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!

Natural Retinol Alternatives | As Seen in Byrdie

Although retinols work wonders for some people, it can be too harsh for certain skin types. Dr. Alexandra Bowles recently shared her insights on natural retinol alternatives in Byrdie and today she’s diving deeper into her recommendations.

What are some natural retinol alternatives that you recommend for sensitive skin?

Resorcinol is a phenolic compound and while not a retinol product, it provides mild exfoliation while promoting skin renewal. This doesn’t give as strong an effect as retinol. You can still see improvement in overall skin texture and smoothness, and many consider it gentler than retinol.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and a gentler retinol alternative, helping to protect the skin from free radicals caused by environmental stressors that contribute to premature aging. Adding a Vitamin C to your routine can help prevent and repair oxidative damage from the environment.

Natural Retinol Alternatives at Mona Dermatology

RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum from Avène has been clinically shown to visibly minimize the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tone while brightening and restoring radiance. This product is an ideal choice for anyone with sensitivity to retinol or that prefers a plant-based alternative. This formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and provides 24-hour hydration without any irritation.

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Provides 24 hours of continuous hydration
Helps strengthen the skin barrier while brightening the skin tone

Safe for all skin types. For best results, use RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum twice daily, in the morning and at night. Key ingredients include:

Bukchiol: Plant-derived alternative to retinol, helps correct visible signs of aging and helps define facial contour
Hyaluronic Acid: Helps support skin’s natural reserves, provides hydration, and plumps skin
Niacinamide: Vitamin B3, helps improve skin barrier function and brightens skin tone
Pre-Tocopheryl: Photostable Vitamin E provides powerful antioxidant protection against free radicals
Avene Thermal Spring Water: Clinically shown by 150 studies to soothe, soften, and calm the skin

High Frequency Wands for Skincare | As Featured in Town & Country

Recently, high frequency wands have gained popularity and Dr. Alexandra Bowles shares her opinion on the effectiveness of them and best practices when using. Read Town & Country’s article for more recommendations.

high frequency lasers

The theory of using electrical currents to help treat acne, tighten skin and build collagen has been around for years. When using these devices, a low electrical current is applied to the skin via a glass electrode. It’s filled with either argon gas, which targets acne and oil production, or neon gas which helps to improve blood flow and build collagen.

What should I consider when choosing a high frequency wand?

When deciding on a device, I would first decide what you are trying to address. Is it acne, skin tone, or just overall skin rejuvenation? Devices also can come with a myriad of attachments so look to see what attachments different brands have. A mushroom wand is good for treating broader areas such as cheeks, forehead and jawline. A tongue wand serves sensitive areas such as under eyes. For zapping individual break outs, a spot wand is great. The Y shape wand is for the curved contours of the neck and the rod wand is good for larger body areas such as legs. The comb wand stimulates hair and helps address scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff

Can you share some recommendations? What differs between wands?

Stacked Skincare High Frequency Acne Device:
- This device can treat acne because it uses Argon gas, but can also help with dandruff. Because it lacks anti-aging benefits, the device comes with limited attachments.
Pure Daily Care NuDerma Professional Skin Therapy Wand:
- Unlike the StackedSkincare High Frequency Acne Device, this device has both Argon and neon gas so can have a broader range of benefits, but has limited attachments so may be more limiting in use.
Skin Gym Skin Gym High Frequency Wand:
- This has both argon and neon gases so has a broad range of benefits, including multiple attachments so you can treat both on and off face. You have to switch between the neon and argon wands to customize your treatments.
Pure Daily Care NuDerma Clinical Skin Therapy Wand:
- This has all the advantages of the Pure Daily Care NuDerma Professional Skin Therapy Wand but because the wands have neon and argon gases combined, you do not need to switch out between wands.

Do Scalp Massagers Actually Work? | As Featured in Byrdie

Dr. Alexandra Bowles weighs in on whether or not scalp massagers actually stimulate hair growth. Read more and discover if this would be a good addition to your routine in Byrdie’s article.

What are the benefits of LED scalp massagers?

LED scalp massagers are a great tool to add to your routine. The red LED light helps increase blood flow to your scalp, which can promote healthier hair follicles. Blue light, on the other hand, has antibacterial benefits, so it can help keep the scalp clean, especially if you’re dealing with excess oil or dandruff. The massage itself is really good for loosening up any product buildup, evenly spreading your natural oils, and even helping to relax any tension that could be affecting your scalp. It’s a nice way to treat your scalp with some extra care!

How do scalp massagers reduce dandruff?

Dandruff usually comes from a combination of things, like oil buildup, yeast overgrowth, or your skin’s natural shedding cycle being a little out of whack. A scalp massager can help by gently exfoliating your scalp, removing flakes and excess oils, and keeping things from getting too irritated. If you’re using a dandruff shampoo, like one with salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione, the massager can help those ingredients really get to work. But make sure to be gentle with a scalp massage. Over-scrubbing can make things worse if you already have a sensitive scalp.

What materials for scalp massagers should one use/avoid?

When choosing a scalp massager, I tend to recommend silicone bristles. They’re soft, flexible, and easy to clean, which is important for maintaining good hygiene. I’d avoid massagers with hard plastic bristles, though—they can be a bit harsh and might irritate your scalp. Glass massagers can look nice, but they can be slippery in the shower, so I don’t usually recommend them. Metal ones can be soothing if they’re smooth, but just make sure the edges aren’t too sharp. If you have sensitive skin, go for something soft and gentle—it’ll help you avoid any unwanted irritation.

What routine + product/ingredient pairings do you recommend?

This depends on the patient! For patients struggling with dandruff, I recommend washing with an antifungal shampoo and allowing it to sit on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing. Using an LED scalp massager can help lift flakes, gently exfoliate, and refresh the scalp.

For those experiencing hair loss, I suggest washing gently two to three times a week, followed by the LED scalp massager. This helps improve blood flow while the red light therapy supports hair growth. If done gently, this routine can be performed daily. However, patients with brittle or thinning hair should avoid excessive manipulation, as it can lead to increased shedding.

What’s the Deal With “Hygiene Hauls” and Scented Products? | As Featured in Beauty Matter

Discover Dr. Alexandra Bowles’ insights on the growing trend of “hygiene hauls” and multi-step skincare routines with scented products in Beauty Matter.

What are your thoughts on the rise of hygiene routine videos with up to 6 different steps of scented body products?

First and foremost, I think it is wonderful that people are starting to prioritize their skin health and hygiene. However, as a dermatologist, I know that scented products can increase the risk of irritation. They even can cause contact dermatitis, eczema flare-ups, or irritate acne-prone skin. Scented products are not innately bad as long it’s not creating issues with your skin.

How high is the risk of contact dermatitis or another allergic reaction from these types of routines?

Using multiple different scented body products can increase the risk of contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction. This is because you’re layering multiple ingredients that your skin might not tolerate well. Fragrances—whether synthetic or natural, like essential oils—are some of the most common triggers of irritation. Adding preservatives or colorants to the mix can make it more likely for irritation to occur. Thinner skin areas like your neck or underarms are more prone to a reaction. If you’re noticing any redness, itching, or discomfort, try reducing the number of products you use or swapping for fragrance-free options. I also recommend patch-testing new products on a small area of skin before applying them more widely. If irritation continues, a dermatologist can help identify which ingredient might be causing the problem.

Have you been seeing any increase in patients coming in with issues related to these extensive and highly fragrant body care routines?

Yes! I have definitely noticed an uptick in patients presenting with things like perioral dermatitis, eyelid eczema, and acne flares. There does seem to be a common denominator with some of these patients who have recently started an extensive skin routine or added in new products. It can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit due to multiple products being added to their routine at once. I recommend adding in new products one at a time. You can also do a test spot to make sure it is compatible with your skin type. I advise patients who struggle with eczema or sensitive skin to avoid scented products when possible.