Hair Shedding
Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, where old hairs fall out to make room for new growth. Understanding the difference between normal and excessive shedding can help you maintain healthy hair and identify potential underlying issues.
What is hair shedding?
Hair shedding is the natural process by which the body loses hair from the scalp and other parts of the body. It's a normal part of the hair growth cycle, where old hairs fall out to make way for new growth. Problems arise when the body begins to excessively shed hair. This condition is known as telogen effluvium.
Normal vs excessive shedding
It's typical to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day or when you wash your hair as part of the natural shedding process. However, if you notice more hair falling out than usual, it could be a sign of telogen effluvium, where more hairs enter the telogen phase than normal.
What is the difference between hair loss and hair shedding?
Whilst hair shedding is when the body loses hair, hair loss occurs when the body stops hair from growing. Alopecia, in all its forms, is the medical term for hair loss.
What causes hair shedding?
Stress
Emotional or physical stress can push more hairs into the telogen phase.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues can affect the hair growth cycle.
Nutrition
A deficiency in key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, or protein can lead to hair shedding.
Medications
Some medications, such as those for blood pressure or depression, can cause hair shedding as a side effect.
General symptoms
General symptoms of hair shedding include:
Treatment options for hair shedding
We offer treatment plans and advice for all types of hair conditions, including hair shedding. Each of these options will depend on the severity of your hair condition and will yield varying results.
Medications
We may prescribe topical treatments like minoxidil or oral medications to combat hair shedding.
Diet improvements
Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin D, and biotin. We will advise on supplements where necessary.
Reducing stress
Practice stress management techniques like meditation or exercise. Hair health and stress management are incredibly interlinked.
General hair care advice
We will give you helpful advice on frequency of washing and products to use.
Important information
When should I see a dermatologist for hair shedding?
Contacting us early in the hair shedding stages gives you the best chance at combating the problem. If you think you are shedding excessive amounts of hair, we recommend contacting us so we can start recommending management strategies and treatment as soon as possible.
What's the first step to treating hair shedding?
The first step is to book a consultation with one of our experts. From there, we will assess your hair and scalp, reviewing the pattern and severity of your hair shedding, as well as any underlying scalp conditions. We will also consider your medical history, current medications, and any prior treatments you've undergone. Our team will then recommend the most effective treatment tailored to your needs, along with an aftercare plan aimed at promoting hair regrowth and improving overall scalp health.
Hair shedding FAQs
Whilst hair shedding is common, we understand it can be a sensitive issue. Therefore, we will suggest the best options possible to promote hair health and combat excessive shedding.
Accreditations & memberships
Our consultants are members of leading UK and international dermatology and hair specialist bodies.
- Royal College of Physicians
- European Hair Research Society (EHRS)
- British Association of Dermatologists
- British Hair & Nail Society
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
- European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (EADV)