Losing up to around 100 hairs a day is normal. What deserves attention is a changing pattern that persists — a widening parting, a thinning crown, a receding hairline, or noticeably more hair on the pillow for over three months. Pattern change, not the daily count, is the signal to get assessed.
Noticing more hair on the pillow, a widening parting, or a shower drain that needs clearing more often — most people sit on these observations for months before mentioning them to anyone. That delay matters, because with hair, earlier is genuinely easier.
Some shedding is normal. Patterns are not.
Everyone loses some hair daily — that is the hair cycle doing its job. What deserves attention is a change in pattern: gradual thinning at the crown or temples, a parting that looks wider in photos than it did a year ago, sudden diffuse shedding after an illness or a stressful season, or patches appearing over weeks.
Why the cause matters more than the product
Hair loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Hereditary pattern loss, thyroid issues, iron deficiency, post-illness shedding, scalp conditions and some medications can all look similar in the mirror but call for entirely different responses. This is why we start with a full history and examination, sometimes with blood tests, before anything is recommended — a product chosen before a diagnosis is a guess.
What treatment actually looks like
Depending on the cause, a plan may involve prescription treatments, topical scalp treatments, or simply correcting an underlying issue and letting the cycle recover. Progress in hair is measured in months, not weeks — we set expectations honestly at consultation and review with photographs over time, so you can see what is actually changing rather than guessing.
When should you come in?
If the change has been on your mind for more than a couple of months, that is reason enough. You do not need to wait until it is “bad enough” — assessment is straightforward, and knowing the cause is useful even if you decide to simply watch and wait.
Concerned about thinning or shedding? Read about our approach to hair, or message us on WhatsApp to arrange an assessment with Dr Sam Lua.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to lose hair every day? Yes — shedding up to around 100 hairs a day is typical. What matters is a change in pattern: a widening parting, a thinning crown or a receding hairline that persists for months.
Can early hair loss be treated? Caught early, hair loss is usually easier to manage. Treatment is matched to the cause — hormonal, nutritional, stress-related or hereditary — which is why assessment comes first at Belief Medical.
Where can I get hair loss assessed in Singapore? Belief Medical at Kitchener Complex, near Lavender MRT, runs doctor-led scalp assessments by appointment — message us on WhatsApp at +65 8770 9188.
Related reading: The case for having one regular doctor · Hair at Belief Medical
Written by Dr Sam Lua, Belief Medical — a private GP and aesthetic practice in Singapore. About the practice. Last reviewed: August 2026.
