Know The Root Cause
 Of Your Hair Loss

Hair loss has become increasingly prevalent and can be distressing. By age 50, about half of men and one-quarter of women show noticeable thinning. Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is a hereditary form of hair loss and is the most common cause of balding in both men and women. The good news is that many causes of hair fall are identifiable and treatable.
This article explains Why hair falls out? What androgenetic alopecia is? How to recognize early thinning? The classic seven stages of male pattern loss, other hair-loss conditions, and most importantly how a personalised approach (like the Traya Hair Quiz and plan) can help you fight back. We will also cover prevention tips, realistic expectations, and FAQs. Let us start by understanding why your hair might be falling.

Why Is My Hair Falling?

It is normal to lose about 50–100 hairs daily as part of the natural growth cycle. When you shed significantly more than this, you may experience excessive shedding or hair loss (telogen effluvium)  Many factors can trigger unusual hair fall:

• Genetics/Hormones (Androgenetic Alopecia): The most common cause is hereditary pattern baldness. In men this causes a receding hairline and bald spots on the crown; in women it causes overall thinning (female pattern hair loss). This form is driven by androgens (male hormones) like DHT and cannot be prevented, though it can be treated.

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can cause temporary thinning in women. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disease also disrupt hair growth For example, changes in estrogen or thyroid hormones can push hairs into a shedding phase.

• Stress and Illness (Telogen Effluvium): Severe emotional or physical stress (high fever, surgery, major illness, crash diets, or trauma) can suddenly push many hairs into the resting (telogen) phase, causing handfuls of hair to fall out weeks later. High stress from events like surgery, childbirth or grief is a classic trigger of diffuse shedding. Typically, this type of hair fall is temporary and reverses once the trigger resolves.

• Autoimmune Conditions: Alopecia areata causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to round bald patches on the scalp (and sometimes eyebrows or beard). This can be sudden, and hair may regrow unpredictably.

• Medications and Treatments: Drugs for cancer (chemotherapy), arthritis, depression, heart conditions, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss. Chemotherapy causes an abrupt anagen effluvium (rapid loss of growing hairs). Some vitamins or supplements in excess (like vitamin A) can also lead to shedding.

• Hairstyles and Hair Care: Traction alopecia results from chronic tension on the hair (tight ponytails, braids, extensions) that eventually damages follicles. Harsh chemical treatments (bleaching, perms, relaxers) or hot styling tools can weaken hair and cause breakage. Minor everyday friction (pillow rubbing, scalp scratching) usually is not a big factor, but extreme styling practices are avoidable causes of thinning.

These are some of the most common reasons for hair fall. Other factors include nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, biotin, protein), rapid weight loss, and scalp infections (ringworm/tinea capitis). In many cases, multiple factors coexist (for example, genetics plus stress). If you are noticing more hair on your brush or pillow than usual, the first step is to rule out obvious triggers (recent illness, diet change, stress). A doctor or dermatologist can help pinpoint the cause or sometimes a simple hair quiz or hair test can give clues.

What are the Stages of Hair Loss? 

The most widely used system to describe male pattern baldness is the Norwood scale, which divides hair loss into seven progressive stages. (The 3-stage Ludwig scale often describes women’s pattern hair loss.) Here are the Norwood stages in brief:

• Stage 1: No significant hair loss or recession. A mature hairline (normal adult hairline) may be present, but virtually no thinning.

• Stage 2: Mild recession of the hairline around the temples (a slight “maturing” hairline). Some may call this a “widow’s peak.” There is still plenty of hair on top.

• Stage 3: The first signs of visible balding. The hairline is noticeably deeper at the temples, often forming an M, U or V shape. Thinning may start at the crown as well.

• Stage 3 Vertex (3V): The front hairline stays at a Stage 2 position, but significant hair loss appears at the vertex (crown). You see a bald spot on top while the front is still relatively full.

• Stage 4: Hair loss is more severe. The temple recession is deeper, and the crown bald spot is larger, but a band of thicker hair still separates the two bald areas.

• Stage 5: The bald areas at the temples and crown enlarge and the connecting band of hair narrows. On close inspection, these areas are bigger than in Stage 4.

• Stage 6: The bridge of hair between the bald crown and the receded temples is gone. A single larger bald area spans the top of the head. Only hair on the sides and back remains.

• Stage 7: The most severe form. Only a narrow band of hair runs around the sides and back of the head. This hair is often thin and fine. The scalp is almost entirely bald except for the horseshoe-shaped rim around the back.

The diagram below illustrates a late-stage Norwood pattern (similar to Stage 7) with extensive loss on the top of the scalp.

Most men will not progress through every stage. Some may stop at a mild stage, especially with treatment. Tracking your stage helps doctors choose appropriate treatment and measure progress.

What are the early signs of balding & hair thinning?

Early detection can make treatment more effective. A hair analysis shows that in men, the first sign is often a thinning at the crown or receding hairline. The photo below shows the back of a man’s head with mild thinning on the top crown area (note the lighter, sparser patch). This corresponds roughly to Norwood Stage 3 (early) pattern loss. The earliest changes may be subtle, a slightly higher hairline or a small bald spot at the crown. The most common initial symptom is a slowly receding “M-shaped” hairline at the temples, or thinning hair on the top of the scalp.

In women, early hair loss usually looks different. Women rarely have a completely receding hairline. Instead, the first sign is often a widening of the central part or an overall decrease in ponytail volume. For example, a woman may notice that her hair part is getting broader or she needs more bobby pins to pull back her hair. The photo below shows a female patient with diffuse thinning in the front half of her scalp – the parting appears wider and the hair behind it looks sparser. Around 30–40% of women have some pattern thinning by menopause age. Early clues include seeing more scalp through the hair, or finding more hair on a brush than usual.

Key early signs to watch for: any patchy loss (alopecia areata), a change in the part width, a receding hairline (in men), or any unexplained increase in shedding (especially >100 hairs/day). If you spot these, it is wise to investigate further (e.g. consult a dermatologist or take a hair quiz to identify causes).

What are the types of hair loss?

Hair loss is not the same for all. Beyond pattern baldness, several distinct conditions cause hair to fall out. Here are some of the main types:

• Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness): We have covered this above, but basically it is hereditary and hormone-related. It accounts for most chronic hair loss in adults (about 95% of men and 50% of women with thinning have this). We will talk about this in detail below.

• Telogen Effluvium: This is excessive shedding (not permanent bald patches). It happens when many hairs prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase, leading to diffuse thinning. Triggers include high fever, surgery, severe stress, or new medications. It usually appears a few months after the trigger and can improve within 6–12 months once the trigger is removed.

• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder that causes round patches of baldness on the scalp (and sometimes elsewhere). The exact cause is unknown, and hair may regrow or fall out again. It is distinct from androgenetic alopecia and is often treated with steroids or other immunotherapies. The image above (the first image in this section) shows a classic “patchy” alopecia areata.

• Anagen Effluvium: Sudden hair loss during growth, most commonly due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It causes rapid shedding of nearly all scalp hair within days to weeks. Unlike telogen effluvium, hair follicles are not dead; hair typically grows months after treatment ends.

• Traction Alopecia: Is hair loss from chronic tension on the hair shaft. Styles like tight ponytails, braids, cornrows, or hair extensions can pull on follicles. Over time, the pulling leads to thinning at the hairline or wherever the tension is greatest. Traction alopecia is often reversible if caught early, but scarring and permanent loss can occur if the style continues for years.

• Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia: A group of rare disorders where inflammation permanently destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue. Examples include lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus. The scalp can look smooth and shiny without follicles. Hair will not regrow in scarred areas. Prompt medical treatment is needed to prevent more scarring.

• Other Causes: Fungal infections (tinea capitis) can cause patchy hair loss, especially in children. Trichotillomania is a psychological condition where a person repeatedly pulls out their hair. Nutritional deficiencies (like iron-deficiency anaemia) can cause diffuse thinning. Conditions like chronic telogen effluvium or traction from styling can be significant in women.

In summary, alopecia can be classified as either non-scarring (hair can regrow, e.g. pattern baldness, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, traction) or scarring (permanent). Examples include: androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen/anagen effluvium, traction alopecia, and scarring alopecia. Understanding your type is crucial, as treatments and expectations vary widely. When in doubt, a doctor’s exam or a diagnostic hair quiz (like Traya’s) can help determine your hair loss type.

What is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia (AA), also called male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, is the most common form of hair loss and is driven by genetics and androgens. In men, it causes a characteristic receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, androgenetic alopecia usually leads to diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp (a widening hair part) with the front hairline generally preserved. MedlinePlus describes AA as hair loss “in a pattern” that affects the top and front of the scalp. It affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S., and by age 50 roughly half of men and about a quarter of women are affected.

How does it happen?
Hair follicles become sensitive to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a derivative of testosterone. DHT binds to receptors in certain scalp follicles and triggers them to shrink (miniaturise). Over time, these follicles produce thinner and shorter hairs until they stop producing visible hair at all. The condition is inherited. So you inherit DHT sensitivity from your parents. In men with AA, DHT shortens the hair growth (anagen) phase, leading to follicle miniaturization. Women also can have AA (often called female pattern hair loss); it tends to be less severe (complete baldness is rare).

Key point: Androgenetic alopecia is genetic and hormonal. It typically develops gradually over years or decades. Because it is hormone-driven, treatments like finasteride (which blocks DHT) or minoxidil can slow or partially reverse it (see below). It is not caused by poor hygiene or shampoos, but rather by inherited sensitivity to hormones.

Is Androgenetic Alopecia Reversible?

Unfortunately, androgenetic alopecia cannot be completely “cured” or permanently reversed once advanced. However, it is treatable. Early treatment can regrow much of the lost thickness and prevent further thinning. For example, when begun in the early stages of AA, FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil (topical) or finasteride (oral, for men) often restore hair density. But in late-stage baldness (severe follicle miniaturisation), these treatments typically only maintain existing hair rather than bring back fully thick hair.

In practical terms, if you start treatment early, you can often thicken thinning hair and slow the recession. One specialist notes, “If treatment begins in the early stages, much of the original hair thickness can be restored. However, in the late stages… treatments can not fully reverse the condition” If you stop treatment, any regrown hair will eventually fall out again. Non-medical approaches (like wigs or hair fibres) can camouflage loss, and hair transplant surgery can move healthy follicles to bald areas. But the best outcomes come from diagnosing AA early and using appropriate medical therapy consistently. The key is to start early and stay on treatment.

Hair Breakage vs Hair Loss vs Hair Fall

It is important to understand the difference between hair breakage, hair loss, and hair fall. These terms are often used interchangeably but mean very different things when it comes to your hair health.

Hair Breakage: Hair breakage happens when the hair shaft becomes weak and brittle, causing strands to snap mid-length. This usually results from excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and lack of moisture. If your hair quality is compromised, you will notice shorter, uneven strands and frizz.

Improving your hair quality starts with gentle care, but it is also crucial to understand what’s happening internally. That’s where the Traya free online hair quiz can help as it assesses and provides an analysis about your internal and external health to pinpoint the root cause of damage.

Hair Fall: We all shed 50–100 strands of hair daily and it is completely normal. This is known as hair fall, part of the natural growth cycle. However, if you notice an increase in the amount of hair falling out consistently, it may be a sign of something deeper which is often related to scalp quality, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.

Hair Loss: Hair loss goes beyond daily shedding. It includes conditions like androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium, where follicles stop producing new hair altogether. This type of loss is often progressive and can lead to visible thinning or bald patches.

Unlike temporary breakage or fall, hair loss needs a targeted, internal approach. That is why Traya’s Hair kit is tailored based on your scalp type, hair health, and even stress levels.

Can You Prevent Hair Fall?

Preventing hereditary hair loss is difficult, but there are steps you can take to support healthy hair. Unfortunately, if your hair loss is due to genetics and androgens, no home remedy will entirely stop it. However, you can try to slow or minimise avoidable factors:

• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Hair is mostly protein (keratin), so ensure you get adequate protein (meat, fish, eggs, legumes). Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins, etc.) can contribute to hair loss, so eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports hair health. Some people take a hair-multivitamin, but a well-rounded diet is best.

• Gentle Hair Care: Avoid hairstyles or treatments that pull or damage hair. Do not wear extremely tight ponytails or braids routinely, and minimize chemical processes (bleaching, perming, frequent heat styling). When brushing, be gentle and use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair. Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can help maintain scalp health. “Treat your hair like fine fabric” to avoid excessive rubbing or pulling. Opt for soft, loose bands if you must clip or tie hair.

• Stress Management: Chronic stress may accelerate hair shedding. Find healthy stress management methods (exercise, meditation, counselling, adequate sleep). While stress alone does not cause genetic baldness, it can worsen telogen effluvium. Reducing stress (and avoiding smoking/alcohol) improves your overall hair quality.

• Scalp Care: Keep your scalp clean and well-conditioned. Treat dandruff or scalp inflammation promptly (see a doctor if necessary), as chronic scalp issues can weaken follicles. Avoid harsh treatments like daily shampoos with bleach.

• Medical Check-ups: If you suspect a medical cause (thyroid issues, anaemia, PCOS), work with your doctor to address it. Treating underlying conditions can stop hair loss from those causes.

• Professional Advice: If early hair loss runs in your family, consult a dermatologist early. They can recommend starting treatments (like minoxidil) when they are most effective at the first sign of thinning.

In summary, while you cannot completely prevent inherited hair loss, you can nourish your body and scalp to maximise hair strength. Eating nutrient-rich foods, being gentle with styling, and controlling stress give your follicles the best chance. Consider this a healthy “insurance policy” for your hair, and when combined with targeted treatments, it may help slow the fall.

How does the Traya Hair quiz Work?

Understanding your pattern of hair loss is key to effective treatment. The Traya Free Online Hair quiz is a specially designed hair quiz to do just that: pinpoint your root causes and recommend a plan. It helps to test if you have hair breakage, hair fall and hair loss, this is because there is a basic difference between the three. Here is how it works:

• Free Online Hair Quiz (2 minutes): You start by taking Traya’s online Hair Quiz. It is a quick, 10-15 question assessment about your hair history, lifestyle, diet, and health. (For example: your age, family history of baldness, stress levels, existing conditions, haircare routine, etc.) Traya Health notes that the hair quiz takes just 2 minutes to complete at Traya Health.

• Upload a Scalp Photo: The hair quiz also invites you to upload a photo of your scalp or hairline. This helps the system visually assess your hair loss stage. (Photo upload is optional but recommended for greater accuracy.)

• Lifestyle & Nutritional Data: Based on your answers, Traya’s system collects data on your sleep, diet, fitness, and other habits. This holistic approach considers Ayurvedic and nutritional factors along with dermatological ones.

• Instant Personalized Report: At the end of the hair quiz, you immediately see a personalised report. It identifies likely causes of your hair fall (e.g., “genetic hair loss”, “stress-related shedding”, “nutritional deficiency”) and your current Norwood stage (for men) or Ludwig stage (for women). It also recommends a custom kit of products and supplements tailored to your profile. In other words, “you have been recommended a kit based on your stage of hair fall, the scalp image you uploaded and your responses”.

• Doctor Review and Treatment Plan: After you confirm your information, licensed Traya Health doctors review your hair quiz results. They approve or adjust the recommended plan, which typically includes topical serums, supplements, hair oils and other treatments. A digital prescription is created for you.

• Hair Coach Support: Once your custom regimen is set up, you are assigned a personal hair coach (via the Traya app). The coach answers questions and helps keep you on track through your 3–6+ month treatment journey. They may also help refine diet plans and update your regimen as you progress.

Traya’s Hair Quiz collects information on your hair and lifestyle (in just 2 minutes Traya) to reveal the root causes of your hair loss. The result is a personalized treatment plan tailored to you.

Taking the Traya Hair Quiz gives you an expert consultation online. Instead of generic advice, you get a diagnosis and customized hair care system that addresses why your hair is falling out. Many users find this initial hair quiz eye-opening, as it highlights factors (like vitamin levels or stress) they had not considered. It is a significant first step: even before buying any products, you learn why your hair is thinning and what you should focus on.

How does Traya’s Personalized Hair Care System work?

Traya’s hair care approach is entirely personalized and holistic. Based on your hair quiz results, Traya creates a unique regimen combining clinical treatments with nutrition and herbal support. The core of this system is a three-pronged method:

• Ayurveda (Herbal Therapy): Time-tested Ayurvedic principles address internal imbalances. Traya includes Ayurvedic supplements and herbal extracts designed to support hair health from within. These natural remedies aim to nourish the scalp and follicles by improving overall body balance.

• Dermatology (Topical Treatment): Science-backed, doctor-formulated topicals target your scalp directly. This includes serums or oils (often containing ingredients like minoxidil, Procapiƚ or other DHT-blockers) that stimulate blood flow, unclog follicles, and strengthen hair shafts. It also covers hair-care products (shampoos, conditioners) that address dandruff or follicle inflammation. This prong treats the scalp environment to make it optimal for hair growth.

• Nutrition (Diet & Supplements): Good hair starts internally. Traya emphasises a nutrient-rich diet and provides personalised vitamin/mineral supplements. For example, if your hair quiz indicated low vitamin D or iron, your plan will include foods or supplements to correct that. The diet focuses on hair-friendly nutrition (protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, etc.). By ensuring you get the essential building blocks (like biotin, B-vitamins, zinc, etc.), this prong helps follicles grow stronger, longer hair.

Traya’s plan combines Ayurvedic herbal supplements, clinical scalp treatments, and personalized nutrition to address hair loss holistically. For example, a custom kit may include hair growth serums (with minoxidil and DHT blockers), Ayurvedic tablets for internal balance, and a tailored multivitamin plan.The Traya hair kit, which usually costs around ₹1500~, is designed to target the root causes of your hair issues.

Unlike generic market products, every ingredient and product in your Traya kit is chosen to match your specific profile (age, gender, stage of loss, lifestyle, and hair quiz data). Traya approach bridges modern dermatology with time-tested Ayurveda and dietetics. Many users appreciate that their plan may include prescription-strength components (like finasteride for men) and natural options, all under medical supervision. This personalized hair care system sets Traya apart from generic shampoos or supplements. It treats the cause and the symptoms.

Realistic Results: What to Expect

It is essential to set realistic expectations for hair growth treatment. Hair grows slowly (about 1 cm per month on average), and regrowth from thinning takes time. Here is what most people experience with a comprehensive treatment plan: 

• Initial Timeline: Expect to wait at least 3–6 months to notice significant changes. For example, the Cleveland Clinic notes that minoxidil users may improve after 2–4 months, and finasteride users after about 3 months. Traya reports that customers typically see visible results around 5–6 months of consistent use. At this time, you will often first notice a reduction in shedding and finer “baby” hairs appearing in thinning areas. Over months 6–12, these new hairs will gradually thicken.

• Stage of Loss Matters: People with early-stage thinning usually respond faster and more dramatically than those with advanced baldness. If your loss is mild, you might see fuller hair sooner. Treatment may only yield modest improvements if you have extensive loss (like Norwood 5–7). Results are very individual.

• Consistency is Key: Whatever your plan (whether Traya’s or doctor-recommended), you must follow it daily. Skipping treatment delays results. Any improvements gained from medication will reverse if you stop. Traya’s dedicated hair coach can help keep you on schedule – for example, reminding you to apply serums or take supplements.

• Typical Outcomes: Clinical studies show that with minoxidil/finasteride, around 60–70% of men will see moderate hair regrowth or slowed loss in a year. Traya claims about 70% of its users see new growth by 4 months. Many users experience thicker, healthier-looking hair and reduced shedding. However, “realistic” results usually mean partial improvement: you may regain some coverage in thinning areas but not necessarily a complete hairline restoration.

• Individual Factors: Results depend on age, genetics, health, and how early you start. Younger patients often do better. Underlying conditions (thyroid, nutrition, etc.) also play a role.

• Patience and Monitoring: Track your progress with photos every month. Most regrowth is subtle at first. Keep in mind that hair has natural cycles; sometimes, you may shed a bit in between growth spurts. Celebrate small wins (like less hair in the drain), and remember that it typically takes a full year of treatment to achieve the best outcomes.

In short, treat hair loss as a marathon, not a sprint. With Traya or similar regimens, you can expect to give it at least 6–12 months. Do not expect instant fixes (no shampoo will deliver complete coverage overnight). But do expect gradual improvement if you stay the course. Keeping realistic expectations helps you stay motivated, and steady use of your customised plan is the best way to ensure real gains.

Medical Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or dermatologist for your situation before starting any treatment. Results from hair loss therapies vary by individual. Traya Health provides general information about hair loss and treatment options; it does not guarantee specific results. Please contact your physician if you have questions about a medical condition or treatment.

Final Thoughts: Take the Free Online Hair quiz Today

If you notice your hair falling out, it is important to understand why that knowledge is the first step toward finding a solution. You have probably learned about common causes like hormonal changes or stress, and you might be aware that conditions like male or female pattern baldness have specific stages. While we can not change our genetics, effective treatments exist. 

Now, it is time to take action! Instead of guessing what might work for you, consider getting some personalised insights. Traya offers a free hair quiz that takes just 2 minutes to complete. You will receive a tailored diagnosis and a custom hair-care plan suited to your unique situation.

Do not wait until your hair loss becomes more serious. Addressing it early can lead to better results. Start your journey toward healthier hair today by trying out the Traya Hair quiz. It is simple and gives you a clear guide to follow. With a scientifically designed plan tailored just for you, you can work toward regrowing your hair and boosting your confidence. Remember, your journey to thicker, stronger hair starts with that very first step, take the Quiz today!