Is Your Hair Shedding More Than Usual? Here's Why It Might Be Happening.

I hope you are all well and keeping warm this winter.

I have had a busy month in the salon and I had the privilege of being asked to do hair for a beautiful wedding, which took me interstate to  look after all of the groomsmen and some of the guests and family, always nice to be part of such a special day and be creative out of the salon.

Hair shedding can be alarming, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more clients dealing with noticeable hair thinning, and there could be a number of reasons behind it, but one of the most common (and often overlooked) is hormonal changes.

Hormones & Hair: What’s Going On?

Perimenopause, postpartum, changes in medication, and even certain weight loss drugs can all disrupt the natural hair growth cycle.

One condition I’m seeing more frequently is Loose Anagen Syndrome; where the hair root weakens and sheds easily over time. It’s often triggered or worsened by factors like stress, low iron, illness, medications (especially hormone-related), and surgery.

Another common type of hair loss is Female Pattern Hair Loss, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia. It affects up to 40% of women at some point in their lives and can even begin as early as the teenage years. It’s often slow and progressive, leading to more noticeable thinning over time, particularly through the part line and crown.

GLP-1 Drugs & Hair Loss

Many women are now using GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic or Wegovy) to support weight loss or manage metabolic health. While they can be very effective, these drugs sometimes lead to nutritional deficiencies and sudden weight loss, both of which can trigger or accelerate hair shedding. If you’re using one of these medications and noticing changes in your hair, it’s worth addressing this early with professional support.

What Can You Do About It?

The good news? There are treatment options — and things you can do at home or in the salon — that can help slow, stabilise, or even reverse (to a degree) the symptoms:

Treatment Options:

Topical Minoxidil (available at chemists) can help stimulate the growth phase of hair. It works for about 40% of users, but needs to be used consistently and indefinitely. Oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone are prescription options to discuss with your GP.

Saw Palmetto is a natural supplement that helps block DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss and can shrink the hair follicle ). Actyva P Factor treatments are rich in antioxidants and support the scalp microbiome.

Lifestyle & Nutritional Support:

Hair loss often reflects what’s happening inside. As always, we need to go back to the basics:

Eat enough protein (your hair is made of it!) and plenty of fibre. Focus on antioxidants, vitamins and minerals especially zinc, iron, and vitamin D. Move your body every day, manage stress (breathwork or meditation helps), and prioritise sleep.

Hydration matters, especially in winter when we tend to sip more tea and coffee than water. Get outside in the daylight, natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and supports vitamin D production, which is vital for healthy hair growth.

In-Salon & At-Home Care:

While your body does the healing, I can help manage the cosmetic side of things. That means:

Personalised advice on professional antioxidant shampoos, scalp conditioners and serums. Don't waste your money on hair and scalp supplements if you have not had a deficiency diagnosed, these are often not at the correct dosage to make a difference and can have adverse effects on your body and wallet!

Styling that works with your current density and minimises stress on fragile hair.

Colour management that avoids unnecessary damage and helps keep your hair looking its best.

Reassurance

Because often, this is temporary, and knowing you're supported makes a huge difference.

Be gentle with your hair.

Don’t be afraid to wash it daily if using professional products. Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh brushing, or excessive heat tools. Brush gently every day to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp.

And finally, stress really does matter. Chronic stress hormones like cortisol and CRH have been shown to impact the hair cycle by pushing follicles into a resting (shedding) phase. But the encouraging news is, this effect is reversible. Supporting your body with peptides, stress reduction, and mindful routines can help bring the follicles back to life.

If this sounds like what you’re going through, please don’t panic, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help. Let’s chat at your next appointment and work out the best plan for you. Your hair can recover, and together, we’ll get it back on track.

Love as always,

Andrea.