Life Kit What to do if you're losing your hair
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Nov 20, 2025 
Sydney Lupkin, an NPR pharmaceuticals correspondent, delves into the often-overlooked world of women's hair loss with Allison Richards, who shares her journey with androgenetic alopecia. They discuss how common hair loss is among women and tackle the myths surrounding popular remedies like rosemary oil. Sydney highlights the significance of getting accurate diagnoses and the evolving role of telehealth in hair care. Allison also reflects on the dual nature of social media, revealing both the pressure to conform to beauty standards and the comfort found in community support.
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Early Shock From Sudden Shedding
- Allison Richards noticed her hair thinning in her 20s and experienced massive shedding during COVID.
- She described losing fistfuls of hair and ultimately half of her hair before seeking care.
Why Temporary Big Sheds Happen
- Each hair cycles through growth, transition, and rest, and shedding happens at the end of telogen.
- Stressors like having a baby or COVID can sync cycles and cause temporary, larger sheds.
Different Types Mean Different Causes
- Not all hair loss is the same: pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, and scarring types have different signs and causes.
- Scarring alopecia often includes itching, redness, tenderness, and sometimes pimples, which signal different treatments.