Hair loss
Hair loss is something most people notice daily: on the brush, the pillow or the shower drain. Each of us has more than 100,000 hairs, and a single hair lives for about five to seven years before it falls out and is replaced. Dermatologists consider 50 to 100 shed hairs a day normal, and more show up on wash day if you wash your hair every few days.
What matters is working out which type of hair loss you have, because that decides whether you can wait or need to act. The magazine's hair guides cover both shedding and dandruff, including dandruff before a shoot or a casting, and both send the reader to a doctor first when the problem does not pass.
Rubrics that cover it
- Hair2
Temporary shedding and hereditary thinning
The guide separates two broad situations. Temporary shedding starts two to three months after severe stress, illness or surgery and, according to the guide, usually ends within six to nine months once the cause has gone. Shedding after pregnancy usually begins a few months after the birth and settles by the child's first birthday; if it goes on longer, the advice is to check iron and thyroid.
Hereditary thinning is different. It does not pass by itself, and the guide says that it needs treatment, the earlier the better. That is a decision for a doctor, not for a product label.
What to do and what to avoid
Start with a doctor and blood tests. Iron deficiency is found most often, vitamin D or zinc deficiency less so. Supplements make sense only once a deficiency is confirmed, because too much vitamin A or selenium can itself cause shedding.
Do not expect a shampoo to do the work. The guide notes that a hair loss shampoo does not stop hereditary or hormonal hair loss; it is useful when shedding comes with dandruff or an oily scalp, and when hair is breaking. See a doctor if hair falls suddenly or in clumps, bald patches appear, the scalp itches or burns, or shedding lasts longer than three months.
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Frequently asked
01How much hair loss per day is normal?
Between 50 and 100 hairs. If you wash your hair less often, you will see more on wash day because shed hairs collect.
02Does hair loss from stress grow back?
The guide says yes: shedding starts two to three months after severe stress, illness or surgery and usually ends within six to nine months once the cause has gone.
03Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Iron deficiency is found most often, vitamin D or zinc less so. Take supplements only once a deficiency is confirmed.
04Does hair loss shampoo work?
It does not stop hereditary or hormonal hair loss. It helps when shedding comes with dandruff or an oily scalp, and when hair is breaking.
05Does dandruff cause hair loss?
Dandruff itself does not. Hard scratching can damage hair, though, so thinning hair is a reason to talk to a doctor.
06When should you see a doctor about hair loss?
If hair falls suddenly or in clumps, bald patches appear, the scalp itches or burns, or shedding lasts longer than three months.