Hair Shedding

Gorgeous, shiny, healthy hair is what we all want. It’s society’s idea of what is beautiful, but what happens when you start to notice that you are shedding significant amounts of hair?

Dr. Wolfeld and patient during consultation

What is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is normal – up to a point. Men and women shed approximately 100-150 strands of hair per day. If you notice you are losing more, it is important that you take action and find out the underlying cause. Dr. Wolfeld is the leading specialist for NYC hair restoration and can correctly diagnose your problem and provide you with treatments that work.

Is It Hair Shedding or Hair Loss?

The good news is that hair shedding typically stops on its own. When your body consistently sheds more than 150 strands of hair a day, you might have excessive shedding, also known as telogen effluvium.

Excessive hair shedding is a common problem for men or women who might have experienced the following triggers:

Lost a considerable amount of weight – 20 or more pounds
Experienced a high fever
Recently had an operation
Given birth
Has a nutritional deficiency
Manages a lot of personal stress (loss of a loved one, divorce, sick family member, etc.)
Recovering from an illness
Stopped taking birth control pills

How Long Does Hair Shedding Last?

Most men and women notice excessive hair shedding a few months following a stressful event. The shedding usually peaks two to three months after giving birth, for example. The shedding is normal and will end as your body readjusts after the stressful event. If you have a more stressful job, or the stressor you are experiencing stays with you for a longer period of time, your hair shedding may continue to a point where your hair is now thin or balding areas appear.

Hair Loss is Different Than Hair Shedding

Hair loss is when the hair stops growing. This condition is called anagen effluvium. It can be caused by various prescriptions, chemotherapy, radiation, autoimmune disease, haircare products or you inherited the gene. There are many treatments available that can help men and women who suffer from hair loss. The hair loss experts at Wolfeld Hair can discuss your concerns with you to help you understand what is happening and customize a treatment plan to improve your aesthetic appearance.

Why Select Wolfeld Hair to Address Hair Shedding?

If you are experiencing excess hair shedding, we can help. Wolfeld Hair focuses on treating hair loss with the most advanced hair restoration techniques, medications, and regenerative techniques available.

Whether your hair is healthy, and you are looking for preventative treatments, or you need a plan to slow hair shedding, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Wolfeld, is the first specialist in the country who is certified in both as a plastic surgeon and as a hair restoration specialist. The first step is a consultation, so the cause of your hair loss can be diagnosed, and appropriate treatment prescribed. We offer a full array of hair restoration techniques and take a truly aesthetic approach to hair restoration.

Patient Q&A

How can I tell the difference between normal daily shedding and true hair loss?

What usually triggers sudden hair shedding?

How long does shedding last and when does regrowth start?

Can starting or stopping treatments make shedding worse at first?

What can I do right now to manage shedding while we figure out the cause?

How can I tell the difference between normal daily shedding and true hair loss?

Losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is common. Signs that suggest more than routine shedding include a widening part, a thinner ponytail, or visible scalp where it used to be covered. A consultation helps determine whether you are seeing temporary shedding or a pattern of hair loss that needs targeted treatment.

What usually triggers sudden hair shedding?

The most common cause is telogen effluvium, which often begins 6 to 12 weeks after a trigger such as fever or illness, surgery, childbirth, stopping or changing hormones, significant stress, rapid weight change, thyroid or iron issues, or certain medications. Identifying and addressing the trigger is an important first step.

How long does shedding last and when does regrowth start?

Acute telogen effluvium usually settles within 3 to 6 months as the growth cycle resets. New growth often becomes noticeable by 3 to 4 months and continues to mature over 9 to 12 months. If shedding persists longer than 6 months, evaluation for chronic telogen effluvium or other causes is recommended.

Can starting or stopping treatments make shedding worse at first?

Yes. Some patients notice a temporary increase in shedding after starting topical minoxidil as follicles shift into a new growth cycle. This typically improves within 6 to 8 weeks. If irritation or unexpected symptoms occur, contact your provider before making changes.

What can I do right now to manage shedding while we figure out the cause?

Use gentle hair care, avoid tight styles and harsh chemical treatments, and ensure adequate protein and iron intake if a deficiency is present. Your plan may include topical minoxidil, low dose oral options for select patients, treatment of thyroid or iron problems, and supportive therapies such as low level light therapy. Your provider will tailor recommendations after examination and any needed lab work.