In the sink, shower, bed, on the floor…is your hair everywhere? Not only can this be a cleaning annoyance, but it’s also embarrassing. Have you ever wondered if this is a sign of an even bigger issue? Some strands can be normal, but how do you know when it is too much? Hair restoration surgeon Larry J. Shapiro, M.D. sheds some light on this issue.
What are the most common causes of hair shedding?
“Hair loss can be caused by many things. Heat damage from blow-dryers, curling irons, and flatirons, as well as coloring and extensions all result in breakage,” says Dr. Shapiro. Stress and diet are big factors as well. “If you are not getting enough vitamins and protein, your hair follicles won’t be strong and healthy,” explains Dr. Shapiro. And there are also a lot of metabolic reasons. “An out-of-whack thyroid is a common cause of hair loss,” says Dr. Shapiro.
How much shedding is normal?
“The average human head has an estimated 100,000 to 150,00 hairs on it,” says Dr. Shapiro. “Shedding 30 to 50 strands daily is not significant. If you begin to lose 100 to 150 a day, then you should see a doctor.”
Is Your Hair Shedding Too Much? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
