More Of Us Are Starting to Lose Our Hair – Here’s 5 Reasons Why

My husband has always complained about all of the gnarly monsters he has pulled out of our shower drain.  Because let’s be real- I’m clearly not doing it.  It doesn’t mean I haven’t felt bad this whole time.  But now I am starting to feel even worse.  Not only because the gnarly monsters are bigger and more frequent, but because the hair loss I am starting to see is leaving me with a receding hairline and giant clumps of hair in my hand.   Apparently, I’m not the only one starting to lose my hair either. I’ve heard it from others too.

Why am I starting to lose my hair?  

At first, I was convinced that the wrinkle releaser I just got injected into my forehead was working TOO well.  Like it somehow made my forehead bigger.  That couldn’t be it, right?  Then, I assumed I was starting to lose my hair because I am getting older.  I’m not in my twenties anymore.  Hell, I’m barely in my thirties.  There’s legit a million of my once-glorious long brunette stray hairs all over my bed, pillow, and bathroom countertop.  As I rinse the conditioner out of my hair in the shower, I am pulling out so much hair it feels more like I’m taking off a wig.  At this rate, I am sure to be completely bald in just a few short weeks.  

Hair loss is no laughing matter and can really take a toll on our mental health.

For the record, I am not making light of this subject.  Hair is a lot of people’s identity, symbol of youth, or story of their heritage.  It’s kind of a big deal.  I know it may sound a little overdramatic; but it is so scary, saddening and embarrassing when I started to lose my hair.  I know I can’t be the only one dealing with these feelings.  We all probably need to be discussing it more.  If you do think you have a serious hair loss issue due to medical concern or genetics, it is best to seek advice from a dermatologist.

“Hair is a lot of people’s identity, symbol of youth, or story of their heritage.  It’s kind of a big deal.”

For me at least, it probably isn’t the existential crisis I’m making it out to be.  There is a big difference between permanent hair loss and hair shedding (read on for easy ways to prevent and hopefully stop it from happening).  After telling my stylist that I was starting to lose my hair, I realized I am probably experiencing hair shedding for the most part.

5 Common Reasons You May Be Starting to Lose Your Hair

Covid-19 or other serious illnesses

People everywhere have noticed that they are seeing a lot of hair loss after getting COVID-19 and doctors are pretty much confirming it too.  The American Academy of Dermatology says that temporary hair loss is completely normal after a fever or illness.  But it’s not so much that the actual COVID-19 virus itself is causing hair loss.  You can see hair loss from any serious illness, high fever, surgeries, or medical emergency. 

Stress

Just like stress to the body can cause hair loss, so can emotional stress.  The list of things that stress us out from petty to extremely traumatic is longer than I have time to write about.  And, again, you could blame COVID-19 for a lot of the stress people are feeling during the pandemic whether it’s due to isolation, loss of income, or just being stuck at home with your kids and having to deal with homeschooling.  Even things associated with fun stress like planning a wedding, buying a new house, or starting a new job is still stress.  Your body doesn’t care what kind of stress it is!  Of course, when you notice that you are losing a lot of hair, you start to stress out even more. It is crucial to try to remain calm and not stress over it because that will just make it worse!

Having a baby

Obviously, having a baby puts a huge physical strain on your body.  WebMD reports that while you’re pregnant, the high hormone levels keep hair from falling out. Once you give birth and things start to return to normal, then your body stops holding onto the hair and it starts to fall out. The lack of sleep and ensuing chaos kicks it into the stress category too! Double whammy!

Sudden weight loss or restrictive diets

Losing a lot of weight or restricting your diet can cause hair loss due to possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  Just like the other physical stressors discussed above, losing a lot of weight quickly can also be a strain on the body. It is much safer and healthier to lose weight more slowly anyways. No crash or fad diets!

Hairstyles that pull and tug on your hair

Lastly, hairstyles that pull on your hair constantly are no bueno.  They can actually cause permanent hair loss if worn for too long.  Ponytails, buns, braids, or cornrows that are too tight can be especially damaging because of the constant pull on your hair and scalp.  You may notice hair loss from dreadlocks, weaves, and extensions too because they can also damage your hair follicles.  

Does none of that apply at this moment?

So, if you could all just not have any babies, stop doing your hair, not lose any weight and avoid all stress and illness, you too can have thick luxurious hair that never falls out.  I’m kidding.  Even though I’ve pretty much checked all of those boxes by being a hermit.  And maybe you feel like none of those situations apply to you right now. So, why am I starting to lose my hair.  What gives? 

When does hair loss typically start?

Hair loss actually can start months after a triggering event.  If you see excessive shedding now, ask yourself how your health was 3 or so months ago.  Fortunately, once you get to the point of seeing your hair shed, you are already in the recovery stage.  Errr…. seriously?  It does NOT feel or look like much of a recovery.  The hardest pill to swallow is realizing that at this point the only thing you can do is wait.  You will have to give it time…a lot of time.  It can take 6-9 months or maybe more for it to all grow back. 

“Fortunately, once you get to the point of seeing your hair shed, you are already in the recovery stage.”

I did get COVID a few months ago; so, my excessive shedding could be from that.  My biggest worry though is that my receding hairline is from wearing my hair in the standard hair uniform, also known as the messy bun, every single day for the last two years.   I literally wore it in a top knot every single day around the clock.  You would think all the air drying, not using heat-styling tools and never washing it would have actually improved my hair.  Starting in 2022, I decided that I wasn’t going to rely on the messy bun anymore!  The struggle is real. 

Tips I have implemented since starting to lose my hair: