Hair Loss in the Shower: How Much is Normal? | As Featured in Real Simple

Everyone loses hair, but it is always the most noticeable in the shower. Have you ever worried if you’re losing too much? Most people have the same concern and Dr. Mona Foad is here to answer your questions! Read more about hair loss in Real Simple’s full article.

Why do we lose hair and/or just notice it while we are in the shower?

It’s absolutely normal to notice more hair shedding in the shower. Washing and conditioning can help loosen up hairs that were already in the shedding phase. If you don’t wash or brush your hair daily, those hairs can build up and come out all at once. This makes it seem like you’re losing more than you actually are. The water and conditioner also cause the strands to clump together, so the shedding might look a little more dramatic than usual.

What causes this type of hair loss?

Shower shedding is usually just part of your hair’s natural cycle, but a few things can make it worse. Stress, diet, hormonal shifts, and even certain medical conditions can all play a role. If you’re dealing with something like stress or illness, you could be experiencing telogen effluvium. This is a temporary shedding phase that typically starts 3 to 4 months after being triggered by those factors. Other things like iron deficiency, thyroid issues, or even tight hairstyles can also make shedding more noticeable. If it persists or gets worse, it might be time to chat with a dermatologist to figure out what’s going on.

How much is “normal” to see in the shower?

A little shedding is normal! On average, we lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you’re washing your hair, you might see a bit more than usual because the act of shampooing and conditioning loosens hairs that were ready to shed. It may feel like more if you don’t wash your hair every day, since those hairs accumulate. As long as it’s around that amount, it’s part of your natural hair cycle. But if you’re seeing large clumps or thinning spots, it might be worth investigating further.

How much hair loss in the shower is abnormal?

If you’re seeing large clumps of hair in the drain, noticing thinning patches, or feeling excessive shedding when you run your fingers through your hair, that could be a sign of something abnormal. Another good way to see if your hair is thinning is to put it in a ponytail and if the ponytail is thinner than normal, you might be suffering from some excess shedding. A sudden increase in shedding, visible scalp changes, or any itching or tenderness should definitely be looked at by a dermatologist to rule out any underlying issues.

What should you do if you notice that you’re losing more hair than normal in the shower?

First, don’t panic! If this is something new, and you’ve recently gone through stress, illness, or hormonal changes, it could just be temporary. Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet with enough protein, iron, and vitamins that support hair health. Consider switching to a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and be mindful of heat styling or tight hairstyles. Collagen powders can also help but make sure you’re taking a marine short chain collagen If the shedding goes on for more than a couple of months, or you’re noticing thinning or scalp discomfort, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist to dig into the cause and find the right treatment.

Is it possible to just see hair loss in the shower and not really notice it elsewhere? Why/why not?

It’s definitely possible to only notice hair loss in the shower. That’s because the washing process helps loosen hairs that were already in the shedding phase, so you might not see them as much throughout the day. But if thinning is happening, you might start seeing more hair on your pillow, in your brush, or around your home. If the shedding is only happening in the shower, it’s probably just normal, but if you start to notice changes in your overall hair density, it might be worth looking into more.

Final Thoughts?

Hair loss is a common concern, but the key is paying attention to sudden or significant changes. If you’re feeling worried, a dermatologist can assess your scalp, check for any underlying conditions, and recommend treatments. Options like topical minoxidil, PRP therapy, or lifestyle changes can help keep your hair healthy and growing.

Best Cuticle Removal Methods | As Featured in Byrdie

Trying to get the perfect manicure at home? One crucial, yet often forgotten, step for a good manicure is proper cuticle removal. There’s not always time to go to the salon, so Dr. Mona Foad shares some other options in Byrdie’s article.

cuticle removal

#1: Exfoliating scrubs

A DIY sugar scrub can help soften the excess cuticle making it easier to remove safely without damaging the healthy cuticle. Easy and simple to make at home! All you need is sugar and coconut oil. Additionally, you can also add essential oils for fragrance and aromatherapy. Mix together, rub into your skin, and rinse! It’ll leave you with soft and silky skin.

#2: Electric cuticle remover

An electric nail drill or cuticle remover allows you to remove cuticles at home. Typically, they come with various tips made for removing the cuticle, such as one to sand down then excess skin. Make sure you practice and start slow. Beginners may take a second to get the hang of it. It is possible to damage the nail if you are too harsh, so be sure to start gently.

#3: Let the professionals do it!

Invest in a high-quality manicure with professionals that can ensure the cuticle is trimmed safely.

Women’s History Month with Tiff Potter

Dr. Mona Foad shares her favorite skincare secrets for Women’s History Month in her interview with Tiff Potter on Kiss 107! To learn more, listen to the full iHeart Radio segment.

What are your favorite skincare secrets to share?

Sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do because it protects your skin, you can start early, and it helps to actually prevent a lot of the signs of aging. And if I was going to give you one tip, look at the ingredients. I love zinc oxide and a sunscreen because it’s gonna cover both your UVA and UVB rays, which cause aging and burning.

The second thing I would recommend is an antioxidant. They’re great for helping to protect you from some of that environmental damage, like the sun or even pollution which can sit on your skin. Vitamin C is a good option, but there’s lots of different ones out there. And the other thing is I’d say, make sure you wash your face at night. A lot of times we’re so busy and get tired, but wash your face and get all the dirt off so you can have a fresh, clean face in the morning.

Another thing I love is collagen powder. Lots of studies show that it actually does help to build collagen!

What do you have to say female owned businesses or potential female business owners in the Tri-State area?

If you’re a woman and you’re thinking about doing something, believe that you can. It’s so important. I think that many times we don’t think that we can do things as women, but we can. So believe in yourself and if you have it in your heart, just believe you can do it!

2nd Floor Renovation Reveal at Mona Dermatology!

Mona Dermatology has expanded our Kenwood location to include an additional 13 treatment rooms, with a brand new upstairs as well as new service offerings. See the full article in Cincinnati Magazine!

17 Years in the Making

Mona Dermatology was founded in 2007 by local dermatologist Dr. Mona S Foad. She had a vision to create a place where both medical and cosmetic dermatology could come together to treat patients’ skin holistically. Since then, her practice has grown to include eleven providers and a staff of over 40 woman.

Movin’ on Up

Originally called Cincinnati Dermatology Center, the practice initially operated out of six exam rooms with two providers. In 2013, the practice expanded into a new cosmetic suite called Skinology with a mission to treat the whole dermatology patient, addressing both medical and cosmetic needs. In 2018, Cincinnati Dermatology Center rebranded and changed its name to Mona Dermatology. mona Dermatology took over the building in 2020 and has since completed two renovations. The first project, completed in the fall of 2021, created 19 patient rooms i the downstairs space along with an expansive lounge-style lobby area. Most recently, the second-floor renovation of the building at 7730 Montgomery Road added 13 more rooms.

When designing the first-floor, Dr. Mona wanted to combat the fear that patients often have about going to the doctor. She accomplished this by creating a beautiful, relaxing environment that they would look for. As soon as a patient walks into the practice, friendly faces greet them. While they wait, they can enjoy a beverage or a snack by the expansive green living wall. Music plays throughout the practice and in patient rooms to create a relaxing environment. Each room has a customizable ambient lighting, HVAC controls, and a discreet cabinet for patients to hang their clothing. Dr. Mona’s team truly thought of everything. The new upstairs space continues this focus on patient experience with larger treatment rooms and more private checkouts. A modern staircase completes the vision, creating openeness between floors and offering patients an option other than taking the elevator.

True to Our Roots

We opened our doors in 2007 with two providers and six examination rooms. Mona Dermatology has now grown to offer patients 11 talented providers in over 30 state-of-the-art rooms. While Mona Dermatology has expanded and renovated several times, our patient care has remained the same. We will always maintain the commitment to care for the whole dermatology patient; medically, surgically, and cosmetically. Patients being seen medically can choose between using their network insurance or paying out of pocket at a self-pay discount.

New Cosmetic Technologies | As Featured in Dermasphere Podcast

Are you curious about the latest and greatest cosmetic technologies? Dr. Alexandra Bowles shares her picks for the best new technologies, how they work, and the amazing results they provide! For more information, listen to the full Dermasphere podcast interview.

What is your new favorite cosmetic technology that you think more people should know about?

Ellacor. Ellacor is a minimally invasive technique to improve fine lines and wrinkles, approved for around the mouth. The way it works is by micro coring. Think of it as tiny little punch biopsies that core out columns of skin. This stimulates the body’s natural response to injury, which builds collagen and improves fine lines and wrinkles and gives a lifted appearance. There is minimal downtime and most people are back to normal in around 2 weeks. But not everyone heals the same way, especially depending on your skin type.

It’s been a very popular procedure because we’re one of the only offices in the state offer it and have people coming from all over the country to try it. Recently, we’ve noticed it helps in other parts of medicine like foreign body granulomas from things like Sculptra or acne scarring. It can even help crepey skin on the neck, arms, tops of legs and knees.

What have your patients’ results been like after the procedure?

We have had great results when it comes to both scarring and tissue laxity. I haven’t had any patients with long term issues with scarring or anything else from the procedure. One of my first patients of this treatments says it’s been one of the most efficacious treatments she’s done, and she’s done every laser under the sun. Because it’s not heat based, it doesn’t cause discomfort later on that people tend to complain about. She said she felt totally comfortable after the treatment, versus other treatments which have made her very swollen and uncomfortable. People are loving to so much they’re coming back for 2nd and 3rd treatments.

Could this be used to help scarred areas from other skin issues?

I think this would be amazing to look further into and definitely could be possible. I think there is so much potential for how Ellacor can help, we just haven’t figured out all the ways yet.

Is there a variety of treatment styles for Ellacor?

You can do the treatment on the skin in any order you’d like. I’ve been testing different methods for what works best. Using it for stretch marks is a great example of different treatment styles because the movement pattern is different than on the face. We’ve done this on the the back of the arms and legs and have seen great improvements. One of the only issues patients have encountered is that if you are prone to hyperpigmentation, your skin may take 4-6 weeks to look completely healed instead of the standard two weeks. This can also depend on the intensity of the treatment. But good news is that studies are showing the increased intensity of the treatment doesn’t necessarily equate to a better result.

What is the device you use most in your practice?

What I use all day, everyday is the BroadBand Light, also known as a BBL Hero. We use this for acne and have had fantastic results. The patients love to low to no downtime and how they come home with their skin glowing. Their pores are decreased without having to do a full resurfacing or fractionally ablative device.

How does the BroadBand Light technology work?

It uses Hero passes, which stands for high energy rapid output. With the first pass, you’re laying down a lot of heat and energy. Depending on the patient, you choose various wave lengths. For example, for somebody with a of redness, I’ll chose the 560 wave length because we know this absorbs hemoglobin, so it targets redness. Then I’ll lay down a base pass of a 560 heat, basically prepping the skin for corrective passes. This is where I increase the energy and decrease the pulse width. I stamp higher energy to try to target things like vessels and angiomas, diffuse rosacea or even bruises.

After, I usually follow up with a pigment setting, which is a different wavelength. I use the 515 wavelength which absorbs melanin, so is good for targeting pigment, freckles, and antigenes. The last we pass we do what we call a photo finish. That’s with a 640 wavelength and is a little deeper, so you get a little bit more collagen production. With this whole treatment, you get improvement in redness, pigment, and fine lines.

With the acne protocol treatment, that is a different wavelength. It’s a 420 wavelength and is known to help kill the bacteria that causes acnes. It’s a great option for those who don’t want to go on Accutane® or have lots of inflammatory redness from acne.

Treating Scalp Psoriasis | As Featured in Byrdie

Do you struggle with a flakey, irritated scalp? If you’re looking to manage your scalp psoriasis, read about these suggestions from Dr. Mona Foad that may be able to help you! Looking for more tips? Read the full Byrdie article.

scalp psoriasis

Feel like you’ve tried everything and your psoriasis is not getting any better? Consider scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist for steroid injections into the patches and plaques of your psoriasis. These injections can help give you some temporary clearance for tougher, more resistant plaques. Sometimes stubborn patches can last for a month or longer, and can be an adjunct to any topical treatment. Your dermatologist will be able to find the best solution for you! Check with your insurance beforehand, as many injections should be covered.

Another approach to managing scalp psoriasis is trying UV light therapy. UV light combs can also be helpful in controlling symptoms. These hand held combs are phototherapy devices designed to allow the light to get past the hair and reach the affected parts of the scalp. The UV light is helpful in treating psoriasis because it reduces inflammation and itching. It also can slow down the growth of the skin cells.

Treat Your Scalp Psoriasis at Our Kenwood-Based Office

Our board-certified providers are experienced in treating both Hair & Scalp Problems as well as Psoriasis. These skin conditions can range from mild to severe and our team offers a variety of options to address the root causes and bring your skin back to a more balanced state. We offer psoriasis treatments that include topical creams, oral medications, and injectable biologics that target psoriasis at the cellular level.

Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward healthy, beautiful skin!