Seeing hair on your pillow or in the shower drain can be worrying. Some shedding is completely normal, but when it increases or you notice thinning, it is worth finding out why. At our hair treatment clinic, treatment always begins by looking for the cause.
What is normal?
Most people lose around 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the natural hair cycle. Shedding that is clearly more than usual, or that goes on for more than a few weeks, deserves attention.
Common causes of hair fall
- Stress and illness: fever, surgery, major stress or sudden weight loss can push many hairs into the shedding phase a few months later.
- Nutrition: low iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12 or protein intake can weaken hair.
- Hormonal and thyroid problems: thyroid disorders and conditions such as PCOS commonly affect hair density.
- Genetics: pattern hair loss runs in families and shows as a widening parting or receding hairline.
- After pregnancy: many women notice heavy shedding a few months after delivery.
- Scalp problems: dandruff, fungal infection or inflammation of the scalp.
- Hair habits: tight hairstyles, frequent heat styling and harsh chemical treatments.
When should you see a doctor?
- Hair fall that is sudden, heavy or lasts more than a few weeks.
- Round patches of hair loss.
- Thinning at the crown or a widening parting.
- An itchy, painful or flaky scalp.
- Hair loss along with tiredness, weight change or irregular periods.
How the cause is found
Your doctor will ask about your health, diet, family history and routine, examine the scalp and hair, and may advise blood tests. Treatment is then chosen to suit the cause.
Treatment options
Depending on the diagnosis, options can include medicines, nutritional correction, scalp treatments, PRP, mesotherapy, GFC and, in suitable cases, hair transplantation. Results vary from person to person, and early treatment generally gives better outcomes.
Simple things you can do at home
- Eat balanced meals with enough protein, and ask your doctor before taking supplements.
- Be gentle when combing wet hair and avoid very tight hairstyles.
- Limit heat styling and harsh chemical treatments.
- Keep the scalp clean and treat dandruff early.