Last updated: 3 September 2026
Hair shedding is common, but persistent shedding or visible thinning can have many different causes. Genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional problems, illness, stress, medications and scalp conditions can all play a role. This guide explains the basics without promising a miracle cure.
Common Causes of Hair Fall
- Pattern hair loss: Genetic sensitivity to androgens can gradually miniaturize follicles, producing a receding hairline, crown thinning or a wider part.
- Telogen effluvium: Illness, major stress, rapid weight loss, surgery or other physical stressors can temporarily increase shedding.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and postpartum changes, thyroid disorders and some hormonal conditions can affect shedding.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Low iron stores and other nutritional problems can contribute to hair loss in some people.
- Scalp conditions: Persistent itching, scaling, inflammation or infection can affect the scalp and hair.
- Hair damage: Frequent bleaching, tight hairstyles and excessive heat can cause breakage that may look like hair loss.
Does DHT Cause Hair Loss?
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is important in androgenetic, or pattern, hair loss. In genetically susceptible follicles, androgen signalling can progressively shorten the growth phase and miniaturize the follicle. However, DHT is not the explanation for every type of hair shedding. The right treatment depends on the cause.
Minoxidil, Natural Ingredients and Hair Oils
Minoxidil is a medicine with evidence for certain forms of pattern hair loss. It is not appropriate for every cause of shedding, and some people experience scalp irritation or an initial increase in shedding. Significant or unexplained hair loss should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
Botanical ingredients such as rosemary oil and saw palmetto are popular in cosmetic hair-care products. Some early or limited studies are interesting, but their evidence base is not equivalent to established medical treatments. They should not be presented as guaranteed replacements for medical therapy.
Hair oils can condition the hair and reduce dryness, but conditioning the hair shaft is different from treating the underlying cause of follicle miniaturization.
What About Water-Based Scalp Serums?
A water-based leave-on serum can be a convenient cosmetic format for delivering scalp-care ingredients without the heavier feel of a traditional oil treatment. Whether a serum helps with a particular type of hair loss depends on its ingredients, concentrations, formulation and the underlying cause of the shedding.
When comparing products, look for a complete ingredient list, clear usage instructions, responsible claims and transparent information about the manufacturer. A pleasant, non-greasy texture can make a routine easier to follow, but texture alone does not prove hair regrowth.
A Sensible Hair-Care Routine
- Keep the scalp clean: Choose a shampoo that suits your scalp and wash as often as needed for oil, sweat and buildup.
- Reduce avoidable damage: Limit very high heat, aggressive brushing, repeated bleaching and chronically tight hairstyles.
- Eat adequately: Prioritize sufficient protein and a varied diet. Avoid high-dose supplements without a reason.
- Use leave-on products consistently: If you choose a cosmetic scalp serum, follow the manufacturer's directions and give the routine enough time to judge whether it suits you.
- Track the change: Take a scalp photo under similar lighting every 4 weeks.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
- Sudden or severe shedding
- Round or clearly defined bald patches
- Rapidly progressing thinning
- Scalp pain, redness, sores or significant scaling
- Hair loss accompanied by other new symptoms
- Hair loss that continues despite sensible hair care
A dermatologist can examine the scalp, identify the likely pattern of hair loss and decide whether tests or medical treatment are appropriate.
Where Does iGrow Fit?
iGrow Water-Based Scalp Growth Serum by makeU is a cosmetic, leave-on scalp serum for people who prefer a lightweight, non-greasy hair-care routine. Its formula includes rosemary essential oil, caffeine, saw palmetto extract, pumpkin seed oil, biotin, niacinamide, peppermint, tea tree, argan oil and vitamin E.
iGrow is a cosmetic hair-care product and should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment for alopecia or as a substitute for diagnosis and medical care.
View iGrow Water-Based Scalp Growth Serum
Key Takeaways
- Hair fall has many possible causes; DHT explains some, not all.
- There is no single shampoo, oil or serum that is right for every type of hair loss.
- Evidence matters more than aggressive marketing claims.
- Consistency, gentle hair care and realistic expectations are more useful than constantly changing products.
- Persistent, sudden or patchy hair loss deserves professional assessment.