Hair fall: when to worry and what to check

Normal shedding

Losing around a hundred hairs a day is expected. Concern is warranted when you notice a widening parting, a receding hairline, visible scalp, or shedding that continues for more than three months.

Things worth testing

• Iron studies, particularly ferritin
• Thyroid function
• Vitamin D

Treatment takes time

Hair grows slowly, so any treatment needs at least three to six months before its effect can be judged. Stopping early is the most common reason treatment appears not to work.