08/17/2026
The truth about hair loss from a dermatologist:
• Hair loss is not one diagnosis. If you don’t know the cause, you may be treating it wrong.
• Losing up to 100 hairs a day is considered normal but sudden heavy shedding needs an assessment.
• Gradual thinning needs early action. If your ponytail is smaller, your part is wider, or your scalp is more visible, don’t ignore it. The longer you wait with progressive thinning, the harder it can be to regain density.
• Supplements are not a hair loss treatment unless you actually have a deficiency.
• Topical minoxidil is still one of the best-studied options, but it takes consistency and it does not work for everyone.
• Most hair loss treatments are maintenance treatments. If you stop, you may lose the benefit.
• Tight buns, slicked-back ponytails, extensions, and chronic tension can absolutely contribute to hair loss.
• Your scalp matters. Dandruff, itching, flaking, and inflammation are not just cosmetic — they can worsen shedding.