5 Reasons Your Hair Is Falling Out, According To A Leading Trichologist

Hair shedding can feel alarming - but it’s often the body’s way of signalling that something needs attention.

According to Hailey Murtagh, certified trichologist and founder of Hair Loss Clinic Dubai, most cases of hair loss are caused by a handful of common, addressable factors.

Here, she breaks down the five key reasons behind hair loss - and the first steps you can take to get your hair health back on track.

1. Stress & Lifestyle Pressure

Stress can push hair follicles into a “resting” phase, causing more strands to shed a few months later.

What to do: Focus on managing stress through sleep, exercise, and mindfulness. If shedding persists beyond 3–6 months, get a professional scalp analysis to rule out other causes.

2. Hormonal Shifts

Pregnancy, postpartum changes, perimenopause, and thyroid imbalances can all affect the hair growth cycle.

What to do: Blood tests can confirm hormonal drivers. Gentle scalp massage and growth-boosting LED light therapy can support regrowth during recovery.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Low iron, vitamin D, and zinc are particularly common in the UAE and can quietly affect hair strength.

What to do: Get a simple blood panel to check nutrient levels and ensure a balanced diet with adequate protein.

4. Environmental Factors

Dubai’s hard water, strong air conditioning, and sun exposure can lead to scalp irritation and brittle hair.

What to do: Use a clarifying or pH-balancing shampoo weekly and protect your hair from UV just as you would your skin.

5. Genetics & Medical ConditionsHereditary thinning (androgenetic alopecia) and autoimmune conditions can speed up hair loss if left unaddressed.

What to do: Early intervention is key. Options range from topical treatments to non-surgical hair systems designed to look and feel like a second scalp.

“The scalp is like soil - if it’s out of balance, hair won’t grow as well,” says Murtagh. “A thorough scalp analysis often reveals the real story, so you can target the problem instead of just masking it.”