The causes of hair loss are: If you are allergic to a particular hair product, for example a shampoo or use a hair colour which contains chemicals then it can damage your hair. Overuse of these products can also cause problems as they tend to cause a buildup in your hair over a period of time. This causes your hair to become stiff (or like ‘needles’), dry, brittle or prone to breakage, or split ends. They can strip out essential oils and nutrients from your hair which helps to keep it lubricated and healthy.