What is hair loss? A simple explanation of a complex process

Wat is haaruitval? Simpele uitleg van een complex proces

Why Hair Loss Affects So Many People

Hair loss is something almost everyone experiences at some point. Sometimes very gradually, sometimes clearly visible when your hairline changes or your hair appears less full. It can cause insecurity, precisely because it is often unclear what exactly is happening.

However, hair loss is not a mystery: your hair follows a biological cycle that sometimes gets out of balance. Understanding how it works makes it easier to recognize hair loss and take targeted action.

In this blog, we provide a simple, scientifically-backed explanation of what hair loss is, what happens in the hair root, and why this topic is relevant for anyone who wants to gain more control over their hair growth.

What happens during hair loss?

The hair growth cycle explained

Every hair grows according to a fixed cycle:

  1. Growth phase (anagen) – the period when the hair is actively growing.

  2. Transition phase (catagen) – a short phase when growth stops.

  3. Resting phase (telogen) – the hair falls out and makes way for new growth.

You lose 50–120 hairs daily; this is completely normal. Hair loss only becomes visible when the cycle is disrupted. This mainly happens when the growth phase shortens or when the hair follicle becomes smaller, causing new hairs to grow back thinner.

In short: hair loss is the result of a shift in the balance between hair shedding and returning hair growth.

Why this is relevant for hair loss

In most people, hereditary sensitivity to DHT plays a significant role. DHT can cause hair follicles to gradually shrink (miniaturization). The hairs become thinner, lighter, and shorter until they are barely visible.

But hair loss almost never has a single cause. These factors also play a role:

  • stress and reduced sleep quality

  • nutrition and micronutrients

  • scalp health

  • medication or hormonal influences

  • inflammation or skin irritation

This combination ultimately determines how quickly hair loss occurs and what its pattern looks like. Most men first notice this as more visible receding temples, a thinning crown, or decreasing volume.

What is often misunderstood

Many people think that hair loss means the hair follicle is "dead." In most cases, this is not true. The activity is reduced, but the hair follicle often still functions. This is an important insight because it means that support remains possible — especially when you still see thin or fine hairs.

A second misconception is that results should be visible quickly. Hair roots react slowly. Scientific studies show that improvements often only become visible after 8–12 weeks. This is not a disappointment, but simply how biology works. Consistency is therefore crucial.

Hairborn® perspective

From this explanation, you can understand that hair loss originates in the hair root — and that precisely there, support is needed. That's why Hairborn® works with scientifically researched ingredients that address the core mechanisms behind hair loss: stimulation of the growth phase, support of the hair root, and improvement of scalp condition.

Our formulas are developed in the Netherlands and produced in the EU according to strict quality standards. We are transparent about what you can and cannot expect. No miracle cures, no unrealistic promises.

Every body reacts differently, and results vary per person, but a targeted and consistently applied approach can indeed make a visible difference. That is the basis of Hairborn®: honest, thorough, and scientifically substantiated.

Start now

Do you want to start a routine that addresses the biological causes of hair loss?

Discover the Hairborn® GROWTH SERUM, developed with proven ingredients and suitable for daily use.

Start now with Hairborn® GROWTH SERUM

Want to know more?

Check out our knowledge base for accessible explanations about hair growth, routines, and ingredients.

Read more in the knowledge base

Mini-FAQ

Is it normal to lose hair every day?

Yes. Losing 50–120 hairs daily is part of a healthy hair growth cycle.

When should I take action?

The sooner you start, the greater the chance of retaining existing hair. Waiting usually makes the process more difficult.

Can hair follicles recover?

In many cases, yes, as long as they are still active. Thin or fine hairs are a sign that the hair follicle is still responsive.