Hair Loss + Confidence: Real Talk, Causes, and Treatments

Hair Loss + Confidence: Real Talk, Causes, and Treatments

Let’s talk about something emotional: hair loss. We’ve covered this before, but Velia is passionate about it and I brought a few new questions so we could go deeper—especially on the emotional impact, the common (non-genetic) causes, and what modern treatments realistically do.

 

Why Hair Loss Hits So Hard

Hair is part of our identity. When it changes, it can feel like our face and whole vibe change with it—hello, “bad bangs day.” We still picture the “teenage” version of ourselves and expect the mirror to match. Everyone will lose some hair—yes, all of us—yet we don’t talk enough about the psychological side. For years, hair loss convo centered on men (receding hairlines, Bosley, Rogaine), but women experience it too. Even if it’s not a big bald spot, thinning at the hairline or crown can shake self-esteem and confidence.

The truth you tell yourself matters. If your internal belief is “I’m not attractive,” hair loss can amplify that. But hair changes don’t automatically mean you’re old or unhealthy. Long, shiny hair ≠ the only definition of health. Women commonly notice shedding starting in the mid-30s, and by the 40s, it’s more noticeable—often tied to hormone shifts (perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause).

And yes, post-illness shedding is real. After COVID, many noticed increased loss. It’s disruptive and can make you paranoid—especially if you’re growing your hair out and suddenly feel like you’re losing progress.

Bottom line: 

it’s normal, it’s expected, and you’re not alone. Stressing about it can make it worse—so working on the mindset piece helps.

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Thanks for being here weekly and sharing this with a friend who needs it. Your support means everything. 

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Common Causes of Hair Loss (Besides Genetics)

We do a genetics deep dive in Episode 22, but here are the non-genetic causes we see most:

  • Hormone changes (pregnancy, peri/menopause): Often androgenic alopecia—diffuse thinning, frequently more visible at the hairline/top. Post-pregnancy recession can be temporary as hormones rebalance.

  • Telogen effluvium: Hair that should be in the anagen (growth) phase prematurely shifts to telogen (shedding). Triggers include stress, nutritional deficiencies, illness (like COVID), and starting/stopping meds. The good news: when the trigger stops, it typically regrows.

  • Nutritional gaps: Make sure you’re getting iron, zinc, biotin (B7), vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3s, and enough protein (hair is protein; you need the building blocks).

  • Autoimmune (Alopecia areata): Round, well-defined bald patches. It’s emotional and shocking when you first see it. See a dermatologist—corticosteroid injections can help.

  • Traction alopecia (tight braids/ponytails over time): Often reversible if you stop the pulling early. If inflammation leads to scarring, regrowth may not happen. 

Tip: Sleep with a loose braid/low loose pony or use a bonnet, not a tight pony or topknot.

What Actually Helps (Realistic Treatments)

Medical options (talk to your doctor):

  • Minoxidil (topical or pill): Encourages “sleeping” follicles to return to growth. Topical targets the scalp; the pill is systemic and may increase hair in other places (some women notice facial fuzz). Results vary but many see improvement.

  • Finasteride (Propecia): Primarily for men; sometimes used in postmenopausal women if Minoxidil isn’t enough. Not for childbearing-age women.

  • Spironolactone: A diuretic/blood-pressure med that can block androgens off-label; sometimes helpful with androgenic hair loss.

  • Dermatology procedures:

    • PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to stimulate follicles.

    • Corticosteroid injections for alopecia areata (number of sessions varies).

    • Hair transplant options for appropriate candidates.

Holistic/home care (supportive, not miracle cures):

  • Rosemary + castor oil can support healthier growth in follicles that are already producing hair (not wake fully dormant follicles). Massage can boost scalp circulation.

  • How to use oils safely: Apply 30 minutes before shampoo (not overnight) to avoid feeding scalp fungus (which naturally lives on the scalp).

  • Derma stamping (a lighter, at-home version of microneedling): creates micro-perforations to help product penetration and circulation. Ask a pro or med spa about safe protocols.

Gentle Daily Habits That Matter

  • Prioritize protein and the micronutrients above.

  • Manage stress (it really impacts shedding).

  • Be kind to your scalp: avoid chronic tension styles.

  • Track patterns (shed amount, new meds, illness) so you can connect dots.

  • And truly—don’t compare your 2025 hair to your 2015 hair. Care for what you have now.

  • Something that is wonderful for scalps is my Japanese Scalp Massage service for those in the Bay Area or visiting the Bay Area.

If this episode helped, please like, share, and subscribe—and send it to a friend who’s navigating the same thing. You’re not alone here. 💗

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