If you notice clumps of hair left in your brushes or a few more strands than usual going down the drain on laundry day, it’s natural to be a little concerned.
But the truth is that we all lose hair every day. “All hair on our bodies has a life cycle. The hair on our scalp has the longest life cycle. Hair grows for quite a long time, then falls out and new hair grows,” she says. says board-certified physician Dr. Joyce Davis. Skin surgeon in New York City.
Typically, you lose about 100 hairs a day, Davis says. Therefore, in some cases, the hair that is falling out may be part of the normal hair growth and loss cycle. But if it seems more than usual, it could be a sign of something more serious. Below, we spoke to a dermatologist about how to tell the difference.
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What is hair loss? |What is hair removal? |How can you tell if it’s hair loss or hair loss? |Experts talk about the best products for hair removal |Frequently asked questions |How we chose them |Introducing our experts
What is hair loss?
Hair loss refers to normal hair loss that results from hair’s natural growth cycle. Dr. Kristin M. Shaver, a board-certified dermatologist at Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York City, explains that hair goes through different stages. The anagen phase (growth phase), the catagen phase (transition phase), and finally the telogen phase (shedding phase). This means that your hair grows and falls out on a regular basis.
The term can also refer to a temporary loss known as telogen effluvium. “True telogen effluvium is non-permanent hair loss without scarring,” Dr. Robert Finney, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told us. It may take 6 weeks or several months. ”
Telogen hair loss typically lasts two to three months, Shaver says. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, medication changes, illness, pregnancy, and seasonal changes.
What is hair removal?
When hair thinning or hair loss is most commonly caused by genetics (male pattern baldness), your hair gets shorter and thinner with each hair cycle. This is called miniaturization, Shaver explains.
If left untreated, this type of hair loss can become permanent. Other common types of hair loss include cicatricial alopecia, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia.
How can you tell if it’s hair loss or baldness?
It’s normal to lose about 100 hairs a day, but “if you’re losing more than about 150 hairs a day, it raises concerns that stress may be causing the abnormal amount of hair loss.” ” explains Shaver.
To get a general idea, Davis says you can count the number of hairs you find in the shower or fall off your head that day. If your readings are above 150, you may need to see a specialist.
By the way, both experts agree that no matter how much hair you’re losing, if you’re concerned, your best bet is to see a dermatologist. This is because a dermatologist can perform tests to determine the underlying cause and severity of hair loss or hair loss. Shedding.
From there, we can also help you find the best possible treatment. However, for those who want to get started on treating excessive hair loss or hair thinning at home, here are some hair loss solutions recommended by experts.
Experts talk about the best products for hair removal
Amazon Basic Care Minoxidil Topical Solution
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Contains 2% minoxidil, unscented
Points to note
Must be used twice a day
Size: 6 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
When it comes to over-the-counter hair loss treatments, minoxidil is by far the most commonly recommended by experts. It is clinically proven to be effective in hair removal.
Please note that hair loss may increase once you start using it. “It can be a little alarming for people who have already started losing hair,” Finney says. “So I always advise that that’s normal, that you’re just kicking the hair out that was about to go into telogen. It’ll regrow and regrow healthier.”
Virtue Minoxidil 5% Foam (Set of 2)
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Absorbs quickly and adds texture to hair
Size: 2.11 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
“This is a proven treatment that promotes faster, thicker hair growth, and our new formulation now makes it easier and easier to apply,” said Leah, assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University. Dr. Jacob previously told us:
This foam is designed to be applied to the bald area once a day.
Rogaine 5% minoxidil foam for women
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Fragrance-free FDA recognized hair growth effect
Points to note
Complaints about difficult usage
Size: 2.11 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
With over 8,100 5-star ratings, Rogaine’s minoxidil formulation is a popular choice among shoppers. Unlike others, you only need to apply this form formula once a day. The brand says it can take at least four months to see results.
Nioxin scalp + hair thickening system 2
Size: 5.07 oz | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Peppermint Oil, Niacinamide
Dr. Angela J. Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist, previously recommended this three-step hair growth system for people with thinning hair.
The brand claims that 8 out of 10 people who used the shampoo, conditioner and treatment trio noticed their hair became thicker and fuller in just 30 days.
Mist of Kintsugi Awakening
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“Ultra lightweight” suitable for all hair types
Size: 4 oz | Key Ingredients: Redensyl, Niacinamide, Keratin
Dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry previously shared that Redensyl has been shown to produce results “similar to minoxidil,” but without some of the common side effects. This tonic promises to give volume and density to hair while minimizing buildup.
The brand recommends using it after cleansing and towel-drying your hair, then spraying one section at a time onto your scalp.
Isdin lambda pill hair removal lotion
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Good scent, thicker
Size: 4.2 oz | Key Ingredients: Diaminopyrimidine Oxide, Ginkgo Biloba, D-Biotin
Henry also recommended this formula, which contains diaminopyrimidine oxide, ginkgo biloba, and biotin, as a minoxidil-free option. Designed for use by both men and women, the brand says it won’t leave your hair greasy.
FAQ
FAQ
Can stress cause hair loss?
Stress, illness, pregnancy, and other factors can cause telogen effluvium (stress release), Shaver says. “Treatment reduces stress and the process will resolve itself over time.”
What types of hair loss are there?
Androgenetic alopecia: This is the most common type of hair loss, also known as hereditary male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, Shaver says.
Telogen effluvium: This is excessive shedding caused by “physical or mental stress, new medications, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes (among other causes),” says Shaver.
Alopecia areata: This is a type of hair loss caused by an autoimmune attack on the hair follicles, and the hair loss appears as smooth, circular patches, Shaver says.
Traction alopecia: This type of hair loss occurs in areas where hair is repeatedly pulled, and can also occur from tight hairstyles, explains Shaver.
Scarring alopecia: This is also known as scarring alopecia. “Inflammation of the scalp causes chronic inflammation of the hair follicles, which ultimately leads to scarring of the hair follicles and the inability to grow hair,” Shaver says.
the way we chose
We asked experts about the difference between hair loss and hair loss. From there, we derived previous expert recommendations on the best products for thinning hair.
As an editorial team, we create our own content and determine our coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers want to read. Our content goal is to serve and inform readers who are looking for the latest products to make their lives better. Products are sold by retailers instead of today. Prices and availability are accurate at the time of publication.
Meet our experts
Dr. Joyce Davis is a board-certified dermatologist and skin surgeon. She practices medical as well as cosmetic dermatology, with a particular interest in the treatment of alopecia. Dr. Kristin M. Shaver is a board-certified dermatologist at Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York City. She is also a Mohs microscopy surgeon. Dr. Robert Finney is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is an expert in internal medicine, surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Leah Jacob is an assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University. She treats various skin diseases in both children and adults. Dr. Angela J. Lamb is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is the director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Clinic and an associate professor of dermatology. Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is the founder and CEO of Manhattan Skin & Cosmetic Surgery.
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