How to know when hair fall becomes a cause for concern

Hair fall can be a concern year-round and seasonal hair loss can happen at any time. "On average, we lose between 100 and 150 hairs a day. Women with long hair notice it more in the strands left behind in the brush, shower, pillow, or on their shoulders," explains Dr Miguel Sánchez Viera, director of Instituto de Dermatología Integral.

Add to this other contributing factors like stress , certain medications, post-partum changes, illnesses, or low-calorie diets, and it becomes essential to recognise when hair loss should be a cause for concern. Noticing the signs of hair loss can raise concerns. Is it a temporary, normal occurrence, or is it time to see a doctor? While there's no universal answer, there are signs that can clarify the situation.



"Seasonal hair loss tends to be more intense during hair washing or daily brushing," explains dermatologist Cristina de Hoyos. "In most conditions that cause hair loss, the shedding is slow and continuous, with no specific moments or triggers." In other words, if your hair is falling out more during specific activities, like washing, it's likely not a cause for alarm.

This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, is usually temporary and resolves on its own without treatment. Another form of occasional hair loss, common after stressful events or pregnancy (specifically 3 to 4 months postpartum), is also normal and doesn’t typically require medical intervention, as it's linked to a drop in estrogen levels that causes hair to shed. How can we know that our hair loss is a cause for concern? Eduardo López Bran, director of Imema and head of dermatology at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, advises consulting a dermatologist if you experience "excessive and sustained hair loss or noticeable thinning.

" As Dr Miguel Sánchez Viera adds, if 2 to 4 months after this seasonal shedding you observe a decrease in hair density, a lighter scalp, or hair that feels thinner and weaker, it’s time to be concerned and schedule a visit to a dermatologist. These signs may indicate more than just temporary hair loss and warrant professional evaluation. Other warning signs Can washing your hair every day cause more hair loss? The three experts we consulted all agree: washing your hair does not cause it to fall out more.

"Hair should be washed according to individual needs," says Dr Miguel Sánchez Viera, director of IDEI. "Even if you exercise, washing your hair twice a day poses no problem." Dr Eduardo López Bran adds that not washing your hair can actually have negative consequences.

"Neglecting proper scalp hygiene can lead to a buildup of oils, flakes, and product residue, all of which can harm hair health." While washing doesn’t contribute to hair loss, it can make you more aware of seasonal shedding. "Washing dislodges hair that is already in the process of falling out, or hair that hasn’t shed in previous days, due to the natural traction from washing and brushing," explains Dr Viera.

This can make normal hair loss more noticeable during washing, but it does not accelerate or cause additional shedding. Lack of certain vitamins can also cause hair loss. Cristina Morante, medical director of hair health clinic MC360, confirms that a deficiency in certain vitamins and trace elements can contribute to hair loss.

While it’s difficult to generalize, deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, folic acid, biotin, vitamin D, magnesium , and zinc are often associated with increased hair shedding. Ensuring adequate intake of these key vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Beware of products with parabens, ammonia dyes and heat tools These three familiar culprits—parabens, ammonia dyes, and heat tools—are never great for your hair and are even worse when dealing with hair loss .

"Products containing these ingredients weaken hair structure, making it brittle and fragile. Combined with existing hair loss, they can amplify the appearance of thinning," explains Dr Miguel Sánchez Viera. An anti-hair loss diet As Dr Eduardo López Bran notes, "There are no miracle foods or supplements," but maintaining a balanced diet is crucial to caring for your hair and preventing hair loss.

Dr Sánchez Viera stresses the importance of consuming iron, found in red meat, vegetables , and bones, as well as zinc, present in meat and fish, which is "essential for hair growth." Vitamins A and B also play a vital role and avoiding a diet high in carbohydrates, sugars, salt, and fats is key, as these can weaken hair and cause thinning or brittleness. The importance of biotin Pharmacist Helena Rodero emphasises the importance of biotin for hair health.

"Biotin is essential for cell multiplication, and tissues like hair and nails are significantly affected when this vitamin is lacking," she explains. It’s a vital ingredient in supplements designed to combat hair loss. While biotin can be obtained from food and the gut microbiota , stress and certain medications can disrupt its absorption.

In such cases, biotin or vitamin B8 supplements can be beneficial. Do anti-hair loss products work? According to experts, anti-hair loss products can extend the anagen (growth) phase of hair and delay the resting and shedding phases. One of the most effective treatments for hair loss is minoxidil.

"It acts as both a preventative and active treatment for hair loss," explains Cristina de Hoyos. This ingredient promotes follicles' entry into the growth phase, slowing or stopping hair loss. “Minoxidil should be applied daily to the scalp with a gentle massage for proper absorption.

Women should avoid letting it touch other areas of the face , as it can stimulate unwanted hair growth.” This article first appeared on vogue.es Also read: I slept on a silk pillowcase every night to test if it reduced hair fall—here's what I found out I changed the way I comb hair after a hairstylist told me this ** How to correctly protect your hair colour this monsoon season and the products that can help **.