Hair Loss: Causes, Hair Shedding and Scalp Health

 

Hair Loss: Understanding the Causes and the Science Behind Hair Shedding

Milare Bio | Hair Science Journal

Hair loss is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by genetics, hormones, nutrition, stress, aging, and scalp health. Understanding why hair falls out is essential for distinguishing normal hair shedding from conditions that may require professional evaluation.

At Milare Bio, we believe that scientific knowledge is the foundation of responsible hair care.

1. Is Hair Shedding Normal?

Hair naturally follows a continuous cycle of growth, transition, rest, and shedding.

Losing approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day is commonly considered within the normal range, although individual variation is significant.

Hair shedding becomes more noticeable when the balance between growing and resting follicles changes.

2. Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Hair follicles undergo four main phases:

  • Anagen: The active growth phase, which may last several years.

  • Catagen: A short transitional phase during which follicular activity decreases.

  • Telogen: The resting phase.

  • Exogen: The shedding phase, when the hair shaft is released.

Disruptions in this cycle can lead to increased shedding or reduced hair density.

3. What Causes Hair Loss?

Genetics and Hormones

Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common forms of hair loss. It involves genetic susceptibility and hormonal signaling, particularly the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on susceptible hair follicles.

Over time, affected follicles may produce progressively thinner hair shafts.

Stress and Telogen Effluvium

Physical or emotional stress, illness, surgery, and other physiological changes may trigger telogen effluvium.

This condition can cause increased shedding several months after a triggering event.

Nutritional Factors

Iron deficiency, inadequate protein intake, and certain nutritional deficiencies may contribute to hair loss.

However, supplements should not be considered a universal solution. Nutritional interventions are most appropriate when a deficiency has been identified.

Scalp Health

Inflammatory scalp conditions can interfere with comfort and, in some cases, normal follicular function.

Maintaining scalp hygiene and addressing persistent irritation are important parts of a comprehensive hair care routine.

4. Hair Loss vs. Hair Breakage

Hair loss and hair breakage are not the same.

Hair loss involves the shedding of a hair from the follicle.

Hair breakage occurs when the hair fiber fractures because of mechanical, chemical, or thermal damage.

Understanding this distinction helps determine whether the priority is medical assessment, cosmetic fiber protection, or both.

5. The Role of Cosmetic Hair Care

Cosmetic products can help maintain hair fiber quality and support a healthy scalp environment.

Depending on their formulation, products containing conditioning agents, proteins, humectants, and selected botanical ingredients may help:

  • Improve hair softness and manageability.

  • Reduce friction-related breakage.

  • Improve the appearance of hair thickness.

  • Maintain scalp comfort.

  • Protect hair fibers against everyday damage.

Cosmetic hair care should not be presented as a substitute for clinically established treatments for alopecia.

6. When Should You Consult a Dermatologist?

Professional evaluation is advisable when hair loss is sudden, patchy, progressive, accompanied by scalp inflammation, or associated with other symptoms.

A dermatologist can assess potential causes and determine whether further investigation or treatment is necessary.

7. Milare Bio: Where Hair Science Meets Botanical Care

Milare Bio combines an interest in cosmetic science, botanical ingredients, and premium hair care experiences.

Our philosophy focuses on understanding the biology of hair while developing responsible approaches to strengthening the hair fiber and maintaining scalp health.

Because beautiful hair begins with knowledge, science, and consistent care.

Scientific References

  1. Stenn KS, Paus R. Controls of hair follicle cycling. Physiological Reviews. 2001;81(1):449–494.

  2. Paus R, Cotsarelis G. The biology of hair follicles. New England Journal of Medicine. 1999;341:491–497.

  3. Malkud S. Telogen effluvium: A review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2015;9(9)–WE03.

  4. Almohanna HM et al. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: A review. Dermatology and Therapy. 2019;9:51–70.

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