Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain can be distressing. You might be asking yourself, “Why is my hair falling out?” or “Is this permanent balding?”
In many cases, what looks like permanent loss is actually temporary hair shedding. Understanding the difference is the first step toward finding the right hair treatment. At our Harley Street clinic, Dr. Iaisha Ali specialises in diagnosing complex scalp conditions to help patients regain their confidence.
What Is Hair Shedding (Telogen Effluvium)?
Hair grows in a natural cycle:
In good health, we shed 50–100 hairs per day, with each follicle cycling independently. However, certain telogens can cause many hairs to enter the same resting phase at once. These hairs are shed together, leading to excess shedding and hair loss. This is known as telogen effluvium.
- Anagen (growth phase): Lasts several years; about 85–90% of your scalp hairs are in this phase at any time.
- Catagen (transition phase): A short 2–3 week stage when the hair follicle begins to shrink.
- Telogen (resting phase): Lasts around 2–4 months; hairs remain in place but no longer grow.
- Exogen (shedding phase): Hairs fall out naturally to make way for new growth.
What is normal hair loss per day?
It is standard to shed 50–100 hairs daily. If you are losing significantly more, you may be experiencing excessive hair shedding, medically known as telogen effluvium.
Our Diagnostic Approach
We guide you with realistic timelines, ongoing monitoring, and emotional support.
Clinical examination: Dr. Iaisha Ali assesses hair shedding patterns and scalp health.
Trichoscopy: Non-invasive imaging to examine follicles and rule out other alopecias.
Blood tests or Scalp Biopsy Necessary to check for thyroid issues or cosmetic-related hormonal imbalances
Personalised plan: Includes lifestyle changes, treatments, and follow-up care.
Common Causes of Sudden Hair Shedding
If you feel your hair is thinning rapidly, it may be linked to one of these common triggers:
- Hormonal Changes: Many women experience menopause hair loss or postpartum shedding due to fluctuating estrogen levels.
- Medical Conditions: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or hypothyroidism can lead to abnormal hair shedding.
- Physical Stress: Severe illness, high fever, or major surgery.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Rapid weight loss or lack of iron and protein.
- Stress: Sudden psychological trauma (divorce, bereavement, or job stress).
Excessive shedding typically begins 2–3 months after the trigger and may last 3–6 months before resolving.
Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: What’s the Difference?
It is vital to distinguish between temporary shedding and progressive hair loss conditions.
| Feature | Hair Shedding (Telogen Effluvium) | Hair Loss (Alopecia) |
| Duration | Temporary (usually 6–9 months) | Gradually progressive/Permanent |
| Pattern | Global thinning across the whole scalp | Patterned (receding hairline or crown) |
| Cause | Reaction to a stressor or trigger | Genetics, inflammation, or immune response |
| Regrowth | Usually regrows once the trigger is gone | Often requires medical intervention |
If you notice “patchy” loss, you may be dealing with alopecia areata. If there is scarring or inflammation, it could be scarring hair loss, which requires urgent dermatology review to prevent permanent damage.
What To Expect with Hair Shedding
- In most cases, shedding slows and stops on its own once the trigger has resolved.
- Hair density usually returns to normal within 6–9 months, though regrowth may initially appear finer.
- If the stressor remains (e.g., ongoing illness, chronic stress), excessive shedding can persist.
How to Stop Hair Loss and Speed Up Regrowth
While shedding often resolves on its own, many patients seek hair loss solutions to accelerate the process.
- Medical Grade Treatments: For female balding or male pattern loss, clinical treatments are more effective than over-the-counter remedies.
- Polynucleotides: A revolutionary cosmetic treatment that uses regenerative molecules to wake up dormant follicles.
- Scalp Health: Addressing dandruff or inflammation through bespoke skin treatments ensures a healthy environment for growth.
Get Started with Hair Shedding Recovery Journey
At IA Dermatology, Dr. Iaisha Ali can determine whether you’re experiencing hair shedding or a more serious form of hair loss. Early intervention is key when underlying hair loss is present.
“Dr Iaisha Ali is very friendly and takes time to understand my concerns, tailoring treatments to address expertly. I have been a Client for over 6 years and would have no hesitation in recommending.“
✅ Verified Patient Review from Doctify
Visited for Scarring Hair Loss
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