Why Is My Hair Suddenly Shedding More Than Usual?

Suddenly finding much more hair in your brush or shower? Discover some common reasons for increased hair shedding and why identifying the underlying cause matters.

Why Is My Hair Suddenly Shedding More Than Usual?

Finding considerably more hair in your brush, shower or on your clothes can be alarming.

Some daily shedding is completely normal, but a noticeable increase can sometimes indicate a change in the hair growth cycle.

Why does hair suddenly start shedding?

Hair grows in cycles. At any given time, some hairs are growing while others are resting or naturally shedding.

A condition known as telogen effluvium can cause a larger-than-normal number of hairs to enter the shedding phase.

It may occur following events such as:

Significant illness or fever
Surgery
Major emotional or physical stress
Rapid weight loss
Nutritional deficiencies
Hormonal changes
Certain medications

Importantly, the increased shedding may not begin until several weeks or even months after the triggering event.

Could iron or ferritin be involved?

Sometimes.

Low iron stores are one of several things that may be investigated when someone experiences unexplained hair shedding.

Other possible factors include thyroid problems and nutritional deficiencies.

This is why persistent or significant hair loss deserves proper investigation rather than immediately buying supplements.

Will the hair grow back?

That depends on the cause.

In many cases of temporary shedding, hair growth can recover once the underlying trigger has resolved. However, other forms of hair loss require different management.

An accurate assessment is therefore important.

Can PRP help?

PRP may be appropriate for some types of hair thinning where viable follicles remain, but it isn’t a universal treatment for every form of hair loss.

Underlying medical or nutritional issues should be identified and addressed where appropriate.

How Skin Tone Clinic can help

At Skin Tone Clinic, our approach to hair restoration starts with understanding what’s happening rather than simply recommending a treatment.

We’ll discuss your hair history and concerns and explain whether treatments such as PRP may be appropriate or whether further medical investigation should come first.