Everyone sheds hair every day, so how do you know when shedding is more than normal? This guide explains typical shedding, signs that it may be excessive, common causes, and when to see a doctor.
Normal shedding
Hair follicles cycle through growth, transition and rest, and resting hairs shed to make way for new growth. Losing roughly 50 to 100 hairs a day is commonly cited as normal, and you may notice more on wash days or after brushing out long or textured hair. Shed hairs often have a small white bulb at the root, which is normal.
Signs shedding may be excessive
- Noticeably more hair in the shower, on the pillow or in your brush than usual
- A ponytail that feels thinner
- More visible scalp or a widening part
- Shedding that continues for many months
Shedding vs breakage vs thinning
- Shedding: whole hairs fall out from the root.
- Breakage: hairs snap along the shaft, often from heat, chemicals or friction.
- Thinning: hairs grow back finer over time, as in pattern hair loss, sometimes without much noticeable shedding.
Common causes of increased shedding
- Stress, illness, surgery or childbirth, causing telogen effluvium. See telogen effluvium.
- Low iron or thyroid problems
- Rapid weight loss
- Starting or stopping certain medications, including hormonal contraception
- Starting minoxidil. See minoxidil shedding.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if shedding lasts more than a few months, if you see patchy bald spots, scalp pain, redness or scarring, or if you have symptoms such as fatigue, weight change or palpitations. Blood tests for iron and thyroid are common first steps.
Next step
If you want a licensed provider to review your hair loss, start your online consultation.
Prescription required for prescription treatment. A licensed provider decides whether treatment is appropriate. Individual results vary. Prescribed Essence currently serves patients in California, Colorado, Florida and New York.
