Hair loss can be a very distressing and frustrating experience. There are many potential causes of hair loss, and each person experiences it in a unique way. Some common causes of hair loss include: genetics, electrolysis, cancer, scalp problems (e.g., dandruff or psoriasis), medications (e.g., chemotherapy or birth control pills), hairstyles that pull on the hair (especially those with tight bands), excessive heat exposure (from using a hairdryer or using a hot iron on the scalp), and stress.