Joe McConnell
Losing more hair than usual could lead to hair loss. Here’s when you should worry about hair loss and what you can do about it.
While it’s normal to lose a few hairs every day, it can be devastating to see a handful of hairs go down the drain. You wouldn’t be shocked if you lost a few strands, but when it becomes regular and increases in amount, it could mean a serious problem. The most confusing part about hair loss is that you don’t know when to worry! You don’t know if losing a few hairs every day is a problem, a little thinning is a problem, or losing a few strands of hair is when you should be concerned. If you’re stuck in the same dilemma, here’s when you should be concerned about hair loss.
Health Shots reached out to Dr. Amrendra Kumar, MD, AIIMS, a board-certified hair transplant surgeon with the Global Hair Transplant Board (GHTB), to learn more about the issue.
Hair Loss: When Should You Worry?
Noticing some hair loss is normal, but if you’ve noticed too much hair on your pillow, brush, or in the shower, it could be a problem. Losing 50 to 100 strands of hair a day is normal as part of the hair growth cycle, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The medical term for this condition is telogen effluvium. However, excessive hair loss or strands falling out can be a cause for concern, requiring immediate medical attention.
“Losing more than 100 strands of hair per day consistently, especially if it results in noticeable thinning or bald patches, is a sign of unhealthy hair loss. Changes in hair texture, increased hair loss after combing or washing, or bald patches are also worrisome signs that warrant a medical consultation,” explains Dr. Kumar.
If you notice a significant increase in hair loss, visible thinning, bald patches, a widening hairline or receding hairline, or if your hair falls out easily when you brush or wash it, you should consult a hair transplant surgeon or dermatologist. They can help you identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment,” explains Dr. Kumar.
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Common Causes of Worrying Hair Loss
There are several changes that occur in your body that can cause this problem, including:
1. Hormonal changes
Women go through many hormonal changes throughout their lives. A woman experiences hormonal changes due to her menstrual cycle, menopause, and pregnancy. During these phases, estrogen and progesterone levels increase and lead to changes in your body, eventually causing hair loss. Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also increase your risk of this condition.
2. Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions such as alopecia, thyroid, autoimmune diseases, fungal infections, scalp infections, PCOS, and cancer can increase the risk of hair loss. If the underlying medical condition is left untreated, it can cause more hair to fall out than usual.
3. Nutritional deficiencies
Hair follicles are fast-growing cells and therefore require a lot of nutrients to grow. A study published in Dermatology Practical and Conceptual found that nutritional deficiencies can negatively affect hair growth. You need to get plenty of iron, vitamin D, zinc, biotin, and vitamin B12 to avoid hair loss.
4. Stress
Chronic stress suppresses your immunity and can lead to inflammation, which can affect your hair follicles and lead to hair loss, according to a study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. It’s important to reduce stress by exercising regularly, meditating, eating a nutrient-dense diet, taking up a hobby, and seeking professional help if you want to manage stress.
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5. Some medications
Although medications are designed to treat certain conditions, some can cause unwanted side effects. Medications such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and others can trigger hair loss. It is best to talk to your doctor about the side effects of the medications you are taking.
6. Excessive use of hair styling products
Overuse of hair products that contain harsh chemicals, heat styling products, or tying your hair tightly can lead to hair loss over time, says Dr. Kumar. So, it’s best to stick to a natural way of managing your hair and avoid styling products or applying harsh chemicals to your hair.
What should you do when you start noticing hair loss?
1. Consult a professional
Hair loss is a condition that needs to be treated, so it is essential to see a hair transplant surgeon or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. Eat healthy
Nutritional deficiencies can lead to hair loss, so it is important to eat a healthy diet to meet your daily nutrient needs. You should eat a healthy diet with nutrients like iron, vitamin D, biotin, and protein.
3. Manage stress
Stress is one of the main factors that can lead to hair loss. It is important to keep stress under control by practicing stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation or exercise.
4. Avoid aggressive treatments
Over-styling and over-styling can cause hair loss, so it’s important to minimize chemical treatments, such as heat styling and tight hairstyles.
5. Drugs and treatments
Depending on the cause, your doctor may suggest medications like minoxidil, hormone therapy, or treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These treatments can help you manage your hair loss and reduce your chances of hair loss.
6. Consider a hair transplant
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure involving hair follicles in areas of the scalp where hair loss occurs. It is used to restore hair density and improve the appearance of bald or thinning areas.
