Top 10 Common Causes of Hair Fall (and What You Can Do About It)

1. Stress and Anxiety

Emotional or physical stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing hair follicles into the resting (shedding) phase prematurely. This is known as telogen effluvium.

What to do: Practice stress management through mindfulness, meditation, or therapy. You can also  book a telehealth appointment with an online doctor to discuss treatment options or even get a medical certificate if stress is impacting your work.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, or protein can weaken hair structure and stunt growth.

What to do:
Eat a balanced diet and consider blood tests to check for deficiencies. With online prescriptions or eScripts, a doctor can recommend the right supplements.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, or PCOS can lead to excessive hair fall.

What to do:
Speak with a GP near you or an online doctor to evaluate your hormone levels. Conditions like thyroid issues or PCOS often require specific treatment.

4. Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia)

This is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women and is often referred to as male or female pattern baldness.

What to do:
While you can’t change your genes, treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, or PRP therapy can help slow down or reverse hair loss. These may require an online prescription from a licensed doctor.

5. Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect hair growth by disrupting hormone regulation.

What to do:
If you’re experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or irregular periods along with hair fall, speak to a telehealth doctor. They can order tests and prescribe treatment via an instant consult.

6. Harsh Hair Treatments

Frequent colouring, straightening, and heat styling can damage your hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage.

What to do:
Give your hair a break. Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and minimise heat and chemical exposure.

7. Medical Conditions and Medications

Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, or treatments like chemotherapy, can cause sudden hair loss.

What to do:
Always discuss side effects with your doctor. If you’re feeling self-conscious or stressed, online counselling and a GP online chat can help provide both medical and emotional support.

8. Poor Scalp Health

Conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis can lead to itching, inflammation, and hair fall.

What to do:
Use medicated shampoos or see a doctor for tailored treatments. You can consult a web doctor or home doctor for scalp-related concerns.

9. Weight Loss or Crash Dieting

Rapid weight loss and extreme diets can shock the body, causing nutrient deficiencies and hair shedding.

What to do:
Aim for gradual weight loss with balanced nutrition. Consider seeing a GP or dietitian online to develop a safe and sustainable plan.

10. Ageing

As we age, hair naturally becomes thinner and growth slows down.

What to do:
While ageing is inevitable, treatments, hair care routines, and supplements can still support healthier hair. An online GP can guide you on available options.

💡 When to See a Doctor

If your hair fall is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or irregular periods, it’s time to seek professional help.

You can skip the clinic queue by booking a telehealth appointment. Services like Hola Health allow you to connect with an Australian doctor online, get online prescriptions, and even receive a sick certificate or doctors certificate online if needed.

Whether you need a GP access after hours, a 24 hour doctor, or just want to chat with an online GP, modern healthcare is now more convenient than ever.

✅ Final Thoughts

Hair fall can be distressing, but it's also treatable. By understanding the root cause and making the right lifestyle changes—or seeking help through telehealth—you can take back control of your hair health.