, nutritional deficiencies, stress, autoimmune diseases, etc.). For example:
Oral medication:
Finasteride (Propecia) – acts as an inhibitor of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles and, implicitly, for hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (hormonal hair loss) in men. It is effective because it can slow down or stop hair loss in over 80% of cases, and regrowth is possible in recently affected areas.
Dutasteride (Avodart) – is similar to finasteride, but inhibits both isoforms of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme (type 1 and type 2), which makes it more potent. It can offer superior results to finasteride in some cases, but with a slightly increased risk of side effects.
Dietary supplements – these cannot always replace medicinal treatment, but they can support the health of the scalp and hair in general, especially in cases where there are nutritional deficiencies.
Biotin (Vitamin B7 / H) – plays a role in supporting the production of keratin – the main structural protein of the hair strand. It is especially useful if there is a deficiency.
Zinc – helps with protein synthesis, cell division, and protects the scalp from inflammation and oxidative stress. It is found in natural sources such as red meat, nuts, seeds.
Vitamin D – influences the hair follicle growth cycle and is involved in immunity and inflammation.
Keratin (hydrolyzed) – represents the main protein in the hair strand's structure. It improves the strength, shine, and texture of the hair strand. Available forms: oral supplements or topical treatments (masks, shampoos).
Essential amino acids (L-cysteine, L-methionine, etc.) – precursors of keratin, essential for hair formation and regeneration. They help strengthen and grow hair, especially in combination with zinc and B-complex vitamins. They are present in dedicated hair supplements (e.g., Priorin, Nutricap, Viviscal).
Among the supplements available in Romania, Keratine 1000 Biotine from Ivatherm combines the highest concentration of hydrolyzed keratin per serving with biotin, zinc, copper, and the amino acids that build the hair strand.
Natural/topical treatments:
Rosemary oil – stimulates circulation to the scalp, being similar to minoxidil
Saw Palmetto extract – naturally blocks DHT
Green tea/caffeine – used in the composition of certain shampoos or serums specially designed to stimulate hair growth
Ketoconazole-based shampoos – are useful if there is a fungal or inflammatory component on the scalp.
Laser treatments against hair loss
Also known as low-level laser therapy, these are a non-invasive method used to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss, for both men and women.
It works through red laser light, which penetrates the scalp and stimulates blood circulation. The laser activates cells in the hair follicles and moves them into the growth phase (anagen), and it can reduce local inflammation, oxygenating tissues better.
Hair transplant
Another classic surgical treatment is hair transplant, which helps reimplant healthy follicles. This procedure consists of extracting hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back of the head) and implanting them into areas affected by hair loss (the front of the head).
Benefits:
Has permanent and natural results
Does not require special care after healing
Significantly improves the aesthetic appearance of the hair
Nutrition
A balanced, healthy diet rich in nutrients is a key aspect of hair health, as well as the health of the entire body. Nutritional deficiencies or chaotic eating habits can cause or even aggravate hair loss, especially in cases of diffuse alopecia.
Key nutrients you need for healthy hair:
Proteins – essential for keratin production (meat, eggs, legumes)
Iron – prevents diffuse hair loss (red meat, spinach, seeds)
Vitamin C – helps with iron absorption (citrus fruits, peppers, kiwi)
Dermocosmetics for hair loss
Anti-hair loss dermocosmetics are specially formulated products to slow down hair loss, stimulate growth, and strengthen the hair shaft. These can complement medical treatments or be used alone in mild cases of hair loss.
There are several forms of dermocosmetics:
Shampoos
Leave-in lotions or vials
Concentrated serums and treatments
One example is the ivaHAIR Strong Hair Serum, a leave-in serum with seven active ingredients that acts at the root for diffuse and transient hair loss, applied daily directly to the scalp without rinsing.
Which Ivatherm products help against hair loss?
Ivatherm products intended for scalp care focus on fortifying the hair root and maintaining scalp health.
Based on Herculane Thermal Water, these formulas combine high-performance active ingredients with soothing and stimulating agents, offering a balanced treatment to combat hair loss.
ivaHAIR Strong Hair Serum – features 7 active ingredients with 7 mechanisms of action against hair loss and for stimulating follicle regeneration. It promotes natural hair growth and prolongs the growth phase through targeted action on hair follicle stem cells (HFSC). Additionally, this serum nourishes and strengthens the hair structure, hydrates it, and provides elasticity, resistance, and shine to the hair shaft.
Keratin 1000 Biotine – an advanced formula with high keratin and biotin content, created to stimulate hair regeneration from root to tip. Through the combination of active ingredients, the product supports the natural hair growth process and contributes to redensifying the hair. It is effective in revitalizing and strengthening fragile or damaged hair, improving its elasticity and resistance. Furthermore, the formula also has beneficial effects on nails, which it nourishes, protects, and strengthens.
Excessive hair loss, or alopecia, is a common issue with a major impact on aesthetic appearance and psychological state. While it is normal to lose a certain number of hairs daily, when the loss becomes excessive, it may signal a deficiency, a medical condition, or a significant external cause.
The causes of alopecia are multiple, ranging from hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and medication, to genetic factors, age, pollution, or improper hair care. However, preventing and managing hair loss through the right products correctly integrated into your hair care routine can rid you of this problem.
Ivatherm anti-hair loss products are developed with high-performance active ingredients from natural sources, carefully selected to support scalp health and reduce excessive hair loss. The main goal of these products is to fortify the hair root, stimulate hair growth, and restore natural hair density. They can be used safely long-term.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
What is hair loss (alopecia): causes, types, solutions
Hair loss (alopecia) is a complex condition with multiple causes and manifestations, affecting both men and women, with not only physical but also emotional impact. From genetic and hormonal factors to nutritional imbalances, stress, or inadequate care, all can contribute to hair thinning or loss.
Understanding the type of alopecia and its underlying causes is essential for choosing the most suitable solutions, whether they are medicinal treatments, supplements, non-invasive therapies, or lifestyle changes.
With a proper and personalized routine, hair loss can be managed effectively, or even stopped, and scalp health and hair appearance can be considerably improved.
Table of Contents
What is hair loss (alopecia)?
Hair loss, medically termed alopecia or baldness, is a dermatological condition of the hair follicles where a person loses hair from the scalp. Hair shedding is a normal physiological process, as we lose up to 100 hairs a day on average, which should not be a cause for concern.
However, when hair begins to fall out excessively, exceeding the normal count of 100 hairs per day, the medical condition of alopecia occurs.
This medical condition is not considered just a health issue, but also an aesthetic problem, as the hair is no longer as thick and has a negative psychological impact.
Why does hair fall out? Causes of hair loss
Excessive hair loss can have multiple causes and can appear gradually over time or suddenly. Depending on this, alopecia can be temporary or permanent.
Possible causes leading to hair loss can be medical or related to other factors.
Main medical causes of hair loss:
Other factors that can lead to hair loss:
Medical conditions that can cause hair loss
Hormonal imbalances: hormones play a very important role in regulating hair growth, and when the hormonal balance is disrupted, hair growth can be affected.
Autoimmune conditions: in some autoimmune diseases, the immune system tends to mistakenly attack its own cells; even hair follicles on the scalp can be affected.
Medications and treatments: certain medications can have hair loss as a side effect, either due to their impact on the hair growth cycle or by affecting the general health of the follicles.
Nutritional deficiencies: hair needs nutrients to grow healthy. Dietary deficiencies can lead to weakening of hair strands and even their loss.
Physical and emotional stress: can force a certain proportion of hair strands to enter the resting phase (telogen), which can lead to sudden hair loss.
Scalp infections: some can directly affect the scalp and hair follicles.
Other factors that can cause hair loss
Age: represents a very important factor that can lead to hair loss, as hormonal imbalances occur with aging, and the immune system becomes weaker. According to statistics, 4 out of 10 men face significant hair loss or the onset of baldness before the age of 40.
Genetic factors: the onset of baldness can have a hereditary cause, being genetically transmitted from one of the parents. In such cases, it is androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss influenced by genetics and hormonal factors. This form of alopecia evolves progressively and, in most cases, is irreversible, as it permanently affects hair follicles, reducing their capacity to produce new hair strands.
Environmental factors: alopecia can be significantly influenced by environmental factors as well.
Poor nutrition: an adequate intake of essential vitamins and nutrients, especially proteins obtained through a balanced and healthy diet, contributes to maintaining general health. Conversely, a nutrient-poor diet or restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies that visibly affect hair health, favoring thinning and hair loss. Also, eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia have similar effects, as the body no longer receives the resources needed for cell regeneration, including that of hair follicles.
Improper hair care: frequent use of harsh products, shampoos with sulfates, dyes with ammonia, or styling tools at high temperatures dries out and weakens the hair strand. Also, tight hairstyles (tight buns or ponytails) or extensions can stress the follicles, causing hair loss. A gentle hair care routine is important, with products suitable for the scalp type and avoiding harsh treatments.
Types of alopecia and hair loss
Alopecia, meaning partial or total hair loss, can have several forms, depending on its causes and manifestations. The main types are:
Hair loss in women and men
Solutions for hair loss: how to stop it
There is a variety of solutions against alopecia that help stop hair loss and regenerate it by stimulating the growth of new hair (baby-hair). The main solutions for alopecia are:
Medications and supplements for hair loss
For treating hair loss, medications, dietary supplements, or topical treatments can be recommended, depending on the cause (genetic, nutritional deficiencies, stress, autoimmune diseases, etc.). For example:
Oral medication:
Dietary supplements – these cannot always replace medicinal treatment, but they can support the health of the scalp and hair in general, especially in cases where there are nutritional deficiencies.
Among the supplements available in Romania, Keratine 1000 Biotine from Ivatherm combines the highest concentration of hydrolyzed keratin per serving with biotin, zinc, copper, and the amino acids that build the hair strand.
Natural/topical treatments:
Laser treatments against hair loss
Also known as low-level laser therapy, these are a non-invasive method used to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss, for both men and women.
It works through red laser light, which penetrates the scalp and stimulates blood circulation. The laser activates cells in the hair follicles and moves them into the growth phase (anagen), and it can reduce local inflammation, oxygenating tissues better.
Hair transplant
Another classic surgical treatment is hair transplant, which helps reimplant healthy follicles. This procedure consists of extracting hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back of the head) and implanting them into areas affected by hair loss (the front of the head).
Benefits:
Nutrition
A balanced, healthy diet rich in nutrients is a key aspect of hair health, as well as the health of the entire body. Nutritional deficiencies or chaotic eating habits can cause or even aggravate hair loss, especially in cases of diffuse alopecia.
Key nutrients you need for healthy hair:
Dermocosmetics for hair loss
Anti-hair loss dermocosmetics are specially formulated products to slow down hair loss, stimulate growth, and strengthen the hair shaft. These can complement medical treatments or be used alone in mild cases of hair loss.
There are several forms of dermocosmetics:
One example is the ivaHAIR Strong Hair Serum, a leave-in serum with seven active ingredients that acts at the root for diffuse and transient hair loss, applied daily directly to the scalp without rinsing.
Which Ivatherm products help against hair loss?
Ivatherm products intended for scalp care focus on fortifying the hair root and maintaining scalp health.
Based on Herculane Thermal Water, these formulas combine high-performance active ingredients with soothing and stimulating agents, offering a balanced treatment to combat hair loss.
Conclusion
Excessive hair loss, or alopecia, is a common issue with a major impact on aesthetic appearance and psychological state. While it is normal to lose a certain number of hairs daily, when the loss becomes excessive, it may signal a deficiency, a medical condition, or a significant external cause.
The causes of alopecia are multiple, ranging from hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and medication, to genetic factors, age, pollution, or improper hair care. However, preventing and managing hair loss through the right products correctly integrated into your hair care routine can rid you of this problem.
Ivatherm anti-hair loss products are developed with high-performance active ingredients from natural sources, carefully selected to support scalp health and reduce excessive hair loss. The main goal of these products is to fortify the hair root, stimulate hair growth, and restore natural hair density. They can be used safely long-term.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.