Losing hair is a normal occurrence for women. Those strands of hair you see on your comb, pillows, or bathroom are totally natural. 

On average, losing 80 up to a hundred strands of hair a day is part of a healthy hair growth cycle. But anything more than that could be an underlying symptom of a bigger problem. Hair loss can be caused by many triggers that it can be challenging to identify what exactly is causing it – therefore making treating it a bit more challenging. If you’re suffering from severe hair loss, here are 8 of the most common reasons you might be losing hair:

1. Hormonal imbalance: Women are prone to hormonal imbalances that can disrupt almost everything, manifesting in skin issues, menstrual cycle irregularities, and yes, hair loss. Hormones play an important role in regulating the hair growth cycle, especially estrogen. If you have too many male hormones, known as androgen, this can lead to hair loss.
   
   
2. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism: Your thyroid glands assist in regulating your metabolism because they function in controlling how much protein is produced and how much oxygen is consumed by tissues. Any imbalance in the thyroid will therefore have an impact on your hair follicles. If hypothyroidism isn’t addressed early on, this can cause anemia, another condition that can cause hair loss.
   
   
3. Improper hygiene: Are you the type of girl who doesn’t wash her hair every single day? Some think that this habit actually leads to better hair. But if you’re starting to notice hair fall, it might not be for you. Wash your hair daily using a strengthening shampoo and conditioner to encourage hair growth.
   
   
4. Stress: It’s completely possible to be so stressed that your hair falls out, literally. Stress raises androgen levels, the male hormone, which causes your hair to fall at great amounts. Additionally, stress may result in scalp problems, wreak havoc on your eating habits, and cause issues with your digestive system. These can all have a domino effect and inhibit hair growth.
   
   
5. Too much heat styling: If your hair iron is your BFF, it might be time to take a break. Frequent use of hair irons and other heat styling tools will cause your hair to break off over time. This doesn’t mean that you can never use them again; just do so sparingly. Add some TLC into your routine with the use of a hair growth serum for added protection.
   
   
6. Vitamin deficiencies: A busy lifestyle often means that our diet is left on the backburner. But the lack of nutrients and vitamins can cause your hair to shed. Start eating a healthier diet with lots of leafy green vegetables and healthy fats to promote hair growth. Supplementing with hair vitamins can also treat hair loss.
   
   
7. Weight loss: Drastic weight loss in a short amount of time can shock your tresses. This is particularly noticeable up to 12 weeks following weight loss. Whether you have lost weight intentionally or unintentionally, this kind of dramatic change can impact your hair.
   
   
8. Aging: Women’s bodies go through many changes as we get older. Hair loss is one of the most common signs of aging, and it’s also inevitable. But if you take good care of your hair, you can reduce the amount of strands you lose or slow down hair loss.