Why am I losing my hair?
The 48 root causes.
Hair loss, thinning, shedding, and breakage rarely have just one reason. Choose the pattern that sounds most like your story and open the file. Most people find themselves in two or three of them at once — which is exactly why the answer has to be investigated, not guessed.
Start with the suspect that sounds most like your story. Every file here was written by Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, PhD — the internationally trained Certified Trichologist known as The Hair Loss Detective™.We Don't Guess — We Test™
15 case files open
Hormonal
Menopause & Perimenopause
As estrogen declines, the scalp becomes more exposed to circulating androgens and hair begins to miniaturize at the crown and part line. Often blamed on stress or genetics — usually hormonal.
Open the fileThyroid Dysregulation
Both an under- and over-active thyroid disrupt the hair cycle. The most common reason thyroid-related hair loss gets missed is that only the surface was ever looked at.
Open the filePostpartum Shedding
The hormonal drop after birth sends every hair your body 'held' during pregnancy into shedding at once. It is normal — but it can be softened, shortened, and fully recovered.
Open the filePCOS & Androgen Excess
Elevated androgens drive miniaturization at the crown while encouraging unwanted growth on the face and body. A classic case of hormones in the wrong place.
Open the fileAndrogenic Alopecia (DHT / Genetic)
The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Genetically sensitive follicles shrink cycle by cycle — until they no longer produce visible hair.
Open the fileNutritional
Low Iron Reserves
One of the most overlooked causes of diffuse hair thinning. Iron stores can sit too low for hair growth long before anyone tells you something is wrong — which is why 'normal' results often miss it.
Open the fileVitamin D Insufficiency
Every hair follicle carries a vitamin D receptor. When levels sit low, follicles struggle to cycle correctly — and low is far more common than most people expect.
Open the fileBroader Nutrient Deficiencies
Beyond iron and vitamin D, a handful of everyday nutrients form the daily currency of follicle growth. Modern eating patterns miss most of them.
Open the fileAutoimmune & Inflammatory
CCCA (Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia)
A progressive scarring hair loss that begins at the crown and radiates outward. It disproportionately affects Black women, and time is the single biggest factor in what can be preserved.
Open the fileScalp Inflammation & Microbiome
A quietly inflamed scalp cannot grow strong hair. Flaking, imbalance, and low-grade irritation strangle new growth long before you notice loss.
Open the fileAutoimmune Conditions
Some cases involve the immune system turning on the follicle itself. Those cases need the right specialist in the room — with holistic wellness support alongside.
Open the fileLifestyle & Environmental
Chronic Stress & Cortisol
Sustained stress pushes follicles out of the growth phase and into resting. The shedding usually arrives months after the event — long after you thought you were 'over it.'
Open the fileTraction Alopecia
Repeated tension from braids, weaves, tight ponytails, extensions, and hot tools pulls follicles beyond recovery. Reversible if caught early — permanent if not.
Open the file
Naming the cause changes the ending.
Every case file here belongs to someone. One of them may sound like yours.
Find My Root Cause™Let the quiz find your suspect.
A few quiet questions, and your case opens.
Begin Your Hair Investigation™