How to minimise the risk of hair fall, according to the experts
It’s Hair Loss Awareness Month – a time for the beauty industry to reflect, review, and educate the masses on the common misconceptions of falling strands. Although extremely common, hair fall definitely isn’t one-size-fits-all – meaning both the symptoms and catalysts can be entirely different from one to the next. That’s why we called on the haircare experts from TypeBea and Hair Gain, to get to the root cause of what, exactly causes hair fall – and how to help prevent it in the future…
What are the early signs of hair fall?
Everyone experiences hair fall from time to time – and it’s normal for the average woman to shed around 50-100 hairs per day. However, if you’re noticing it a little more than usual, it might be time to get clued up on the signs to know about.
“You might notice more hair in your brush or on your pillow. Your parting may begin to widen or your ponytail might feel thinner,” explains Consultant Trichologist and Hair Gain Ambassador, Samantha Stewart.
“Hair thinning can be subtle at first, which is why so many people don’t realise it’s happening until they’ve lost quite a bit of volume,” adds Anna, co-founder of TypeBea. “You might notice […] your part is widening, or more scalp is becoming visible at the crown or temples. Some people also find an increase in hair shedding - more strands coming out in the shower, on your brush, or even on your pillow.”
“My own experience felt more dramatic; my hair was constantly clogging the shower drain. These changes can really impact confidence and often signal that the hair is in a weakened or compromised state that needs support.”
What causes hair fall?
“There are so many factors that contribute to hair thinning, it’s rarely caused by just one thing,” reveals Anna.
Hormones and Genetics
“Hormonal changes are one of the most common triggers of hair shedding. Postpartum, perimenopause and menopause are key times when hair fall can increase. Genetics also play a role in how early or severely thinning shows up. Some people are predisposed to shorter hair growth cycles, which affects density over time,” says Samantha.
Styling Habits
“Tight hairstyles, daily heat styling, and aggressive brushing can put unnecessary strain on your hair,” Samantha shares. “Constant tension may cause a condition known as traction alopecia, which can damage the follicle and lead to permanent hair loss. Sam advises choosing looser styles and always using gentle tools and techniques.”
Diet and Nutrient Deficiencies Anna shares: “A lack of protein, iron, or key nutrients can affect hair health, and chronic stress can cause shedding due to a disruption in the hair cycle. I’ve personally been through this myself and it’s why I’m so passionate about giving women better tools and education around hair health.”
“Hair needs a steady supply of nutrients to thrive. It’s one of the fastest-dividing cells in the body, but it’s also the last to receive nutrients,” Samantha explains. “For those who struggle to get enough through food, supporting your diet with a good quality hair supplement is a smart step to include in your hair care routine.”
Environmental Stressors
“Dry air from air conditioning or heating can strip both hair and scalp of moisture. This affects the scalp’s protective barrier and can lead to itching, irritation and breakage. Pollution, UV rays and water quality can also cause inflammation and damage over time, especially if you don’t clarify or protect your hair regularly.”
Ageing
“Age is a big one. As we get older, our hair growth cycle naturally slows down, and the follicles can shrink over time, resulting in finer, weaker strands,” reveals Anna.
“The anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle gets shorter. This means fewer hairs stay in the growing phase and more enter the shedding phase, resulting in overall thinning,” adds Samantha. “While this is a natural part of ageing, looking after the scalp and strands can help slow the process and keep hair healthier for longer.”
Which ingredients support healthy hair growth?
“For me, the most important thing is evidence,” Anna shares. “There are a lot of trendy haircare ingredients out there, but not all of them are backed by strong science. That’s why BaicapilTM was non-negotiable when we were formulating TYPEBEA. It’s a clinically studied botanical complex that’s been shown to reduce hair loss by up to 60%. It works by extending the hair’s growth phase and reactivating dormant follicles which is essential when dealing with thinning.”
“You also want ingredients that support the overall health of the scalp, because that’s where hair growth starts. Things like salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and remove build-up, and plant-based keratin to strengthen the hair strand and reduce breakage, all play a role in giving your hair the best chance to grow and thrive. ”
Samantha’s favourite ingredients to support healthy hair growth?
“AnaGain (or Pea Shoot Extract), Caffeine, Panthenol and Phytantriol, Natural Betaine, and Niacinamide.”
Do supplements really make a difference to hair loss?
“Yes, they can. Because your body prioritises vital organs first, the hair often misses out on key nutrients. A targeted hair supplement bridges that gap and ensures your follicles are supported from the inside,” confirms Samantha. “Hair Gain’s range includes scientifically backed ingredients that have been shown to promote growth and reduce shedding over time.”
“When I was losing hair in my early twenties, marine collagen was the first thing that gave me tangible results and taught me how powerful internal support can be. It’s why I created my first brand, Vida Glow,” shares Anna. “Hair is made of protein, and growing it requires consistent nourishment from within. Hydrolysed marine collagen peptides are the most clinically supported ingestible for hair, skin and nails and has been part of my daily routine for over a decade. I’ll always be a supporter of a bi-directional approach to managing hair loss, both topical and ingestible.”
Hair Growth Supplements
Does heat protection help prevent hair loss?
“Heat protection won’t prevent hair loss at the follicle, but it does help reduce breakage. Excessive heat can weaken the hair shaft, leading to damage that makes hair appear thinner,” explains Samantha. Anna confirms: “Repeated exposure to high heat from styling tools can cause the hair shaft to weaken, split, and break mid-length. That kind of damage makes hair appear thinner and less voluminous over time.”
“That’s why we included heat protection up to 230°C in both of our styling products. The S·1 Ultimate Styling Serum is perfect before blow drying or heat styling. It smooths frizz, protects from damage, and leaves hair soft without being greasy. And for those air-dry days, the S·2 Sea Salt Texture Mist enhances natural texture while still offering UV and heat protection. We wanted styling products that didn’t compromise hair health - instead, they support it.”
What advice would you give to anyone struggling with their hair loss experience?
“Firstly, be kind to yourself,” says Anna. “Hair thinning is so common - more than 50% of women will experience it in their lifetime - but that doesn’t make it any less emotional or distressing when it’s happening to you. I’ve experienced significant hair loss myself due to a health condition, and I know how much it can affect your confidence and the way you show up in the world.”
“My advice is to take small, consistent steps. The earlier you act, the better the outcome. Whether it’s switching to clinically backed products, improving your nutrition, or simply reducing heat and styling damage, those little changes can make a huge difference over time. And remember, hair is deeply tied to identity, but it’s not your worth. We created TYPEBEA to empower people on their hair journey, not just with effective products, but with empathy and support too.”
“Hair loss can take a toll on your confidence, and it's important to remember you’re not alone,” affirms Samantha. I encourage consistency, patience and education. Focus on scalp care, nourishment and gentle styling. And if things don’t improve or you’re unsure where to begin, speaking with a qualified trichologist for proper diagnosis and management if the hair loss is extreme.”