Should I Just Get Rid of My Hair at This Point? What to Know and Do First

You’re staring at the brush, and it’s full. The shower drain’s clogged again. Every time you run your fingers through your hair, clumps come away. And that little voice in your head says, “This can’t be normal… should I just get rid of it all?”

It feels like a borderline panic moment, almost like shaving your head is this shiny red button you can press when the stress and self-consciousness get too heavy.

But before you reach for the clippers, know that not all shedding is the same. Some kinds of hair loss are temporary, some are fixable, and others can be managed if you know what’s really going on.

Chances are, you don’t actually want to get rid of your hair. You want to save what you can—you just need a clear plan.

That’s exactly what this guide is for. We’ll walk through real situations where "hair loss" happens, and I’ll break down what’s going on, what you can do, what to expect, and how I’d handle it myself.

Let’s get into it.

Understand First What "Normal" Hair Fall Looks Like

This might come as a surprise, but you’re supposed to lose hair every day. It’s totally normal. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology says anywhere from 50 to 100 strands fall out daily as part of your hair’s natural growth cycle.

As someone with long hair, I get how those fallen strands in the sink or shower can feel like a scary amount, but it’s really just the length making them look like "a lot", even though it's not.

That's to say a few hairs on your pillow, some stuck in your brush, or a small bunch in the drain is usually within the normal range.

Verdict:

A random clump here and there doesn’t mean disaster. Your hair isn’t “falling out,” and you definitely don’t need to shave it all off.

But if you’re seeing handfuls day after day, watching your part line widen, or spotting bald patches, that’s when it’s worth paying attention.

Sometimes it signals something more serious. Other times, it’s just temporary triggers like stress, seasonal changes (winter’s a big one), or even a rough wash day. We’ll cover those possibilities further down the list.

Match Today's Shedding to a Recent Trigger

Normal daily shedding is expected, but when the fallout suddenly feels heavier than usual, it may tie back to a trigger from weeks or months ago.

Dermatologists call this telogen effluvium—a temporary shift in your growth cycle that’s often caused by stress, illness, poor sleep, or even a crash diet.

Think back. Did you spend weeks running on little sleep, juggling work and family, or recovering from the flu? Did you lose weight quickly or go through a high‑stress season?

If yes, the timing lines up. Hair follicles often respond two to three months after the trigger, which means what you’re seeing now could actually be your body finishing that stress chapter.

Verdict:

If a recent stressor fits the timeline, this is most likely temporary. Don’t rush to get rid of your hair. Your follicles are just resetting, and patience is often the real treatment.

Here’s what to do now:

• Give your body stability: Regular meals with enough protein, steady sleep, and stress relief where possible.

• Keep your hair care gentle: Skip the harsh styling so the shed can run its course without added hair breakage.

By three to six months after the trigger, shedding usually slows and growth evens out again.

Follow a Postpartum Plan If You Delivered in the Last Year

Had a baby recently? That could explain those heavy clumps clogging the drain.. Postpartum hair shedding usually starts around month three or four after delivery, peaks for a couple months and then slowly settles down.

By your baby's first birthday, you'll likely see your hair return to its usual fullness.

Here’s why it happens. During pregnancy, higher estrogen levels kept more hairs in the growth phase. Once those hormones drop, all the extra hairs your scalp was holding onto release at once.

It feels like sudden hair loss, but it’s really a delayed shedding of strands you would have lost months ago.

Verdict:

Postpartum shedding does not mean your hair is gone for good. It's temporary. Be patient, treat your scalp with care, and expect things to improve over the next several months without resorting to shaving it all off.

Here's what you can do now:

• Keep your routine gentle. Skip tight ponytails and rough brushing.

• Use a wide-tooth comb and nourishing conditioner to minimize breakage.

• Add scalp-friendly oils like rosemary or batana to support new growth.

• Prioritize protein and iron-rich foods to strengthen strands.

Stop Using Tight Hairstyles That Pull at Your Hairline

If you notice your edges thinning or your scalp feeling sore after braids, ponytails, or extensions, that’s a strong sign of traction alopecia—the kind of hair loss caused by constant pulling.

It’s one of the few forms of hair loss that can become permanent if you ignore it.

Verdict:

No need to get rid of your hair if you see thinning edges. The best course of action is to stop and avoid using those tight hairstyles. This allows your follicles to heal before permanent damage occurs.

Here’s what you can do today:

• Swap tight buns and slick ponytails for looser styles or claw clips.

• Rotate your part so the same section of hair isn’t under daily stress.

• Watch for tenderness or bumps along your hairline. That’s your cue the style is too tight.

Treat an Inflamed or Flaky Scalp With a Medicated Shampoo

Does your head itch nonstop, or do you notice flakes on your shoulders after brushing? That irritation can make shedding look and feel much worse than it is.

Often the culprit is seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, all of which are conditions that inflame the scalp and weaken the environment for healthy growth.

Verdict:

No, you don’t need to shave all your hair off. Addressing the inflammation is what makes the difference. A medicated shampoo plan can calm your scalp and let your follicles function normally again.

Here’s what to do now:

• Start with an antifungal shampoo (like 1–2% ketoconazole) two to three times a week.

• Rotate with zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide shampoos on the days you’re not using ketoconazole.

• Leave lather on your scalp for at least five minutes before rinsing.

• If redness or pain persists, see a dermatologist who may prescribe a topical steroid for short-term relief.

Run Targeted Labs to Check for Nutrient Deficiencies

Low iron (ferritin) and thyroid problems are two of the most common hidden reasons for diffuse hair loss. So, if your shedding has dragged on for months and you can’t find a clear trigger, it might be worth asking your doctor about simple blood work.

On top of that, rapid weight loss or restrictive diets can also leave your body short on the protein and micronutrients hair depends on.

Verdict:

Don’t shave your head out of frustration. Low iron or thyroid issues are treatable, and getting enough protein and calories makes a direct difference to hair growth.

Here’s what to do now:

• Ask your provider for ferritin, iron, and thyroid (TSH) tests if you’ve had ongoing shed.

• Mention any recent crash diets or sudden weight changes.

• Keep a food log for a week to check whether you’re consistently hitting protein and calorie needs. If not, adjust your meals or talk to a dietitian about filling the nutrient gaps.

Screen for Signs of Androgen Excess if Your Cycles Are Irregular

If your periods are unpredictable and you’ve started noticing thinning along your crown or a widening part—especially if it comes with acne or extra facial hair—high androgen levels could be part of the picture.

Conditions like PCOS can drive these hormone shifts, pushing hair follicles into miniaturization that shows up as early pattern hair loss.

Verdict:

Shaving your head won’t fix this. The smarter move is to bring these signs up with your doctor so you can get the right tests and treatment.

Depending on the results, your doctor may discuss options like birth control pills, anti-androgen medicines such as spironolactone, or treatments that regulate ovulation in PCOS. These can help balance hormones and ultimately slow or even reverse the hair changes.

Consider Medications and Recent Medical Events

Sometimes hair shedding lines up with a new prescription or a medical event like surgery, illness, or even starting or stopping birth control.

Certain drugs—from blood thinners to some antidepressants—list hair loss as a side effect. Major illnesses or high fevers can also push more hairs into the shedding phase.

Verdict:

If your hair loss coincides with a medication change or health event, there’s a good chance it will ease once your body stabilizes or once your doctor adjusts your regimen.

Here’s what to do now:

• Review your medication list and note when you started each drug.

• If shedding started soon after a new prescription, talk to your doctor about whether hair changes are a known side effect and if alternatives exist.

• Keep track of any major health events in the past few months. Shedding that follows illness or surgery often improves within six months.

Rule In or Out Pattern Hair Loss, Then Start Evidence-Based Treatment

If your shedding has lasted more than six months, and especially if your part line is widening, your crown looks see‑through, or the hair at your temples is getting finer, this could be early pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

Unlike stress‑related or postpartum shedding, this form doesn’t simply stop on its own. It tends to progress slowly but steadily if left untreated, which makes detecting and treating it early important.

Verdict:

Don’t reach for the clippers just yet. There are proven treatments that can slow down pattern hair loss and even regrow hair. Here’s what you can expect from your doctor or dermatologist:

• Topical minoxidil (2–5%): Applied daily, it helps keep follicles in the growth phase. Expect some shedding in the first few weeks before stabilization.

• Oral options: In men, finasteride is often prescribed. In women, spironolactone may be used to block excess androgen activity.

• Combination care: Your doctor may suggest pairing topical minoxidil with oral therapy or device-based adjuncts like low-level laser caps.

Most people see early signs of improvement in 3–6 months, with more noticeable changes by 12 months. So rather than shaving it all off, commit to a treatment plan and give it time to work.

Pause Use of Bleach, Relaxers, and High Heat

If your “hair loss” looks more like snapping strands, split ends, or fried texture, chemical and heat damage may be the real culprit—not your follicles shutting down.

This type of damage is usually the result of excessively using bleach, relaxers, and high‑heat tools, which weaken the hair shaft until it breaks mid‑length and can mimic shedding.

Verdict:

Don’t shave your hair off. Instead, give your hair a reset by cutting out harsh treatments for a long stretch. When the damage stops, the breakage stops, and your hair can look fuller again.

Here’s what to do now:

• Pause bleaching, relaxing, perming, or keratin treatments for at least 12 weeks.

• Limit hot tools. If you must, cap temperature at 150–160°C and stick to once per wash day with heat protectant.

• Trim ragged ends so they don’t keep splitting upward.

• Protect ends daily with a leave‑in conditioner plus a light oil (like argan, jojoba, or batana).

• Deep condition weekly to strengthen strands and improve elasticity.

Give it time. Within a month or two, you’ll see fewer broken pieces in the sink and smoother ends.

So When Do I Get Rid of My Hair Entirely?

With all the options we’ve gone through, is there ever a moment when shaving it all off actually makes sense? When is going for a really short chop or a clean shave the right move?

Here’s my honest take: do it if and when you want to. Not because you’re panicking, not because you feel defeated—but because the thought of it makes you feel lighter, freer, and more in control.

I’ve seen women choose to shave for different reasons. Some after months of trying treatments that never clicked. Some because scarring alopecia left them with little choice. And some simply love the idea of a bold, low-maintenance look.

And you know what? Every single one of them looked stunning, like their confidence had leveled up way more than ever.

That said, if you want to keep your hair, you're a hundred percent free to do it. It's not “better” nor “worse” than shaving. Do what feels right for you. If you’re considering it, here are a few gentle steps you could take first:

• Try trimming short before going bald. A pixie cut or close crop can instantly make thinning less obvious, and you’ll see if the style feels right before going all the way.

• Focus on scalp health. If you do cut very short, continue using nourishing oils like rosemary, batana, or argan to keep the scalp healthy and prep follicles for any regrowth. 

• Play with accessories. Scarves, hats, or wigs can become part of your style toolkit rather than signs of hiding.

Whether you shave it, crop it, or keep it long, what matters most is that you own the decision. Because nothing—and I mean nothing—looks better than a woman who feels at home in her own skin.