How Much Hair Fall Is Normal? Losing some hair each day is perfectly normal. The American Academy of Dermatology tells us that shedding 50-100 hair strands each day is normal and isn’t a cause for concern. This hair fall is a part of the normal hair growth cycle. If you’re noticing more than this or notice thinning or balding of your hair, you should see a dermatologist. Stress, bad diet, and hormonal imbalances can also cause hair loss and thinning, and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Many people are anxious when they notice hair on their pillow or in the drain that how much hair fall is normal or if there is an underlying condition. The truth is, hair fall is normal and should be expected. There are different phases of the hair growth cycle, and falling hair is a part of those cycles.
The real question is how much hair fall is normal? In this article, we will answer this question, and let you know how to tell if you’re losing too much hair. We will also provide you with methods to reduce your normal hair fall.
What is the Normal Amount of Hair Fall in a Day?
Losing between 50-100 strands of hair in a day is normal. The length and thickness of your hair can impact the number of strands lost. If you want to know how much hair fall is normal in a day for your hair type, pay attention to the number, not the variation. Longer and thicker hair types can lose more hair, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem.
You should seek medical help for hair loss if you experience consistent, higher than normal hair fall, and visible balding, thinning and/or widening parting. For example, if you notice more hair in your shower or brush than normal, that shedding is not cause for concern.
What is How Much Hair Fall Is Normal Per Day?
In order to understand how much hair fall is normal, you should understand the three hair growth phases.
1. The Anagen Phase
This is the growth phase of the hair and can last from 2-7 years. At any given time, about 85-90% of your hair is in this phase.
2. The Catagen Phase
This is the transitional phase that lasts 10-14 days. During this phase, the hair stops growing and the follicle shrinks.
3. The Telogen Phase
This is the resting phase that lasts until the old hair falls out to make room for a new hair to grow. Each strand of hair has its own schedule for shedding, but on average, about 10-15% of your hair is in this phase at any given time.
Approximately 10-15% of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time. The telogen phase lasts for about 3 months, during which time the hair sheds. As you can see, it is completely normal for people to shed 100-150 strands of hair in a given day. These strands represent the completion of the hair’s natural growth cycle.
Average Hair Fall Per Day (Male)
It is generally easier for men to recognize hair fall since people with short haircuts tend to lose more hair, as it is more noticeable. The average daily hair fall for men and women is approximately the same, about 50-100 strands. Men tend to lose more hair since they are more susceptible to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). This causes the hair to thin and be lost at the temples and at the junction of the forehead.
Why is Hair Loss the Most Noticeable During a Shampoo?
Hair loss is always noticeable during a shampoo since the strands that are shed throughout the day, i.e. while you are sleeping or getting ready, don’t always fall out right away. A shampoo loosens the strands that have been trapped and collected, which is why so much hair seems to come out at one time.
Furthermore, running your fingers through your hair while shampooing and conditioning can cause hair in the shedding phase to be released, especially if you are doing it frequently. This does not mean you are shampooing your hair too often, or that the products you are using are wrong.
What can I do about excessive hair fall?
If the amount of hair you are losing is beyond normal, there are many changes you can do to your lifestyle to help.
Normal hair loss occurs from 50-100 strands per day. If you notice a higher amount of hair loss than normal, you can implement some of the following strategies.
1. Eat Healthy Food
Eating the proper nutrients is important to the health of your hair. If you do not get enough protein, biotin, zinc, and other essential nutrients, hair loss can occur. Consuming food high in these nutrients can help hair growth and health.
2. Avoid Too Much Heat
The daily use of hair straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause the hair to break. Limit the use of these on your hair.
3. Use Mild Shampoo
Harsh shampoos can cause your scalp to be dry and increase the amount of hair that is shed. Use a gentle shampoo.
4. Do Not Tie Hair Too Tight
Wearing your hair in tight styles can cause hair loss and breakage. Use looser styles.
5. Stress Management
Chronic stress contributes to a condition known as telogen effluvium, wherein more than usual hair follicles enter the shedding phase. It is important to practice stress management in order to normalize the hormones which regulate the growth and shedding cycle of your hair.
6. Gentle Hair Oil Massage
Regular hair oil massage improves the blood circulation to the hair follicles and thereby to the roots. This helps in preventing hair breakage and makes the hair healthier.
When to visit a Dermatologist?
While it is important to practice self care and modify your lifestyle to manage your hair fall, it is always better to consult a medical professional for your hormonal imbalance or severe hair loss.
Sudden hair loss, formation of bald patches and excessive hair thining are a few factors that warrant an immediate visit to a dermatologist.
- Dr. Ramesh Rebari is the best dermatologist in Jaipur.
- He can help detect the reason for your hair loss and provide customized treatment for the same.
If you’ve tried improving your diet and stress management, and modified your care routine to be as gentle as possible on your hair and still experience excessive hair fall, it’s time to get the help of a specialist. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ramesh Rebari at the Advance Skincity Clinic to understand the reason behind your hair troubles and to get safe and effective treatment for the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hair fall is normal?
On average, people tend to lose 50-100 strands of hair in a day and this number may vary depending on factors like hair type and length.
What determines how much hair fall someone with long/thick hair may have?
Follicle activity for long/thick hair remains the same at 50-100 strands and more apparent shedding may be due to greater hair volume.
Why does hair fall appear worse after a hair wash?
Hair that is sloughed off throughout the day may remain attached to the hair and is released during a hair wash, creating the appearance of increased shedding.
Is a lot of hair fall per day something to be concerned about?
Normally, people lose about 50-100 strands of hair per day, but this doesn’t always result in noticeable thinning. Some degree of hair loss is to be expected. If you start noticing more than usual hair in the shower drain or on your brush, and visible balding or thinning, it is recommended to see a dermatologist, like Dr. Ramesh Rebari, for an evaluation.
Are there differences in the normal amount of hair loss in males vs females?
In males and females, the average normal daily hair loss is about the same. Males, however, tend to experience androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness) at a higher rate than females.
