With expert insight, here’s how to know how much is too much hair loss, what specific signs to look for, and when to call in a pro.
How Common Is Hair Loss in Women?
Approximately 40 to 50 percent of women will experience hair loss at some point in their life. “Because there are so many different causes for hair loss—hormonal changes, diet, medication, illness, stress, genetics, and more—it is very common in women,” notes Gretchen Friese, a trichologist for BosleyMD. Interestingly, she says there’s been an uptick in female hair loss in 2021—a type of temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. Long story short, spikes in stress hormones stop the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, resulting in too much hair loss. The same thing happens in women who go through pregnancy. Fortunately, telogen effluvium is temporary, and recovery typically begins within three to six months.
Signs You’re Losing Too Much Hair
On average, people lose roughly 20 percent of their hair—sometimes even more—before they notice it’s thinning. We’ve outlined the obvious visible signs of excess hair loss, as well as more subtle observations you can make to catch hair loss before it gets this far. If you notice that you’re collecting more hair in your brush or in the shower drain, and this becomes an ongoing issue, there’s a strong possibility you’re losing too much hair. In cases of excess hair loss, you may also notice more hair around the house, on your clothes, or in your car compared to usual. “I recommend always checking in with a medical professional first, just so you can rule out any internal issues—such as illness or vitamin deficiencies—before trying over-the-counter products,” says Friese. Addressing the exact cause of your hair loss will get you on the path to recovery more quickly. In cases where hair loss caused by illness or vitamin deficiencies, addressing those underlying health concerns will improve your general well-being while also reversing your hair loss. In cases of genetic-related hair loss, acting quickly is very important to restimulating the hair follicle to prevent permanent loss. Finally, even in cases of temporary hair loss, such as telogen effluvium, your doctor can help create a customized approach to help you get back to your usual head of hair. While seeing an expert is the recommended route, we understand that sometimes cost or access is an issue. There are over-the-counter treatments you can explore, such as For Hers Minoxidil 2% for Women ($45; forhers.com) and Nutrafol Women ($88; amazon.com), both of which can help with age/genetic-related hair loss. That said, an over-the-counter option cannot address underlying medical issues—such as hormone imbalance or thyroid issues—and not knowing what vitamin you’re deficient in might make supplementation futile. When possible, seek expert help and you’ll find yourself with a personalized game plan, better peace of mind, and improved hair health.
