Causes and myths regarding hair loss and thinning

Common causes of hair thinning and loss include stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle habits. While social media trends suggest adding vitamin B1 (thiamine) to shampoo to improve hair health, there is insufficient evidence that topical application can stop hair loss or activate follicles. If used, it is recommended to mix a small amount with shampoo immediately before washing rather than adding it to the entire bottle to avoid affecting product stability.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, losing 50 to 100 strands of hair daily is considered normal. Factors that can exacerbate loss include excessive use of heat styling tools, chemical treatments, and certain medications such as blood thinners, acne medications high in vitamin A, and steroids. Nutritional factors, specifically deficiencies in iron and protein, are also significant contributors to hair health and volume.