Significant Hair Loss After Haircut: Is It Normal or a Concern?

Q: Significant Hair Loss After Haircut: Is It Normal or a Concern?

Hello： Generally, a normal haircut does not lead to increased hair loss. <br>If the comb is not clean, it is more likely to cause scalp inflammation or infection. <br>If your hair loss continues to worsen, I recommend consulting a dermatologist nearby. <br>Thank you!

Significant increase in hair loss?

Hello Dr.
Lee,
I have a habit of observing the amount of hair I lose while washing my hair.
For many years, I have been cutting my own hair, using scissors in the front and clippers in the back, for about ten years.
During this time, the total amount of hair loss while washing my hair has been around 30 to 50 strands each time.
However, at the end of last month, my clippers broke, and my mother persuaded me to go to a budget haircut shop she recommended.
After getting my hair cut and washed, the staff handed me a comb to style my hair.
After combing a few times, my mother remarked that it was unnecessary to comb hair that wasn't clean.
I initially brushed it off, but since that haircut, I have noticed that my total hair loss while washing has exceeded 100 strands each time, and it seems to be evenly distributed across my entire scalp.
Previously, I mostly lost longer hair from the front, while the shorter hair in the back was quite resilient and hardly shed.
Now, however, the longer hair seems to shed even more, and the shorter hair loses significantly more with just a gentle rub of my palm.
I wonder if this could be related to the cleanliness of that comb or if the way my hair was cut by someone else has caused a significant change in my scalp's metabolic rate.
I recall that my diet hasn't changed much, and my stress levels are not excessively high.
However, the appearance of my hair seems normal; there are no unusual odors, itching sensations, swelling, pustules, or flaking on my scalp.

Dr.
Lee, do you think the increased hair loss after having my hair cut by someone else is reasonable and normal? If it is not normal, what symptoms might it resemble? Thank you, Doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/05/22

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology

Hello: Generally, a normal haircut does not lead to increased hair loss.
If the comb is not clean, it is more likely to cause scalp inflammation or infection.
If your hair loss continues to worsen, I recommend consulting a dermatologist nearby.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2015/05/22

More Info

Significant hair loss after a haircut can be concerning, especially when the amount of hair loss increases dramatically compared to your usual shedding. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a notable increase in hair loss since visiting a hair salon for a haircut, where you also used a comb provided by the stylist.
First, it's important to understand that hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. On average, it is typical for individuals to lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day. This shedding can be influenced by various factors, including seasonal changes, hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, and even dietary habits. However, the sudden increase in hair loss you are experiencing—going from 30-50 hairs to over 100 hairs per wash—raises some questions.

One potential explanation for your increased hair loss could be related to the tools used during your haircut. If the comb was not clean, it could have introduced bacteria or fungi to your scalp, potentially leading to an inflammatory response. While you mentioned that you do not have any visible signs of irritation, such as redness, itching, or flaking, it is still possible for a mild reaction to occur that might not be immediately apparent.
Another factor to consider is the technique used by the stylist. If the haircut involved pulling or tugging on your hair more than you are accustomed to, this could have caused some hair to be dislodged from the follicles. Additionally, if the stylist used blunt cutting techniques rather than point cutting, this could lead to more hair breakage, which might give the impression of increased hair loss.

Stress can also play a significant role in hair health. While you mentioned that your stress levels have not changed significantly, it is worth noting that even subtle changes in your routine or environment can impact your hair. For instance, the anxiety of visiting a new salon or the concern over your hair loss could contribute to a temporary increase in shedding.

If the hair loss persists or worsens, it would be prudent to consult a dermatologist or a trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp health). They can perform a thorough examination of your scalp and hair, assess for any underlying conditions, and provide tailored advice. Conditions such as telogen effluvium, which is a temporary form of hair loss often triggered by stress or trauma, could be a possibility.
In summary, while some increase in hair shedding can be normal after a haircut, the extent of your experience warrants attention. Keep monitoring your hair loss, and if it continues to be a concern, seek professional evaluation to rule out any underlying issues. Remember, maintaining a healthy scalp and hair care routine is essential, and addressing any potential problems early can help prevent long-term damage.

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