Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. Shedding that is heavier or longer-lasting, or thinning that you can see, can have many causes: hormonal changes, thyroid problems, low iron or vitamin levels, stress, illness, childbirth, some medicines and scalp conditions.
Common Signs
- More hair than usual on the pillow, in the shower or on the comb.
- A widening parting, thinning at the crown or a receding hairline.
- Patchy loss in round areas.
- Hair that looks thinner or breaks easily.
When to See a Doctor Promptly
- Sudden patchy hair loss.
- A red, painful, itchy or scaly scalp.
- Hair loss together with tiredness, weight change, irregular periods or feeling cold.
- Hair loss that began after starting a new medicine.
In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
Everyday Hair Care, From Dr. Arpana's Video
Dr. Arpana explains that hair fall rarely has one cause. Dietary deficiencies, physical changes in the body, air pollution and stress can all play a part, so a consultation looks at your food, health, stress and daily habits together, not the hair alone. Her everyday tips:
- Include foods that supply nutrients for the hair: curry leaves, amla (rich in vitamin C), walnuts and almonds, and milk, yogurt or cheese for protein, vitamin D and zinc.
- Massage the scalp gently with your fingertips using coconut oil at night, and rinse with a mild shampoo the next day. Some people simmer pieces of amla in coconut oil, let it cool and strain it for use as a scalp oil.
- Limit hair colours and the use of heated gadgets. Frequent use damages the outer layer of the hair strand and leaves it dull.
Homeopathy is used alongside this, and no outcome is promised. Do not stop prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hair fall is normal?
Losing roughly 50 to 100 hairs a day is common. If you notice thinning or a clear increase, it is worth finding the cause.
Which tests can help?
Depending on your history, a doctor may check thyroid function, iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Bring any recent reports.
Can stress cause hair fall?
Stress, illness and major life changes can contribute to temporary shedding. The consultation looks at your whole picture, including sleep and stress.
You can book a consultation or read the frequently asked questions. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.