Hair Fall: When It Is Normal and When to See a Dermatologist

Everyone sheds hair. Around 50 to 100 strands a day is normal, and more is noticeable on wash days. The question worth asking is not how much falls, but whether the hair is getting thinner.

Signs that need assessment

A widening parting, a receding hairline, visible scalp in photographs, coin-sized bald patches, or heavy shedding continuing beyond three months all need a dermatologist's opinion.

Common causes

Pattern hair loss is inherited and gradual. Telogen effluvium follows illness, fever, surgery, childbirth or severe stress and shows up two to three months later. Alopecia areata causes smooth, round patches. Nutritional and thyroid problems, especially low iron, are common and easily checked. Scalp conditions such as dandruff and fungal infection also cause shedding.

How it is assessed

The scalp is examined, a hair pull test is done, and blood tests are advised only when they will change the treatment. Treatment then targets the cause: medical therapy, correcting deficiencies, treating the scalp, and PRP sessions in suitable cases.

Set the timeline in your head

Hair grows slowly. Even when the treatment is right, visible improvement usually takes three to six months. Anyone promising results in two weeks is selling something.