Seven things you're probably doing that cause hair loss (2025)

You’re standing under the shower, watching the shampoo suds slip down your body and suddenly you see it: a clump of hair snaking its way to the drain, confirmation that, just as you suspected, you’re losing your hair.

It’s a question more of us seem to be asking these days – Google searches for “scalp health” have doubled in the past four years. More than one in 10 women have some evidence of hair loss before they reach menopause. Yet despite the wealth of remedies on offer these days, many of us still feel in the dark about the signs we should pay attention to when it comes to how our hair and scalps behave.

Social media platforms are inundated with videos from self-styled hair gurus offering preventative remedies – but speak to genuine experts and you will learn that some of this advice may be exacerbating your hair woes.

If you’re concerned about hair loss – for example if the loss is rapid, severe, or accompanied by an inflamed scalp – see a GP or dermatologist.

Here, she and other experts explain some key causes of hair loss.

Blowdrying, bleaching, and tying up your hair

Heat and the use of harsh chemicals, such as perms and bleaching, can lead to hair loss – as can pulling your hair into braids, ponytails or other styles too frequently.

“When you apply excessive heat or chemicals, it opens the cuticles to get products or chemicals into the strand and this can damage the hair. Very tight wigs can also cause traction alopecia – where tension and tight pulling damage the hair follicles.”

Wong recommends “reducing the frequency of chemical processing and wearing of tight hairstyles, lowering heat settings and using heat protectants and bond repair products – this can help to minimise external damage to the hair and reduce breakage.”

Skipping shampoo

“No poo” or “co-washing” (washing with conditioner only) has been popularised on social media, but Wong says it’s a myth. “Shampoos are usually formulated with sulphates which are very good surfactants to clean your scalp,” she says.

She says co-washing is like trying to wash dishes with moisturiser. “The scalp produces a lot of oil which attracts dust, dead skin cells, product. When people do no poo washes, they don’t get a proper wash. Then that can exacerbate scalp conditions like dandruff or dermatitis. And if it’s bad enough, that can cause secondary hair fall. Use a gentle shampoo formulated for your hair time and consult an expert instead of trying social media trends.

Being low in iron

“Hair is a sensitive barometer of your nutritional status,” says Wong. “Hair follicle cells are rapidly dividing and require a lot of energy and nutrients to keep them healthy. A poor diet, especially one that is low in protein and deficient in key nutrients such as iron, can cause poor hair growth, thinning and excess shedding.”

Follow a balanced diet with protein, wholegrains and a range of fruit and vegetables – remember that vitamin C helps with iron absorption, says Jones.

Studies have also shown vitamin D is involved in hair production – so consider a supplement.

Using too much water

Curly textures – particularly afro hair textures – often become easier to detangle when wet or damp, but over-exposing your hair to water can impact its strength and moisture too.

Lorna Jones, a trichologist specialising in hair loss and scalp conditions, explains: “You may have dry hair and think the spraying water on it will help. In fact it can lead to something called hydrofatigue – which is essentially filling your hair strand with too much water and causing damage and hair loss.

Use water moderately and consider if there is a health condition contributing to dry hair. “For example, an underactive thyroid can cause dry hair. So I always think it’s a good idea to get your bloods checked”.

Persistent brushing

Excessive brushing, especially when hair is fragile, can lead to loss and breakage. If you have straight or wavy hair, it’s more susceptible to breakage when it’s wet, so dry brushing is better – with curlier textures, it’s better to comb when wet. Using a good conditioner prevents breakage in the first place. When detangling, use a brush with widely spaced flexible bristles

Ignoring stress

Your emotional state can significantly impact your hair. Years ago, when my nightmare of suffering hair loss became a reality, it was identified as being the probable reason I had discovered a coin-sized clump of hair missing from my scalp after my weekly wash.

Jones explains that our “state of mind can cause all sorts of things in our bodies and stress can cause hormonal imbalances”, which in some cases, leads to hair loss.

The problem is that stressing over hair loss can make the problem worse. As Dr Wong puts it: “while extreme stress and preoccupation over hair loss is totally understandable, the stress from hair loss often exacerbates even more hair loss [or] slows down recovery.”

She recommends practising stress-reduction techniques – taking regular exercise and finding ways to relax such as reading, being outside, and connecting with friends and loved ones.

Oiling your scalp

Using a little oil on hair strands is fine, but experts warn against slathering it on the scalp. In some circumstances, it could lead to a drier scalp – or even dermatitis.

Wong explains: “Curly textured hair is naturally drier because the fibres don’t retain as much water. Hydration means adding water, not oil. Your scalp skin does not need extra oil. It produces plenty.”

She adds that adding oil can worsen dandruff and eczema on the scalp which can indirectly lead to secondary hair shedding. Focus on cleaning and rinsing well, using oils sparingly.