Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Finding hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your brush can be alarming. But is it normal shedding or actual hair loss? Understanding the difference is crucial for knowing when to seek professional help.

What Is Normal Hair Shedding?

It's completely normal to lose 50–100 hairs per day. This is part of the natural hair growth cycle. Each hair follicle goes through four stages:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): Lasts 2–7 years; about 85–90% of your hair is in this phase at any time
• Catagen (Transition Phase): Lasts 2–3 weeks; hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply
• Telogen (Resting Phase): Lasts about 3 months; old hair rests while new hair begins forming
• Exogen (Shedding Phase): Old hair falls out and is replaced by new growth

When Does Shedding Become Hair Loss?

Hair loss (medically called alopecia) occurs when shedding exceeds regrowth. Warning signs include:

• Losing more than 100 hairs daily for an extended period
• Widening part line or visible scalp
• Receding hairline or thinning at the temples
• Bald patches or spots
• Hair not regrowing after shedding
• Noticeable decrease in ponytail thickness

Common Causes of Excessive Hair Loss

Telogen Effluvium

A temporary condition where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously, causing sudden, diffuse shedding. Triggers include high fever, surgery, childbirth, severe stress, crash dieting, and certain medications.

Androgenetic Alopecia

The most common form of permanent hair loss, affecting both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female pattern hair loss). It's genetic and driven by DHT (dihydrotestosterone), causing progressive thinning.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Low iron, vitamin D, zinc, biotin, or protein levels can significantly impact hair health. Blood tests can identify these deficiencies and guide supplementation.

Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse hair loss. Proper thyroid management usually restores hair growth.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round bald patches. It can affect the scalp, beard, and body hair.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist if you notice:

• Sudden or excessive hair fall lasting more than 2–3 months
• Bald patches or spots anywhere on the scalp or body
• Hair thinning that's progressively getting worse
• Hair loss accompanied by itching, redness, or scaling on the scalp

Hair Loss Treatments at V3 Derma Clinic

We offer a complete range of hair loss solutions:

• Trichoscopy: Advanced digital scalp analysis to diagnose the type and severity of hair loss
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy: Uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate follicles
• Mesotherapy: Micro-injections of vitamins and growth factors directly into the scalp
• Medical Management: Customised oral and topical medications (minoxidil, finasteride, etc.)
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Stimulates dormant follicles through photobiomodulation