Professional Hair Care Advice from The Hair Care Edit by LMS Innovations
One of the most concerning things a client can experience is noticing more hair than usual in their brush, shower drain, or on their clothing.
Throughout my years as a professional hairstylist, I've had many conversations with clients who are worried about thinning hair or excessive shedding.
While losing some hair every day is completely normal, noticeable changes in hair density can understandably raise questions.
The important thing to understand is that hair thinning, hair shedding, and hair breakage are not necessarily the same thing.
Hair shedding
It's normal to shed approximately 50–100 hairs daily, although the amount varies.
Sometimes, more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. This can cause noticeable shedding throughout the scalp.
Hair thinning
Thinning may happen gradually, making your ponytail feel smaller or your part appear wider. Genetics, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can contribute.
Hair breakage
Breakage occurs when the hair shaft snaps rather than the entire hair being shed from the follicle.
Excessive heat, chemical processing, tight hairstyles, and mechanical damage can contribute to breakage.
Understanding the difference can help determine whether changes to your hair-care routine may be helpful or whether a medical evaluation is needed.
With the increasing use of medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, more people are asking whether these treatments can affect their hair.
Hair loss has been reported during treatment with some of these medications, particularly those used for weight management.
One possible explanation is telogen effluvium, a type of excessive shedding that can occur after significant physical stress, rapid weight loss, illness, or nutritional changes.
During this process, more hair follicles than usual enter the resting phase of the growth cycle. Shedding often becomes noticeable approximately two to three months after the triggering event.
Importantly, researchers are still studying whether GLP-1 medications have effects on hair growth beyond those associated with weight loss.
Not everyone taking these medications will experience hair loss.
Hair growth depends on several factors, including adequate nutrition.
When someone loses weight quickly or significantly reduces their food intake, they may not consume enough protein, iron, or other nutrients needed for normal hair growth.
The body may respond to these changes by temporarily shifting more hairs into the shedding phase.
This doesn't mean weight-loss medications should automatically be stopped. Anyone concerned about medication-related hair loss should discuss their symptoms, nutrition, and treatment plan with their prescribing healthcare professional.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, postpartum changes, menopause, and certain hormonal conditions may influence the hair growth cycle.
Thyroid conditions
Both underactive and overactive thyroid disorders can contribute to hair thinning or shedding.
Low iron or nutritional deficiencies
Insufficient iron, protein, or other nutrients may affect hair growth in some individuals.
Genetics
Hereditary hair loss can cause gradual thinning, particularly around the part or crown.
Stress or illness
Significant physical or emotional stress, fever, surgery, and certain illnesses can trigger temporary shedding.
Because several conditions can look similar, identifying the cause is important before choosing a treatment.
This is a question I hear frequently.
A good shampoo can help maintain a healthy, comfortable scalp and improve how hair looks and feels.
Volumizing products may also make fine or thinning hair appear fuller.
However, ordinary cosmetic shampoos cannot reliably stop hair loss caused by genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions.
Products marketed for thinning hair should not be confused with medically established hair-loss treatments.
Choose a gentle shampoo appropriate for your scalp.
Use lightweight conditioners if heavier products make your hair appear flat.
Avoid excessive heat and aggressive brushing.
Minimize tight hairstyles that place repeated tension on the hair.
Be gentle when detangling wet hair.
Consider a haircut that creates the appearance of fullness.
Avoid purchasing expensive hair-growth supplements without discussing them with a healthcare professional.
Most importantly, don't assume every case of thinning hair has the same cause.
If you're noticing significant shedding, a widening part, bald patches, scalp irritation, or persistent changes in hair density, consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or your healthcare provider.
Sudden or patchy hair loss, especially with scalp pain, redness, or scaling, deserves prompt evaluation.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend checking thyroid function, iron levels, or other possible contributing factors.
In many cases of temporary shedding, including telogen effluvium, hair can gradually regrow once the underlying trigger has resolved.
However, recovery takes time because hair grows in cycles. It may take several months to notice improved fullness.
Other forms of hair loss may require specific treatment, and some can become permanent without appropriate care.
Hair thinning can be frustrating, but it doesn't always mean permanent hair loss.
Whether the cause is hormonal changes, rapid weight loss, medication-related changes, genetics, or hair breakage, understanding what's happening is the first step.
As a hairstylist, my role is to help clients care for their hair, minimize unnecessary damage, and find styles and products that improve its appearance.
Healthy hair care starts with understanding the difference between cosmetic concerns and conditions that may need medical attention.
Professional Hair Care Education by LMS Innovations.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about hair loss, medications, or treatment decisions.