The Complete Checklist to Diagnose the Reasons for Your Hair Loss

Before You Begin: Shedding vs. Loss (And a Note from Us)

Seeing more hair than usual in your brush or shower drain can be deeply unsettling. The first thought is often one of panic. But before we dive in, it’s crucial to understand the difference between hair shedding and hair loss.

Everyday shedding is a normal, healthy part of your hair’s life cycle; losing 50-100 hairs a day is typical. Seasonal shedding is a temporary increase in this natural process. True hair loss, however, can involve a disruption to the growth cycle itself. This checklist is designed to help you become a detective for your own health, to identify the potential factors at play.

Crucial Disclaimer: This checklist is a powerful tool to help you identify potential contributing factors to your hair loss. It is designed for self-assessment and education, but it is not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis. If you are concerned about your hair loss, your first step should always be to consult a doctor or dermatologist.

The 360° Hair Health Checklist

Use these questions to conduct a holistic investigation into what your body might be telling you.

Category 1: The Calendar & Your Cycle

• Question: Did the increased shedding begin abruptly in the autumn or spring?
• Question: Have you noticed a similar pattern of shedding in previous years at the same time? (If yes, this strongly points to a pattern of seasonal shedding, a temporary increase in the natural shedding phase.)

Category 2: Your Stress & Lifestyle

• Question: Did you experience a major life event, illness (especially with a fever), or surgery approximately 2-3 months before the shedding started? (This is the classic timeline for Telogen Effluvium, a common but temporary shedding condition triggered by a past physical or emotional shock to your system.)
• Question: Have you been experiencing chronic stress, high levels of anxiety, or poor, inconsistent sleep (insomnia)? (Chronic stress keeps Cortisol levels high, which can prematurely push more hairs into the shedding phase.)

The questions in this category regarding chronic stress and anxiety are often the most critical for identifying the root cause. Once you’ve pinpointed this systemic stress, the natural next step is to explore targeted treatments, leading many to ask: Can Acupuncture and Traditional Methods Help Reduce Stress-Induced Hair Loss?

Category 3: Your Diet & Nutrition

• Question: Have you recently started a restrictive or very low-calorie diet, or significantly reduced your protein intake?
• Question: As a woman, do you have a history of low iron (anemia) or have you been told you are deficient in Vitamin D? (Hair is made of protein and requires significant energy and nutrients to grow. Sudden dietary changes and key deficiencies are very common culprits for thinning hair.)

Category 4: Your Styling Habits & Scalp

• Question: Do you frequently wear hairstyles that pull on the scalp, such as tight ponytails, buns, weaves, or braids? This is a critical factor, as the constant tension can lead to a specific type of hair loss called traction alopecia. This isn’t just a theory; it’s a recognized medical condition. As the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) confirms, this persistent pulling can inflame and damage the hair follicles, and if the damaging hairstyle isn’t stopped over time, the hair loss can become permanent.
• Question: Is your scalp itself showing signs of distress—like a persistently itchy scalp, excessive dandruff, redness, or soreness? (This could indicate a scalp health issue like seborrheic dermatitis or an infection that is impacting hair growth.)

Category 5: Your Hormonal & Overall Health

• Question: Have there been any recent changes in your hormonal landscape, such as starting or stopping birth control, recently having a baby, or entering perimenopause?
• Question: Are you experiencing other symptoms alongside the hair loss, such as deep fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, or significant changes to your menstrual cycle? (This is a critical question, as it could signal an underlying medical issue, like a thyroid condition, that requires a doctor’s attention.)

Interpreting Your Results: What to Do Next

This checklist is your starting point for an action plan.

• If your “yes” answers are mostly in Category 1: You are likely experiencing normal seasonal shedding. Your focus should be on supportive care: eat a nutrient-rich diet, be gentle with your styling, and maintain excellent scalp health to foster a great environment for the new hair growth phase.
• If you have “yes” answers in Categories 2, 3, or 4: These are lifestyle and care factors you can directly influence. Prioritize stress & health management, assess your diet for any gaps, and be kinder to your hair and scalp. If your shedding doesn’t slow down after 2-3 months of making positive changes, it’s time to consult a professional.
• If you have any “yes” answers in Category 5 (or if you are simply worried): This is your clear signal to book an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist. They can run blood tests and provide a definitive diagnosis, ensuring you get the correct and most effective treatment plan.

From Fear to a Focused Inquiry

The overwhelming fear of seeing your hair fall out can be paralyzing. The purpose of this checklist is to help you transform that panic into a structured, proactive inquiry. You are your best and most important health advocate. By arming yourself with knowledge and asking the right questions, you can move from a place of fear to a place of power, ready to take the right steps for your health and your hair.