Understanding hair loss: causes, types, and what you can do
The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), driven by genetics and the hormone DHT — but hormonal shifts, stress, and medical conditions also play a major role.
Hair loss (alopecia) is the partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp or body, most commonly caused by genetics, hormonal changes, stress, or medical conditions. It affects over 50% of men and nearly 40% of women at some point in their lives. While hair loss can feel isolating, understanding its root causes is the first step toward effective treatment. Below, we break down the most common causes — from androgenetic alopecia to stress-related shedding — and explain what science-backed solutions exist today.
What causes pattern baldness?
Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide, affecting both men and women. It is driven by genetics and the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink progressively over time [1].
In men, pattern baldness typically presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. Women more often experience diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp. Because the condition is hereditary, it tends to run in families, with hormonal changes and ageing accelerating its progression.
While there is no complete cure, treatments can effectively slow or even reverse hair loss. Hairgenetix at-home hair mesotherapy delivers copper peptides (GHK-Cu) directly to the scalp via micro-needle injections — nourishing follicles at the root, stimulating growth, and reviving dormant follicles [2, 3].
How do hormonal changes cause hair loss?
Hormonal imbalances are the second most common cause of hair loss, particularly in women. Shifts in oestrogen, progesterone, and DHT levels disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing follicles into premature resting phases.
The most common hormonal triggers include:
- Menopause: Reduced oestrogen causes follicle miniaturisation and visible thinning.
- Postpartum shedding: After childbirth, falling pregnancy hormones trigger telogen effluvium — temporary but often dramatic shedding.
- PCOS: Elevated androgens in polycystic ovary syndrome cause scalp thinning alongside excess body hair.
- Thyroid disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism disrupt follicle cycling, leading to diffuse hair loss.
Can stress cause hair loss?
Yes — stress is a well-documented trigger for hair loss, primarily through a condition called telogen effluvium. High levels of physical or emotional stress push large numbers of hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously, causing noticeable shedding 2–4 months after the stressful event [4].
Prolonged stress can also worsen existing androgenetic alopecia and compromise scalp health through increased cortisol and inflammation.
The good news: stress-induced hair loss is usually temporary and reversible. Managing stress through sleep, nutrition, and relaxation helps restore the natural growth cycle. For persistent stress-related thinning, Hairgenetix copper peptide mesotherapy repairs follicle damage and accelerates recovery.
What are the other common causes of hair loss?
Beyond genetics, hormones, and stress, several other conditions commonly cause hair loss:
- Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
- Traction alopecia: Hair loss from prolonged tension or pulling — tight hairstyles, extensions, or braids.
- Scalp conditions: Psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and fungal infections that inflame the scalp and hinder growth.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Low iron, protein, biotin, zinc, or vitamin D weaken hair and slow growth [5].
- Medications: Certain drugs — including chemotherapy, blood thinners, and retinoids — cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Heat and chemical damage: Overuse of styling tools, bleaching, and harsh chemicals weaken and break hair shafts.
Many of these conditions respond well to targeted treatment. Hairgenetix at-home mesotherapy delivers peptides and growth factors directly to follicles, with clinical-grade ingredients proven to repair damage and restore healthy growth [2, 6].
Hair loss at a glance: causes, symptoms, and treatments
| Cause | Key symptoms | Who it affects | Treatment options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Androgenetic alopecia | Receding hairline, crown thinning (men); diffuse thinning (women) | 50%+ of men, 40% of women | Copper peptide mesotherapy, minoxidil, finasteride |
| Hormonal changes | Diffuse thinning, excessive shedding | Women (menopause, postpartum, PCOS) | Hormone therapy, peptide treatments, nutrition |
| Telogen effluvium (stress) | Sudden diffuse shedding 2–4 months after trigger | Men and women equally | Stress management, mesotherapy, time |
| Alopecia areata | Round, smooth bald patches | 2% of population, any age | Corticosteroids, immunotherapy, peptides |
| Nutritional deficiency | Brittle hair, slow growth, diffuse thinning | Those with low iron, zinc, biotin, or vitamin D | Diet correction, supplementation, topical nourishment |
| Traction alopecia | Thinning at hairline or parting from tension | Those wearing tight hairstyles | Style change, follicle repair treatments |
How can you combat hair loss effectively?
Hairgenetix is a Dutch biotech brand pioneering at-home hair mesotherapy — micro-needle delivery of clinical-grade copper peptides (GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu) directly into the scalp.
Our approach combines the latest in peptide science with proven mesotherapy technique. Rather than working against the body, Hairgenetix harnesses its natural regenerative processes: copper peptides activate stem cells in the hair follicle bulge, increase blood flow to the dermal papilla, and extend the anagen (growth) phase [2, 3].
The result: thicker, stronger hair regrowth — without surgery, without clinics, from the comfort of your home.
Frequently asked questions about hair loss
What are the main causes of hair loss?
The most common causes are androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), hormonal changes, stress-related telogen effluvium, autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, nutritional deficiencies, and physical damage from styling. Genetics and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) are the primary drivers in the majority of cases.
How do copper peptides help with hair loss?
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) stimulate hair growth by activating stem cells in the follicle bulge, increasing blood flow to the dermal papilla, reducing scalp inflammation, and extending the anagen (active growth) phase. Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm their ability to increase hair follicle size and promote thicker regrowth.
What is the difference between GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is the most studied copper peptide with broad regenerative properties. AHK-Cu (alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper) is a newer peptide specifically optimised for hair growth stimulation. Hairgenetix uses both in its Advanced Hair Growth Serum for maximum effect.
How does at-home mesotherapy work?
At-home mesotherapy uses a professional-grade meso-pen with fine micro-needles (0.5–1.5mm) to deliver active ingredients directly into the scalp's dermal layer. This bypasses the skin barrier, achieving up to 80% higher absorption than topical application alone. The micro-channels created also trigger the body's natural wound-healing response, further stimulating follicle activity.
How long until I see results from Hairgenetix?
Most users notice reduced shedding within 4–6 weeks and visible new growth within 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Full results typically develop over 3–6 months as dormant follicles reactivate and complete a full growth cycle. Individual results vary depending on the cause and severity of hair loss.
Is Hairgenetix safe for all hair types?
Yes. Hairgenetix products are formulated without minoxidil, finasteride, parabens, or sulphates. The copper peptide formulation is suitable for all hair types, textures, and colours. It is safe for both men and women. As with any treatment, those with active scalp infections or open wounds should consult a healthcare provider first.
Is stress-related hair loss permanent?
No — stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium) is typically temporary and fully reversible. Once the stress trigger is resolved, most people see full regrowth within 6–12 months. Targeted treatments like copper peptide mesotherapy can accelerate the recovery process significantly.
Which types of hair loss can Hairgenetix treat?
Hairgenetix is effective for androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), telogen effluvium (stress-related), traction alopecia, nutritional deficiency-related thinning, and general age-related hair thinning. For autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, it can be used as a complementary treatment alongside medical care. It is not intended for hair loss caused by active chemotherapy.
Scientific references
- Dhurat R, et al. (2013). "A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia." International Journal of Trichology, 5(1), 6–11. PubMed 23960389
- Pickart L, et al. (2012). "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration." BioMed Research International, 2012. PubMed 23013863
- Pickart L, Margolina A. (2018). "Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7), 1987. PubMed 29986520
- Xu Z, et al. (2024). "The Role of Copper Peptide GHK-Cu in Hair Regeneration." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. PubMed 39228114
- Kim SJ, et al. (2024). "Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss: A Systematic Review." Dermatology and Therapy. PubMed 38499874
- Pyo HK, et al. (2021). "Effects of Copper Tripeptide on Hair Growth." Annals of Dermatology, 33(2), 97–109. PubMed 33911771
- Pei S, et al. (2024). "Microneedling for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. PubMed 38722751
- Gupta AK, et al. (2022). "Microneedling for hair loss." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. PubMed 35312143
Content reviewed by Dr. Esther Bodde, MD — Last updated March 2026
