Hair loss on the scalp is a common phenomenon that occurs at certain times of life or according to the seasons. Genetic, hormonal, environmental or medical factors can be the cause. Nearly 40% of women in France face this problem at some point in their lives, but hair loss can be difficult to accept as it directly affects self-confidence. Do you think your hair loss is unusual? We tell you everything to help you see things more clearly!

Why is my hair falling out: understanding hair loss

Just like skin, hair follows a natural cycle. Each hair is born from an hair follicle nestled at the root of the scalp. When a hair dies, a new hair grows to replace it. This cycle is divided into three stages:

• The anagen phase: During the anagen phase , hair grows! The hair fiber grows from the bulb for four to six years on average, which determines the maximum length of the hair. Although it is mainly genetic, the duration of the anagen phase can be influenced by a balanced diet, good hair health and general well-being.

• The catagen phase: At the end of the growth phase (anagen), the hair follicles enter the catagen phase , this stage lasts approximately two to three weeks. During this period, growth gradually slows down until it stops completely. The follicle prepares to renew itself, which marks a transition in the hair cycle.

• The telogen phase: This is the final phase of the hair cycle. At the end of this period, the hair falls from the follicle to be replaced by new hair in the anagen phase. During this period, it is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day, as this is part of natural hair renewal. Several environmental and psychological factors can affect the duration of the telogen phase.

What are the factors that can impact the telogen phase?

Stress and hair loss

Despite its emotional nature, stress significantly influences the hair growth cycle. Under stress, the hormones released push hair follicles toward the resting phase (telogen), which delays the growth phase (anagen) and increases hair loss. This hair loss can become very significant if stress persists at a high level, after an emotional shock for example.

The impact of hormones

Hormones are essential for hair health and growth, especially in women. The hair cycle can be altered by hormonal fluctuations throughout life, such as during pregnancy, menopause or while using the contraceptive pill. For example, during pregnancy , the high level of estrogen boosts hair density, but after childbirth, the return to normal hormonal levels can sometimes lead to more hair loss. Additionally, women may experience progressive hair loss due to increased sensitivity to male hormones, which usually manifests diffusely on the scalp as androgenetic alopecia .

The influence of the seasons

Hair loss can be influenced by the change of seasons. It is common to see a temporary increase in this hair loss in the fall . The transition of hair from the resting phase, during the summer, to the shedding phase, during the fall, is responsible for natural hair loss. However, this seasonal alopecia is usually temporary, and the follicles return to their usual growth cycle after this phase.

When should you worry about hair loss?

Although hair loss is a natural phenomenon, excessive shedding can indicate a deeper problem. It is important to know this threshold. If the amount of hair loss is more than the daily average of 50 to 100, this may be a red flag. Signs like thinning hair, thinning areas, or increased visibility of the scalp may indicate hair problems.

Do you notice excessive and unusual loss of your hair? Try our test to find out more about the reasons for this drop!

Discover the diagnosis on Instagram >

This diagnosis can be carried out in addition to a medical consultation to indicate deficiencies, inflammations or hormonal imbalances. This pull test is quick and simple and involves running your hand through your hair in three stages.

Zone 1: Corresponds to hormonal imbalances: If more than three hairs fall out during the first and second pass, this may be due to a hormonal imbalance.

Zone 2 : Related to deficiencies: If a similar fall occurs in this zone, deficiencies may be considered.

Zone 3: linked to inflammation: If a fall is significant at this level, it can indicate inflammation problems.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is an abnormal loss of hair or body hair; it is divided into several types, each with its own characteristics:

Androgenetic alopecia , also called pattern baldness, is one of the main types of alopecia and is often hereditary. It is characterized by a progressive thinning of the hair on the forehead, temples or top of the head.

Alopecia areata manifests as circular areas of hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body, and is often associated with autoimmune problems.

Cicatricial alopecia is caused by irreversible damage to hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss.

Finally, diffuse alopecia is characterized by uniform hair loss across the entire scalp or large areas without distinct areas of hair loss.

Learn more about non-scarring alopecia >

Other causes of unusual hair loss

Hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies can be significant factors in hair loss. Hormones, such as thyroid, androgens, and estrogens, play an important role in hair growth. Any imbalance, such as too much or too little hormone production, can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to excessive hair loss. Similarly, a deficiency of protein , iron, vitamins (including vitamin D, B, and C), and minerals (including zinc) weakens hair follicles, which weakens hair and can lead to premature hair loss.

How to stop hair loss depending on your hair problem?

Once the traction test has been carried out, the origin of the problem is identified! If this lead has been confirmed by a doctor or a blood test, then it is time to adapt your hair routine according to your concerns. Each solution proposed is adapted to a type of hair and a specific problem, such as those observed in Zones 1, 2 and 3. But be careful, it is important to note that these tips should be taken into account for at least 3 months to get results.

Zone 1: Hair loss linked to hormonal imbalance

First of all, we advise you to have a medical check-up to be sure that this hormonal imbalance does not have a direct impact on your health. To find out more about alopecia linked to hormonal imbalance, refer to our featured story “Info” on Instagram ! In order to combat this type of alopecia, it is advisable to opt for a food supplement specifically formulated to treat androgenetic alopecia by blocking the action of DHT. For example, our anti-hair loss & growth complex, enriched with zinc and nettle, effectively targets this problem. To reduce the impact of DHT, we recommend that you include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet and favor those rich in zinc, omega 3 and 6, such as garlic, pumpkin seeds or even tea. Green. Then, it is important to favor foods containing lycopene, such as tomatoes, grapefruit or red fruits. In addition, our Extrem Pousse serum acts effectively against DHT thanks to its specific oils. For a complete routine, the use of the dermaroller and our shampoo with Procapil, a patented molecule which demonstrates its effectiveness against the action of DHT, is recommended. Finally, to perfect this routine, we advise you to adopt essential oils such as rosemary.