Hair on the pillow, on the brush and even in the bathroom drain often causes concern. Although daily hair loss is part of the natural hair renewal cycle, a significant increase may indicate that something is not going well and deserves medical evaluation.

Data from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), released in 2022, show that around 42 million Brazilians live with some type of alopecia. The condition is among the main causes of hair loss and can affect men and women at different stages of life.

For Dr. Angela Helena Perretto, national technical manager at Homenz, a network specializing in men’s health and aesthetics, many people only realize the importance of hair health when they start to notice more obvious changes. “It is common for the first signs to be ignored or attributed solely to aging. However, some changes may indicate conditions that deserve appropriate monitoring”, he explains.

Below, the doctor highlights some signs that hair loss deserves attention:

1. More hairs on the brush or falling out during washing

Small changes in the number of hairs that fall out per day can reveal when the loss is greater than expected. “A simple tip is to pay attention to your usual pattern. It’s not always possible to count how many hairs are lost per day, but most people notice when this happens. volume increases significantly. If you start to notice more hair on your brush, on your pillow or when washing for several weeks in a row, it is worth seeking medical advice”, advises Dr. Angela Helena Perretto.

2. Hair thinning

In many cases, the thickness of the hair strand decreases even before a noticeable reduction in scalp coverage occurs. “One way to notice this is to observe if the hair has lost volume, if the scalp is more visible or if the usual hairstyle no longer has the same appearance. These signs may indicate progressive thinning”, explains the doctor.

Visualizing the skin in regions previously covered by hair deserves attention, especially when it occurs gradually. “It’s worth regularly monitoring areas such as the frontal line, the entrances and the top of the head. Photographs taken a few months apart also help to notice differences that usually go unnoticed in everyday life”, recommends Dr. Angela Helena Perretto.

4. Stress and hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, surgeries, infections, very restrictive diets and periods of great emotional exhaustion can directly interfere with the hair growth cycle. “Often, the fall does not happen immediately after the triggering factor. Therefore, it is important to remember if there have been any important changes in routine, health or diet in recent months”, advises the professional.

5. Hair loss for more than three months

Although there are temporary episodes related to specific factors, the persistence of the problem deserves professional attention. “If the condition does not improve after a few months or continues to evolve, the ideal is not to delay seeking help. The sooner the cause is discovered, the greater the chances of control and treatment“, says Angela Helena Perretto to Dra.

The doctor reinforces that hair health is directly linked to the body’s balance and that each case must be analyzed individually. “Not every condition has the same origin and, therefore, there is no single solution. The ideal is to seek specialized assistance. An adequate consultation allows us to understand the origin of the condition and define the most appropriate course of action for each person”, he concludes.

By Islany Oliveira