Everyone loses hair every day. Here is how to tell normal shedding from a problem that needs attention.
Losing 50–100 hairs a day is normal. Hair also sheds more after illness, childbirth, crash dieting or a stressful period. But some patterns are worth a proper check.
See a doctor if you notice
- Visibly thinning hair or a widening parting
- Hair coming out in clumps
- Round bald patches
- Itchy, red or scaly scalp
- Hair fall for more than three months
Common causes
- Low iron, vitamin D or protein intake
- Thyroid problems or hormonal changes
- Stress and poor sleep
- Scalp infections and dandruff
- Genetics (pattern hair loss)
What helps
Treatment works best when the cause is found first: blood tests, a scalp examination and a plan that may include medicines, nutrition and in-clinic therapy. Hair grows slowly, so expect to judge progress over months, not weeks.
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