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 looks less full. It can make you feel insecure, precisely because it is often unclear what exactly is happening.
Yet, hair loss is not a mystery: your hair follows a biological cycle that sometimes becomes unbalanced. Understanding how this works makes it easier to recognise hair loss and take targeted action.
In this blog, we provide a simple, scientifically substantiated 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:
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Growth phase (anagen) – the period when the hair actively grows.
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Transition phase (catagen) – a short phase when growth stops.
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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 happens especially when the growth phase shortens or when the hair follicle shrinks, causing new hairs to return thinner.
In short: hair loss is the result of a shift in the balance between shedding and recurring hair growth.
Why this is relevant for hair loss
For most people, hereditary sensitivity to DHT plays an important role. DHT can cause hair follicles to slowly shrink (miniaturisation). The hairs become thinner, lighter, and shorter, until they are eventually barely visible.
But hair loss almost never has a single cause. These factors also play a role:
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stress and reduced sleep quality
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nutrition and micronutrients
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scalp health
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medication or hormonal influences
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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. Its activity is reduced, but the hair follicle often still functions. This is an important insight because it means that support remains possible — especially if you still see thin or fine hairs.
A second misconception is that results should be visible quickly. Hair roots respond 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 take away that hair loss originates in the hair root — and that this is precisely where support is needed. That is 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. This is the basis of Hairborn®: honest, careful, 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 our knowledge base for accessible explanations about hair growth, routines, and ingredients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair loss hereditary from both parents, or only from your father?
Yes, the genetic predisposition for androgenetic alopecia comes from both parents, not just your father, as is often thought. Multiple genes play a role, including genes passed down through your mother's side. So, looking at your maternal grandfather's hairline does tell you something, but it's not a completely reliable predictor.
At what age does hair loss typically begin in men?
In men, androgenetic alopecia can begin as early as your 20s, although the age varies greatly from person to person. Some men only notice the first signs around their 30s or 40s, while others notice a receding hairline at a younger age. The earlier the predisposition manifests, the more important it is to address it early.
Can you not notice anything at the beginning of hair loss, even though it has already started?
Yes, that's possible. Miniaturisation of the hair follicle is a gradual process that can have been going on for months to years before it becomes visible to the naked eye. By the time you see a clear difference in the mirror, the process has often been underway for longer. That's precisely why starting early with a targeted approach can make such a difference.
Is hair loss in men different from that in women?
Yes, the pattern often differs. In men, hair loss usually starts at the hairline or crown, while women more often experience diffuse thinning across the entire scalp without a clear receding hairline. The underlying causes can also differ: in women, hormonal fluctuations and deficiencies more often play a role than in men.
Can you tell if a hair comes from the growth phase or the resting phase?
Not with the naked eye, but under a microscope, yes. Hairs in the growth phase have an intact, round hair root, while hairs that have just fallen out often have a small white bulb at the root, a sign that they have completed the resting phase. For most people, this distinction is not practically necessary to recognise.
Does hair loss have a seasonal pattern?
Yes, some people notice more hair loss in late summer and early autumn than in other seasons, a phenomenon sometimes called seasonal telogen effluvium. This is usually temporary and separate from hereditary hair loss. If increased shedding persists for longer than a few months, another cause is more likely.
Is hair loss reversible if you start early enough?
Complete reversal is rarely possible once follicles have been inactive for a long time, but the sooner you start, the more you can slow down and sometimes even partially recover. Hairborn Growth Serum, for example, is designed to be used early in that process, precisely when follicles are most receptive to support.
Can you test if your hair loss is genetic?
There are genetic tests that look for specific sensitivity markers for DHT, but these mainly provide an indication of risk, not certainty about if or when hair loss will occur. Family history remains one of the most reliable indicators in practice, even though it is not an exact science.
What is the difference between hair loss and baldness?
Hair loss is the process by which hairs thin and fall out, while baldness is the end result after that process has continued long enough without new growth. Not everyone with hair loss eventually goes bald; it depends on how far the miniaturisation of the follicle progresses and how you respond to it.
Why does the rate of hair loss vary so much between people?
The rate depends on a combination of genetic sensitivity to DHT, hormone levels, age, and lifestyle factors such as stress and nutrition. Two men with a similar family history can therefore have a very different course. This makes it difficult to provide a universal timeline, and precisely why paying early attention to your own pattern is so valuable.
