It’s normal to find a few strands of hair in your brush or shower drain. But when does shedding cross the line into actual hair loss? Many people worry that a little extra shedding means something is wrong, but not all hair shedding is a cause for concern. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we help patients identify how much hair loss is normal, how much is not, and which treatments can make a real difference for thinning hair.
How Much Hair Loss is Normal and How to Fight It
How Much Hair Loss is Normal?
Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. Shedding more than this for a short time doesn’t always mean permanent hair loss; your hair may just be going through a phase called telogen effluvium, often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
Excessive shedding may occur after events such as:
- Major stress or trauma (such as job loss or a loved one’s illness)
- Surgery or a high fever
- Giving birth (postpartum hair shedding is common)
- Sudden weight loss
- Stopping birth control pills
The good news? In most cases, shedding stops on its own within 6 to 9 months, once your body has readjusted, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Signs It May Be More Than Normal Shedding
If you’re losing hair and it’s not growing back, or you’re noticing bald patches or thinning over time, you could be experiencing true hair loss, also known as anagen effluvium.
Common causes include:
- Hereditary hair loss (pattern baldness in men and women)
- Hormonal changes, such as thyroid conditions or menopause
- Hairstyles that pull on the hair (tight ponytails, braids)
- Harsh treatments or chemical damage
- Underlying health conditions
A dermatologist can help determine whether your hair loss is temporary shedding or a progressive condition that needs treatment.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re seeing widening parts, thinning at the temples or crown, or bald patches, it’s time to consult with a dermatologist. The earlier you address hair loss, the better your chances of maintaining and restoring hair growth.
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, our dermatology providers are happy to offer customized hair restoration solutions tailored to you.
Hair Loss Treatments
Nutrafol Supplements
Nutrafol’s physician-formulated supplements for men, women, and postpartum women provide nutrients that target the root causes of hair thinning, including stress, hormones, and aging. Over time, they strengthen hair from within and support new growth.
RF Microneedling with DE|RIVE
RF microneedling combines radiofrequency energy with tiny micro-injuries to stimulate the scalp and reactivate dormant follicles. When paired with DE|RIVE, a 100% natural, hormone-free serum made from plant-based growth factors, this treatment hydrates and nourishes the scalp for healthier-looking, fuller hair.
Oral Medications
Prescription options like Finasteride, Dutasteride, and oral Minoxidil can slow shedding and encourage regrowth. These treatments work by reducing hormonal triggers or improving scalp circulation, depending on the underlying cause.
Topical Medications
Topical solutions such as Minoxidil 5% or customized Alopecia Topical Solutions (Minoxidil 7% + Finasteride 0.1%) help stimulate follicles and maintain scalp health. They’re often used in combination with other treatments for optimal results.
PRP and Mesotherapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body’s own concentrated growth factors to rejuvenate hair follicles. Mesotherapy, on the other hand, delivers minoxidil and dutasteride injections directly into the scalp at higher levels than when taken orally to boost circulation and enhance follicle activity. Together, these treatments can help improve thickness and density, often in a few months.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Healthy Hair
In addition to professional treatments, there are everyday habits that can reduce shedding and improve hair strength:
- Avoid tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails that cause tension on the scalp
- Use gentle shampoos and avoid harsh chemical treatments
- Eat a balanced diet with protein, vitamins (biotin, vitamin D), and minerals (zinc, iron)
- Manage stress levels, as chronic stress can worsen hair shedding
- Protect hair from heat damage with lower heat settings and heat-protectant sprays
Explore Hair Loss Treatments at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers
If you’ve been wondering if your hair loss is normal, or you’re ready to address thinning hair, our aesthetic dermatologists at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers are here to help. We offer a wide variety of customizable treatments designed to get your hair and confidence back on track.
Schedule a consultation online today to create a personalized plan for stronger, fuller hair.
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Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
If you are an existing patient looking to refill a prescription, pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff, please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C. today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Please note, we do not offer online scheduling for the eye specialties listed below, only for routine eye exams. Please use the following numbers to schedule specialty eye appointments or to place an order:
LASIK•Refractive Surgery•Cataracts•Eyelid Surgery (Dr. Lam): 253-671-2020
Contact Lenses: 253-564-2935•General number: 253-848-3000
If you are an existing patient looking to refill a prescription, pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff,
please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.