As featured in CNN Underscored, by Jillian Tracy, October 1, 2026
Seeing more hair in your brush or around the shower drain can be stressful. Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of Reston and founder of Vidaderma, was one of the experts CNN Underscored consulted on what causes hair shedding and what actually helps. Here's what she shared.
Read the full CNN Underscored article
Why you notice more shedding on wash day
If you see a lot of hair in the drain after washing, it may not mean you're losing more hair overall. Dr. Colombo explained that people who wash less often tend to see more shedding on wash days, because the hairs that shed over several days all come out at once:
"Let's say you wash your hair once a week versus every other day. If you wash once a week, the one time you wash, you're going to have a cumulative shed from the whole week." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via CNN Underscored
Hair shedding during perimenopause
Hormones play a role too. Dr. Colombo noted that because of fluctuating estrogen levels, some women going through perimenopause may experience on-and-off periods of shedding for years.
How to reduce hair shedding at home
For an at-home starting point, Dr. Colombo recommends adding a dandruff shampoo, such as Nizoral, into your wash routine a few times a week. A healthy scalp is a big part of preventing hair loss and supporting new growth, and the dermatologists in the feature agreed that a ketoconazole anti-dandruff shampoo can help calm scalp inflammation.
When shedding needs more than an at-home fix
According to Dr. Colombo, the first step against hair shedding is usually reducing inflammation on the scalp, either with a ketoconazole shampoo or a stronger prescription steroid solution such as clobetasol or fluocinonide. For people who are concerned about excessive shedding, she noted that medications like minoxidil or spironolactone can help slow it down.
The feature also discusses in-office options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which aim to support thicker growth by adding growth factors back into the scalp, though these treatments tend to be more invasive and more expensive.
Will hair shedding stop on its own?
Often, yes. Dr. Colombo said most episodes of excessive shedding are temporary and usually resolve as the hair growth cycle restarts. But if shedding lasts longer than six months, you can't pinpoint the cause, or you're concerned about overall thinning, she recommends seeing a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis.
A longevity approach to hair health
At Vidaderma, we believe in consistent, science-informed care over quick fixes, for both skin and hair. Explore The Skin Longevity Framework or take the skin quiz to build your routine.
Want to go deeper on thinning hair? Read Dr. Colombo's guide to thinning hair in women, as featured in Who What Wear.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I shed so much hair when I wash it?
If you wash less often, the hairs shed over several days come out all at once on wash day. Dr. Colombo calls this a cumulative shed.
Can perimenopause cause hair shedding?
Yes. Dr. Colombo notes that fluctuating estrogen can cause some women in perimenopause to experience on-and-off shedding for years.
What shampoo helps with hair shedding?
Dr. Colombo recommends a dandruff shampoo, such as Nizoral, a few times a week to support scalp health and calm inflammation.
When should I see a dermatologist about hair shedding?
If shedding lasts longer than six months or you can't identify the cause, Dr. Colombo recommends seeing a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis.
