Hair Loss Naturopath Brisbane
Excessive hair loss is a sign of something deeper – work with a naturopath to discover your ‘root cause’ to support healthy, stronger hair.
About Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common issue I see in clinic – and often people coming into clinic haven’t been thoroughly assessed for underlying drivers.
Hair loss may be obvious, as seen via bald patches that are occurring in alopecia areata, or it can be subtle, as seen via the diffuse hair loss occurring in telogen effluvium (Phillips et al., 2017).
Both men and women experience hair thinning or shedding due to a variety of internal and external factors, with the three top causes I have noticed being nutrient deficiencies, hormone fluctuations, and anything causing inflammation!
Naturopathic care looks beyond the surface, addressing the root causes of hair loss to support regrowth, improve hair quality, and restore confidence naturally.
Causes of Hair Loss
First, you need to identify if you have hair loss, as there is some confusion about how much hair you should lose. The ‘pull test’ can have false interpretations, and is difficult to standardise, but is a commonly used ‘test’. It is where you grab 40-60 hairs at the base of your thump, and you apply gentle traction away from the scalp. A positive result is when more than 10% of hairs (4-6) are pulled from the scalp; implying active hair shedding (Phillips et al., 2017).
There are different types of Hair Loss, with different causes being discussed in the American Family Physician in an article written by Phillips et al., in 2017:
| Type | Features | Causes |
| Alopecia araeta | Acute, patchy hair lossShort, vellus hairs, yellow or black dots, broken hair shafts A common concurrent symptom is pitting of the nails Usually gradual onset | Autoimmune – autoimmune conditions are driven by diet, emotional & physiological stress, stealth infections, change in gut microbiota & nutrient deficiencies |
| Alopecia totalis | Hair loss over the entire body | Autoimmune – autoimmune conditions are driven by diet, emotional & physiological stress, stealth infections, change in gut microbiota & nutrient deficiencies |
| Anagen effluvium | Diffuse hair loss from days to weeks, this occurs in the anagen phase of hair growth | Starts after a chemotherapeutic agent, this impairs the metabolic activity of the hair follicle. Most commonly associated with cyclophosphamide, nitrosoureas, and doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Other causative medications include tamoxifen, allopurinol, levodopa, bromocriptine (Parlodel), and toxins such as bismuth, arsenic, and gold. Other medical and inflammatory conditions, such as mycosis fungoides or pemphigus vulgaris, can lead to anagen effluvium. |
| Androgenetic alopeica | Family history of hair loss that is gradually progressive In men: starts in the frontal and vertex salp Women: starts with diffuse hair thinning of the frontal hair line Usually gradual | Hormonal imbalances – both men & women can be affected by this. |
| Telogen effluvium | Clumps of hair comes out in the shower, or in the hair brush, this is considered a nonscarring, noninflammatory form of alopecia – usually an abrupt onset, and it occurs when large numbers of hairs enter the telogen phase and fall out three to five months after a physiologic or emotional stressor. | Strong association with stress – physiological, or emotional – such as chronic illness, pregnancy, surgery, high fevers, nutrient deficiencies, infections, endocrine issues..Medications have also been correlated; such as retinoids, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, beta blockers, antithyroid medications and OCP. |
| Tinea capitis | Patchy alopecia with or without scaling; crusts, erosions, and redness suggest an infection Concurrent symptoms include inflamed lymph nodes, and pruritis/itching. A skin scraping can confirm infection. | Caused by a dermatophyte infection; risk factors include household exposure, contaminated hats/brushes/hair dressing equipment, as well as animals |
| Trichorrhexis nodosa | Hair breakage secondary to trauma; either at the hair follicle or anywhere on the hair itself. The hair is dry looking. | Consider excessive brushing, heat application, hairstyles pulling on hair, conditions that cause excessive scalp scratching |
| Trichotillomania | Patches of alopecia, usually starting in the front and progressing backwards, sometimes the eyelashes & eyebrows are included | This is an impulse-control disorder - Patients with this condition consciously or unconsciously pull, twist, or twirl their hair. There is a strong correlation with stress and/or psychiatric conditions |
Naturopathic Hair Loss Treatment
Naturopathic treatment for hair loss focuses on understanding and addressing the root cause, rather than masking symptoms. To understand the root cause, a thorough health history is discussed in our initial consultation, and often further investigations are recommended to evaluate gut health, hormones, nutrient status and inflammation.
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
We start with a comprehensive assessment of your hair, overall health, diet, lifestyle, and stress levels. Understanding your unique situation helps create a personalised plan.
Common Contributing Factors – often people have multiple
| Gut health | Imbalances in the gut microbiome can drive systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may weaken hair follicles and contribute to shedding. Poor digestive function can also reduce absorption of key nutrients such as zinc, iron, and protein essential for hair growth (Sivamaruthi et al., 2020; Rinaldi et al., 2018). |
| Hormonal imbalance | Thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, elevated androgens (such as testosterone or DHT), and post-partum hormonal changes are common causes of hair loss in women and men (Phillips et al., 2017). |
| Nutrient deficiencies | Low levels of iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, essential fatty acids, and protein are strongly associated with impaired keratin production and poor hair integrity (Malkud, 2015; Almohanna et al., 2019). |
| Stress and adrenal issues | Chronic psychological or physical stress can shift the hair cycle into the telogen (shedding) phase through increased cortisol and inflammatory signalling (Arck et al., 2011). |
| Autoimmune conditions | In conditions such as alopecia areata, immune dysregulation is often influenced by gut health and chronic stress, both of which can perpetuate inflammatory cascades affecting the follicle (Rossi et al., 2020). |
| Scalp and hair health | Fungal or bacterial overgrowth, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp inflammation can compromise follicular function and hinder regrowth. |
| Medications and medical treatments | Certain medications, including chemotherapy agents, hormonal therapies, and some antidepressants, can cause temporary or chronic hair loss (Phillips et al., 2017). |
| Lifestyle and environmental factors | Poor diet quality, sleep deprivation, smoking, and toxin exposure increase oxidative stress and nutrient depletion, further affecting scalp and follicular health. |
Step 2 – Testing & Investigation
Testing may include nutrient panels, hormone assessments, gut health analysis, or scalp and hair follicle evaluations. These insights guide targeted interventions.
Common tests/investigations
| Gut health | A functional gut microbiome test, called a complete microbiome mapping |
| Hormonal imbalance | Pathology testing, DUTCH testing, and/or saliva hormone test |
| Nutrient deficiencies | Pathology testing, hair mineral and heavy metal analysis |
| Stress and adrenal issues | Pathology testing, DUTCH testing, and/or saliva hormone test |
| Autoimmune conditions | As autoimmune conditions have a strong correlation with gut & adrenal issues, gut microbiome testing and hormonal testing are valuable |
| Scalp and hair health | Skin scraping |
| Medications and medical treatments | We usually refer back to your medical practitioner to review medications |
| Lifestyle and environmental factors | Diet and/or lifestyle diaries, environmental questionnaires |
Step 3 – Individualised Treatment Plan
Treatment is different for everyone, as you now know everyone will have different drivers! Treatment will depend on your health history, and investigative findings.
Common treatments involve:
- Gut microbiome protocols to reduce inflammation, improve the gut & scalp microbiome, and improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Nutritional and dietary strategies to support hair growth and overall health, and to correct any nutritional deficiencies.
- Targeted supplementation, dietary interventions & lifestyle interventions for hormonal balance.
- Scalp care and lifestyle strategies to reduce inflammation and stress
Step 4 – Ongoing Support
Follow-up consultations allow us to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and provide continued guidance to support hair regrowth and long-term scalp and hair health. A monthly consultation is often recommended.
A general rule of thumb for strengthening the hair shaft is a treatment of 3-5 months.
Your Hair Loss Questions Answered
Do you need to see me in person?
No, my clinic is in Brisbane and if you are unable to travel or prefer an online consultation, I provide this service Australia-Wide.
Can hair loss be reversed naturally?
Yes, in many cases. Addressing underlying causes such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or stress can improve hair regrowth and quality.
How long does it take to see results?
Hair grows slowly, so it may take 3–6 months to notice visible improvements, with continued progress over 6–12 months.
Are certain supplements effective for hair loss?
Yes. Supplements are chosen based on testing and your individual needs, targeting deficiencies and supporting hair follicle health.
Can men and women benefit equally from naturopathic care?
Absolutely. While the causes may differ, both men and women can benefit from personalised approaches to reduce shedding and improve hair density.
Does stress really affect hair loss?
Yes. Chronic stress impacts hormone balance and hair growth cycles, contributing to shedding or thinning.
Why Naturopathy and Why Choose Us?
Accredited & Experienced Practitioner
You’re in safe hands. As a fully accredited naturopath in Brisbane, I follow professional standards and stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in natural medicine. Your care is guided by expertise and integrity.
Personalised Treatments From A Practitioner That Truly Cares
We understand that health journeys are personal and sometimes challenging. We take the time to listen, understand your unique situation, and provide compassionate, holistic support tailored specifically to you.
Evidence-Based, Results-Oriented Treatments
Our recommendations are grounded in scientific evidence and clinical experience. We combine the wisdom of natural medicine with modern research to create treatments that are safe, effective, and targeted to your individual needs.
Restore your scalp and hair health naturally
REFERENCES:
Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: A review. Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), 51–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
Arck, P. C., Handjiski, B., Peters, E. M., et al. (2011). Stress inhibits hair growth by induction of premature catagen and telogen. American Journal of Pathology, 160(2), 491–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9440(10)62276-8
Malkud, S. (2015). Telogen effluvium: A review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(9), WE01–WE03. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2015/15219.6529
Phillips, T. G., Slomiany, W. P., & Allison, R. (2017). Hair loss: Common causes and treatment. American Family Physician, 96(6), 371–378. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0915/p371.html
Rinaldi, F., Trink, A., & Sorbellini, E. (2018). The role of inflammation in hair loss: New insights and therapeutic targets. International Journal of Trichology, 10(4), 143–150. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_89_18
Rossi, A., Muscianese, M., & Fortuna, M. C. (2020). Alopecia areata: A review of the pathogenetic hypothesis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 31(5), 478–490. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2019.1635027
Sivamaruthi, B. S., Kesika, P., & Chaiyasut, C. (2020). The role of probiotics in hair health. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(11), 2820–2825. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13577