Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: When to See a Doctor

When it comes to hair concerns, the nuances between regular hair shedding and more serious issues like hair loss can be subtle but crucial. It's a well-known fact that a certain amount of daily shedding is a natural part of the growth cycle. But what if you start losing more strands than usual? How do you know if you’re dealing with hair shedding vs. hair loss?

It’s important to discern whether what you’re experiencing is temporary or a more persistent problem requiring professional help. Understanding your symptoms and their triggers can help you make informed decisions about your hair’s health. To settle your internal debate on hair shedding vs. hair loss, read on for each one’s defining qualities and warning signs.

Seeing clumps of hair on your brush or bedroom floor can be alarming. You may try to resolve it by changing your shampoo or getting a haircut – things you may not even need to do just yet. The truth is that shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). (Check this hair shedding scale if you want to see what that looks like.)

Excessive hair shedding is called telogen effluvium, which usually affects women between 30 to 60 years old. This condition can have different causes. It can occur after a high fever, childbirth, weight loss of over 20 pounds, severe infections, severe stress, crash diets with inadequate protein, or certain medications. There’s no treatment; you need to wait for new hair to grow.

Another type of shedding is chronic telogen effluvium, which occurs in women who had thick hair in their teens. This condition does not cause balding, although strands may appear to come out in handfuls. Don’t worry, your hair is still growing, but it may be having a rebellious phase.

Hair loss or alopecia is a different condition. In this case, something stops the hair from growing and it will not grow back until you address the cause. The AAD lists possible culprits:

• Hereditary hair loss

• An overreaction in the immune system

• Drugs and treatments such as chemotherapy

• Tight hairstyles that pull on the hair

• Harsh haircare products

• Scalp infections

• Hair pulling disorder (trichotillomania)

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your hair loss. If you’re undergoing radiation therapy, your hair will grow back once the therapy stops. However, if you have hereditary hair loss, you will need treatment to avoid losing more strands.

If you’re experiencing hair fall from weak strands or harsh haircare products, switch to Dove Botanical Anti Hair Fall Shampoo Silicone Free Primrose. This gentle, silicone-free formula has 100% botanical oil that nourishes and strengthens brittle hair. Follow with Dove Botanical Anti Hair Fall Conditioner Primrose to add softness and shine.

If you have a hair shedding vs. hair loss situation, it’s always best to see a doctor to ease any worries. Counting the strands that fall out of your head just won’t do! Getting to the root of the issue (and an accurate diagnosis) takes you on a more efficient path. So, if you notice more fallen hairs than usual, don’t wait until you see a bald spot. If your situation worries you, visit an expert for proper treatment ASAP.