Getting to the Root of Temporary Hair Loss

Shedding about 150 hairs every day is normal. But if your hairbrush looks fuller than usual, you could have a thyroid gland problem, a hormone imbalance, or an iron deficiency. Other hair-loss triggers include certain medications, such as antidepressants, and the stresses of surgery or illness.

Postpartum hair loss also is common. During pregnancy, hair looks thicker because an estrogen boost makes hair that would normally fall out linger. But a few months after the baby is born, pregnancy hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels. When hair resumes its normal growth and loss cycle, the extra hair falls out.

To help prevent temporary hair loss, treat your hair gently all the time:

• Avoid combing wet hair.
• Let your hair air dry partially before styling.
• Keep dyeing, perming, and relaxing to a minimum.