Shedding intermediate hairs, is it normal?

Question

Hello, I would like to ask if intermediate hairs are normal in a shed? They are the kind of thinner, yet still long hairs that come in about 1-2 out of 20 in my wash every 2 days. I do not shed telogen vellus hairs at all. Just the normal thick ones and the much less common intermediate hairs. They tend to be the same length as my hair. Is this normal?

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Shedding a low proportion of intermediate hairs is often normal especially if the overall shedding rate is normal and the overall scalp density is not changing over time. There is some variation is scalp hair caliber that is quite normal. For every 9 or so thicker terminal hairs that are shed it’s even acceptable to shed pretty short thin hairs as well. The key as to whether to be concerned or not comes down to two key questions. If the answer is “yes” to any of the two then one really should have a full examination by an expert: 1) Am I shedding more total hairs than I once did? 2) Is my hair density any different than it was before?

Shedding intermediate hairs, is it normal?

Answers (1)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Shedding intermediate hairs, is it normal?

Answers (1)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Not sure if I have TE or AGA. I have been using Minoxodil for 3 months and hair loss is worse, should I stop using it?

Losing hair at the temples, am I going bald? My father and my paternal grandfather are bald. Maternal grandfather is not (Photo)

Lichen planopilaris - misdiagnose? Could my hair loss be related to the treatment?