{"id":1247001,"date":"2025-12-26T14:15:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T11:15:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1247001"},"modified":"2025-12-26T14:15:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T11:15:40","slug":"how-to-stop-hair-shedding-according-to-scalp-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1247001","title":{"rendered":"How to Stop Hair Shedding, According to Scalp Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

How to Stop Hair Shedding, According to Scalp Experts<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Allie Flinn<\/p>\n
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\"byrdie\"byrdie<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nAllie Flinn\n<\/div>\n
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    \nAllie Flinn has covered beauty for Byrdie since 2014. Her work has also appeared in Well+Good, The Zoe Report, Brides, Greatist, and Popsugar.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on February 25, 2025 03:24PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
    Sky Kim<\/p>\n
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    \"hairstylist\"hairstylist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Reviewed by<\/span>
    \nSky Kim\n<\/div>\n
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      \nSky Kim is a hairstylist with over a decade of experience. She currently works at Serge Normant at John Frieda in New York City.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nAbout Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Hairstylist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      and<\/span><\/p>\n
      Lucy Chen, MD<\/p>\n
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      \"Byrdie\"Byrdie<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Reviewed by<\/span>
      \nLucy Chen, MD\n<\/div>\n
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      Lucy Chen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      \nAbout Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"The\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      Stocksy<\/p>\n

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      Let’s get this out of the way: most hair shedding is normal. There are plenty of reasons for hair shedding, however, when you start to notice more hair than normal clogging your shower or wrapped around your brush after a gentle swipe through your tresses, then there could be an underlying issue (and in most cases, there are treatments that can address it).\n<\/p>\n

      Ahead, a dermatologist and two trichologists share how to prevent typical hair shedding, and when there may be further cause for concern. Keep reading to learn more about how much hair shed is normal and how to stop excess hair shedding.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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      • Rachel Nazarian, MD,\u00a0is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in New York City.<\/li>\n
      • Dominic Burg, PhD, is a trichologist and chief scientist at \u00c9volis Professional.<\/li>\n
      • Bridgette Hill is a trichologist and colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon & Skincare Spa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        How Much Hair Shedding Is “Normal”? <\/span><\/h2>\n

        “The follicles cycle asynchronously, meaning they each do their own thing in their own time, and this results in about 100\u00a0hairs\u00a0per day entering the falling phase,<\/strong>” says trichologist, Dominic Burg, PhD. “This may sound like a lot, but if you compare that to the number of follicles on your head\u2014between 100,000 and 150,000\u2014then you’re only\u00a0shedding\u00a00.001 percent of your\u00a0hair\u00a0each day, and each of these is being replaced by a new\u00a0hair\u00a0shaft.”\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        There are four phases of hair growth: Anagen (when hair begins to grow), catagen (when the follicle transitions), telogen (when the follicle is at rest), and exogen (when the hair sheds). Dr. Burg explains that hair goes through these periods of growth that last about five to seven years, then it rests for a while, and then it falls out. Of course, not every strand of hair is on the same cycle (otherwise we’d all be bald every few years). Hair shedding directly related to your normal growth cycle is completely normal and to be expected. However, there can be external factors\u2014that should be addressed\u2014that lead to an abnormal amount of hair shedding.\n<\/p>\n

        Signs of Excessive Hair Loss <\/span><\/h2>\n

        According to hair colorist and trichologist, Bridgette Hill, you should be more concerned about hair shedding if you’re seeing one of the following symptoms:\n<\/p>\n

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        • You lose hair just from running your fingers through your hair.<\/li>\n
        • You see hair on your pillowcase or in the car.<\/li>\n
        • You’re noticing larger amounts of hair in the drain when shampooing.<\/li>\n
        • You see a sudden decrease in the density or thickness of your ponytail or hair over a three to six month period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Causes of Excessive Hair Shedding <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Beyond your normal growth and shedding cycle, according to dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian, MD, there is a long list of triggers for hair shedding (or hair loss). “Poor nutrition, diet, medication, stress, hormonal changes, endocrine abnormalities such as thyroid dysfunction, mineral and vitamin deficiency… all of this requires a full workup by your dermatologist,” she says. “Hair shedding is distinct from hair breakage or lack of growth and is treated based on the etiology.”\n<\/p>\n

          While genetics is the primary cause of hair loss, many people commonly experience hair shedding, thanks to stress and lack of nutrients (like vitamins B, D, and zinc). “Another common reason for excess\u00a0hair\u00a0fall is hormonal changes, particularly in those assigned female at birth,” Dr. Burg adds. “These can happen with pregnancy, childbirth, a change in contraceptive pill, or during menopause.\u00a0The change in hormones can affect the way\u00a0hair\u00a0grows by shortening the growth part of the\u00a0hair cycle, leading to increased fall.”\n<\/p>\n

          How Do I Stop My Hair From Shedding So Much <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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          01<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Eat a Balanced Diet <\/span><\/h2>\n

          “Having a healthy, well-balanced diet is also a huge component of having healthy hair,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Hair requires fat, protein and specific vitamins and minerals to look its best.” So stock up on plenty of vegetables, lean meat, and seafood, and avoid any excessively processed foods.\n<\/p>\n

          Dr. Burg says to look for foods packed with vitamins and healthy fats, like eggs or avocados. Spinach, which is full of iron to carry red blood cells to your scalp and promote new hair growth, and food full of vitamin C, like oranges, tomatoes, and peppers, which help produce collagen to keep hair follicles healthy. “All of these contain the essential nutrients for hair,” says Dr. Burg.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          02<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Reduce Stress <\/span><\/h2>\n

          While it is easier said than done, keeping stress levels at a low will work wonders for your health and your hair. Telogen\u00a0effluvium, which may result from stress or an illness like hypo or hyperthyroidism, means that a group of\u00a0hairs\u00a0has stopped growing at the same time and then have shed\u00a0together, says Dr. Burg, adding that hair loss due to stress is completely reversible.\n<\/p>\n

          “Your hair and nails take a lot of energy to grow\u2014but they’re not a top priority for your body, which is why you may experience shedding during times of physical and emotional stress,” says Dr. Burg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          03<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Avoid Tight Hairstyles <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Alas, if you’re experiencing shedding, a\u00a0tight ponytail is definitely not helping. “Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh chemical treatments or heat near the scalp,” Dr. Burg advises. “These can stress follicles and lead to increased hair fall.”\n<\/p>\n

          The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that you can help prevent early hair loss by looking for signs you’re pulling your hair back too tightly. Have breakage near your hairline or where you secure your hair back? Try wearing a looser style. Loosen your braids, don’t pull your hair into super-tight updos, and try to change up your hairstyle when you can. Alternating styles not only gives you a new look, but it also gives your hair some time to recover.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          04<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Get Enough Sleep <\/span><\/h2>\n

          That whole eight hours of sleep thing is no lie. The hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle, melatonin, has also been proven to promote hair growth (both when applied topically and when you get enough of it naturally from sleep).<\/p>\n

          Not only is getting enough rest vital to helping your hair grow, but it can also help keep your hair from getting super oily. When you lose out on sleep, your stress levels can rise, leading not only to decreased hair growth but also increased oil production.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          05<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Take a Supplement <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Dr. Nazarian recommends taking multivitamins and supplements to help with hair growth. She recommends Biosil, which “has evidence that it can help with hair strength and thickness.” We also love Omi Hair Growth Peptides Capsules.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          06<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Get Your Omega-3s <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Omega-3 fatty acids should be a large part of your diet, as they can help keep hair healthy and strong while also promoting new growth. You can get these in the form of whole foods like salmon, flax or chia seeds, or try a fish oil supplement, which helps reduce inflammation, meaning it could give your hair follicles more room to open, allowing more hair to grow.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          07<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Try a Scalp Treatment <\/span><\/h2>\n

          One of the best preventative measures you can take against hair shedding is incorporating scalp care into your regular haircare routine. Hill explains, “Using weekly pre-shampoo scalp treatments that stimulate follicular health goes a long way to help retain the strength and vitality of the hair follicle.”\n<\/p>\n

          Hill also recommends using additional topical scalp treatments, like creams, masks, and shampoos for thinning hair and hair loss. Some are available over the counter, while others may require a doctor’s prescription, in the case of treating scalp psoriasis or other skin ailments.\n<\/p>\n

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          Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

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          Volumizing shampoos can improve the look and feel of thinning hair, but should not be a substitute for an underlying matter of hair loss.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          08<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Maximize Your Masks <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Applying a hair mask before you go to sleep can really make your mask work for your benefit. While you snooze away, the nutrients your hair needs to live its best life make their way up your hair shaft and scalp. “This allows maximum penetration of moisture, lipids, and proteins to penetrate the hair cuticle to serve as the best foundation for the hair to retain elasticity and strength,” Hill says.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          09<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Pay Attention to Your Routine <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Shedding (when the hair detaches at the root) should not be confused with breakage, which happens when your hair is damaged and literally breaks off. While chemical treatments and hot tools are an obvious cause of breakage, pay attention to how you treat your hair when it’s wet. When hair is wet, it’s most vulnerable, which means brushing and tugging at wet hair can be very damaging, leading to breakage and hair loss.\n<\/p>\n

          If you have fine hair that’s prone to breakage, sleep with a silk pillowcase or scarf. When the hair rubs against a cotton pillowcase, this creates tension that can damage the hair\u2014even leading to breakage in severe cases.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          10<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Be Kind to Your Hair <\/span><\/h2>\n

          It is important to be as gentle as you possibly can when caring for your hair. It’s a good idea to lay off heat exposure and hot tools for a while, as well as any color processing and bleach treatments, especially if you’re going through what appears to be a period of excess hair shedding.\n<\/p>\n

          “There are so many habits that can contribute to hair shedding. Washing hair too aggressively, improper brushing, heat exposure, these are all a few of the ways we create unhealthy hair,” says Dr. Nazarian. She recommends choosing shampoos that address hair’s needs and finding a good conditioner to enhance follicle strength.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          When to See a Doctor <\/span><\/h2>\n

          If the tips above aren’t helping or you feel like you are experiencing excessive hair shedding, you may want to speak to your doctor to rule out other health conditions. Dr. Nazarian notes that if hair shedding doesn\u2019t resolve on its own after 90 days, or if there is anything symptomatic that accompanies it, such as itching, pain or sensitivity, it’s time to see a professional. Medical professionals can help you land on a proper diagnosis and treatment plan by analyzing your history of hair shedding, examining your scalp and pattern of hair loss, executing a pull test to examine bulbs of shed hairs, trichoscopy, or conducting blood tests. In certain instances, a scalp biopsy may be required. A dermatologist may prescribe medication or recommend in-office treatments like PRP or vitamin B complex injections to address your hair shedding.\n<\/p>\n

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          FAQ<\/div>\n
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            What causes your hair to thin?<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Hair thinning can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, diet, hormones, and age.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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            What are some signs your hair is thinning?<\/span><\/div>\n
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            You might notice an excessive amount of hair in the shower after you shampoo, trails of hair left on your pillow, or lots of hair in your brush or comb after styling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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            Is hair thinning permanent?<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Hair loss attributed to stress, hormones, tight ponytails, diet, and lack of sleep can be reversed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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            Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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            Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
            \n
              \n
            1. \n

              American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            2. \n

              Fischer TW, Tr\u00fceb RM, H\u00e4nggi G, Innocenti M, Elsner P. Topical melatonin for treatment of androgenetic alopecia.\u00a0Int J Trichology<\/em>. 2012;4(4):236-245. doi:10.4103\/0974-7753.111199<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            3. \n

              Tr\u00fceb RM. Systematic approach to hair loss in women. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010;8(4):284-297, 284-298.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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              Read more:<\/div>\n
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              • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Hair Concerns<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Loss & Growth <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

                Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/how-to-stop-hair-shedding-4686916<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. How to Stop Hair Shedding, According to Scalp Experts By Allie Flinn Allie Flinn Allie Flinn has covered beauty for Byrdie since 2014. Her work has also appeared in Well+Good, The Zoe Report, Brides, Greatist, and Popsugar. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 25, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1247001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1247001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1247001"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1247001\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1247001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1247001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1247001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}