Hair loss is a natural process that affects all people, but when it becomes excessive or persistent it can be a sign of an underlying health problem. This was explained by the dermatologist and internist Augusto Cáceres, a Peruvian specialist in trichology, during an interview in which the main doubts, myths and realities surrounding alopecia were addressed.
According to trichology, a person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day, a figure considered normal. However, when the fall is visible —hair on the pillow, in the bathroom or when combing— the cause should be investigated. “Hair has a growth cycle: it is born, grows and falls out. The problem appears when that cycle is altered,” he specified in RPP.
The thinning of the hair strand and the decrease in the amount of hair can be associated with multiple factors. Among the most frequent are:
Hormonal changes, especially in men and women from menopause onwards.
Genetic factors, such as androgenetic alopecia, related to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Stress, extreme diets and anemia, which alter the metabolic balance of the organism.
Systemic diseases, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver failure.
Scalp inflammations, such as seborrheic dermatitis, which causes itching, flaking, and reversible hair loss.
External factors, such as prolonged sun exposure, improper use of shampoos, or aggressive cosmetic treatments.
Recommended
In the case of women, the specialist indicated that hair loss is usually more complex, as it combines hormonal and genetic factors, as well as the frequent use of dyes or other chemical products.
Does daily hair washing cause more hair loss?
Contrary to what is spread on social media, the dermatologist pointed out that washing your hair frequently does not cause hair loss. On the contrary, he recommended doing it daily or every other day, using shampoos suitable for the type of scalp (oily, dry or normal). “If you don’t wash it for several days, the hair that should fall out will do so all at once at the time of washing, giving the false sensation of excessive hair loss”, he explained.
Also, she ruled out the effectiveness of popular home remedies such as mixing birth control pills in shampoo or using tonics without scientific backing. “There is no evidence that they work and they can cause irritation or worsen the problem,” she warned.
Supplements, Hormones, and Treatments
The specialist emphasized that
vitamins or supplements should not be consumed without a prior medical evaluation. Elements such as zinc, iron, ferritin, or vitamin D should only be prescribed after confirming their deficiency through analysis.
Regarding the use of hormonal chips or testosterone treatments, it was pointed out that they should only be applied under strict medical prescription and with prior controls, since improper management can aggravate alopecia.
The importance of medical diagnosis
Finally, Dr. Cáceres emphasized that hair loss should not be treated solely as an aesthetic problem. In some cases, it can be the first symptom of hidden diseases or even be related to psychological disorders. “The best treatment begins with a conversation with the doctor. You have to treat the person, not just the hair,” he stated.
Specialists recommend seeing a dermatologist if hair loss is abundant, persistent, or accompanied by itching, pain, inflammation, or visible changes in the scalp, avoiding self-medication and treatments without professional support.
