Hair shedding: what's normal and what helps

Shedding 50–100 hairs a day is normal. Heavier shedding often follows stress, illness, a strict diet or giving birth, and usually starts 2–3 months after the trigger.

What helps

• A strengthening shampoo that is gentle on the scalp.
• A leave-on scalp treatment (for example with Aminexil) used consistently for at least 6 weeks.
• Enough protein and iron in your diet.
• Less heat and tight hairstyles, which pull on the roots.

When to see a doctor

If you see patches, a widening parting, sudden heavy loss, or shedding for more than 3 months — a blood test (iron, thyroid, vitamin D) can find the cause.

Pharmacist tip: treatments work on new growth, so judge results after 3 months, not 3 weeks.

General advice only — not a medical diagnosis. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication, check with your doctor.