How Much Hair Fall Is Normal?
Have you ever stood in the shower, watching hair strands swirl down the drain, and wondered, “How much hair fall is normal?” Hair shedding is a natural part of our hair growth cycle, but understanding what’s normal can help us keep our locks healthy and our minds at ease.
In this guide, we’ll explore how many hairs normally fall in a day and what’s considered excessive. We’ll look at hair fall while combing, during hair wash, and even while oiling. Whether you’re a man or woman, we’ll break down the differences in hair loss patterns and share some handy tips to check your hair fall rate at home. Plus, we’ll dive into the causes of hair fall and suggest some products to help keep your mane looking its best.
Table Of Content
- How Much Hair Fall Is Normal In A Day?
- Hair Fall While Combing Or Brushing
- Hair Fall In The Shower For Men & Women
- Hair Fall While Oiling
- What Is Excessive Hair Shedding?
- How To Test The Rate Of Hair Loss At Home?
- Causes Of Hair Fall
- Hair Fall In Women Vs Men
- Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: What Is Normal?
- St.Botanica Recommended Best Products To Reduce Hair Fall
- What Can You Do On Your Own?
- FAQs About How much hair fall is normal
How Much Hair Fall Is Normal In A Day?
It’s important to note that this daily hair loss is usually balanced by new growth, maintaining our hair’s overall fullness.
How Many Hairs Normally Fall In A Day: In Male
For men, daily hair loss tends to be less noticeable, especially if they have shorter hair. However, they’re not exempt from normal shedding. Men typically lose the same amount of hair as women, but it might be less apparent due to hair length and styling habits.
How Many Hairs Normally Fall In A Day: In Female
Women often notice more hair fall, particularly those with longer hair. It’s common for women to lose slightly more strands per day than men. This can be more noticeable during activities like brushing or washing hair. However, it’s important to remember that this is still within the normal range of 50 to 100 hairs per day.
Hair Fall While Combing Or Brushing
We’ve all experienced that moment of panic when we see hair strands in our brush. But don’t worry, it’s normal to lose some hair while combing or brushing.
Men
For men, hair fall while combing might be less noticeable, especially if they have shorter hair. However, they’re not exempt from normal shedding. It’s important to be gentle when styling to avoid unnecessary breakage.
Women
Women, particularly those with longer hair, might notice more strands in their brush. This can be alarming, but remember, it’s often just the accumulation of hair that’s already detached from the scalp. To minimise breakage, we recommend using a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed for wet hair.
Hair Fall In The Shower For Men & Women
We’ve all experienced that moment of panic when we see hair swirling down the shower drain. Why? Because when we shampoo, we stimulate our scalp, nudging loose hairs to fall out.
Men
For men, hair fall in the shower might be less noticeable, especially with shorter hair. However, it’s still a natural part of the hair growth cycle. Men aged 20-60 shed an average of 10 hairs during a 60-second hair count test.
Women
Women, particularly those with longer hair, might notice more strands in the shower. This can be alarming, but it’s often just the accumulation of hair that was already destined to fall out. Remember, losing up to 100 strands a day is considered normal.
Hair Fall While Oiling
We often worry about hair fall during oiling, but it’s usually normal. Losing about 20 hairs during oil application is typical. This happens because oiling can loosen hairs already in the shedding phase..
Men
For men, hair fall during oiling might be less noticeable, especially with shorter hair. However, it’s still part of the natural hair cycle. Gentle massaging for 5-10 minutes can improve blood supply to hair follicles, promoting healthy growth.
Women
Women, particularly those with longer hair, might notice more strands while oiling. It’s important not to over-oil, as this can clog pores and trap dirt. Avoid tying hair tightly after oiling, as it can cause undue pressure on the roots.
What Is Excessive Hair Shedding?
When we start losing significantly more hair, it’s called telogen effluvium. This often happens after stressful events like losing weight, giving birth, or experiencing high fever. It’s our body’s way of responding to stress.
Men
For men, excessive shedding can be a sign of male pattern baldness, especially if it runs in the family. It’s often linked to androgens, male sex hormones that regulate hair growth. If you notice your hairline receding or a bald spot forming, it might be more than just normal shedding.
Women
Women might experience excessive shedding during hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause. It can also happen due to rapid weight loss or stress. If you’re noticing more hair in your brush or a widening part, it’s worth paying attention to. Remember, most excessive shedding is temporary and resolves within 6-9 months.
How To Test The Rate Of Hair Loss At Home?
1. Brush Check
This involves observing how much hair accumulates in your hairbrush or comb after use. It’s normal to lose between 50-100 strands of hair daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. If you notice significantly more hair in your brush than usual, it could be a sign of increased hair loss. Keep in mind that longer hair may appear to be more in volume than shorter hair.
2. Shower Drain Watch
This method requires you to pay attention to the amount of hair that collects in your shower drain after washing your hair. While it’s normal to see some hair in the drain, large clumps or an increasing amount over time could be a cause for concern. This method can be particularly useful for tracking changes in hair loss over time.
3. Scalp Examination
This involves carefully inspecting your scalp, particularly in bright light. Look for areas where your scalp is more visible than before, such as a widening part line or thinning patches. You can use a handheld mirror in combination with a wall mirror to examine the back of your head. Any noticeable changes in your scalp’s appearance could indicate progressive hair loss.
4. Hair Count
This is a more systematic approach where you count the number of hairs you lose each day for a period of time. You can do this by collecting fallen hairs from your brush, pillow, or shower drain and keeping a daily tally. This method can help you establish an average daily hair loss count and track any significant increases over time.
Causes Of Hair Fall
We all experience some hair loss daily, but when it becomes excessive, it’s time to take notice. Here are ten common causes of hair fall:
1. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact hair growth cycles. During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen prolong the growing phase of hair, resulting in thicker, fuller hair. However, after childbirth, these levels drop, causing excessive shedding (telogen effluvium). Similarly, menopause can lead to hair thinning due to decreased estrogen and progesterone production. Thyroid imbalances, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can also disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to diffuse hair loss across the scalp.
2. Medical Conditions (Alopecia Areata)
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This results in sudden, patchy hair loss that can occur anywhere on the body. In some cases, it can progress to complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or even loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis). While the exact cause is unknown, genetic factors and stress are believed to play a role.
3. Medications
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy are well-known for causing rapid hair loss by attacking rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. Some arthritis medications, particularly those that modulate the immune system, can lead to hair loss. Antidepressants may cause hair loss in some individuals, possibly due to their impact on hormonal balance. Some blood pressure medications, particularly beta-blockers, have been associated with hair thinning.
4. Stress
Both physical and emotional stress can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This occurs when a significant stressor pushes a large number of hair follicles into a resting phase simultaneously. Months later, these hairs may fall out suddenly when combing or washing your hair. Stressors can include major surgery, severe illness, significant weight loss, or intense emotional distress.
5. Hairstyling Practices (Traction Alopecia)
Traction alopecia is caused by prolonged tension on the hair follicles. This can result from tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or cornrows, as well as from the use of hair extensions or weaves. Excessive use of heat styling tools, harsh chemical treatments, and frequent bleaching can also damage hair and is also one of the top causes of hair breakage and thinning in women.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies
Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy hair growth. Iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of hair loss, particularly in women. The body prioritises iron for essential functions like oxygen transport, potentially compromising hair growth. Protein is also vital, as hair is primarily made of protein. A diet low in protein can lead to weaker, more brittle hair prone to breakage. Other important nutrients for hair health include vitamins B12, D, and E, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Scalp Infections
Fungal infections of the scalp, such as ringworm (tinea capitis), can cause patches of hair loss. These infections can damage hair follicles and hinder hair growth. They’re more common in children but can affect adults as well. Symptoms may include itchy, scaly patches on the scalp, often accompanied by broken hair shafts.
8. Ageing
As we age, hair naturally becomes finer and grows more slowly. Some hair follicles stop producing hair altogether. This age-related hair loss is due to a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, reduced cell regeneration, and cumulative damage from environmental factors and styling practices over the years.
9. Psoriasis
While psoriasis doesn’t directly cause hair loss, severe scalp psoriasis can indirectly lead to temporary hair loss. The inflammation and excessive skin cell production associated with psoriasis can interfere with the hair growth cycle. Additionally, scratching the scalp due to itching, or harsh treatments used to manage psoriasis, can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Hair Fall In Women Vs Men
For men, it’s often about genetics. They typically see a receding hairline and balding on the crown. Women, on the other hand, usually notice overall thinning, especially on the top of the scalp. We rarely see women with receding hairlines or total baldness.
Hormones play a big role for both but in different ways. Women face hair loss during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during menopause. Men’s hair loss is often linked to androgens, male sex hormones.
Interestingly, some conditions affect women more. Telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss, is more common in women, especially during and after pregnancy. Women are also more likely to experience traction alopecia due to tight hairstyles.
Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: What Is Normal?
We all worry about losing hair, but it’s important to understand the difference between normal shedding and actual hair loss. On average, we shed between 50 to 100 hairs daily. This is part of our hair’s natural growth cycle. About 85% of our hair follicles are actively growing at any given time, while 15% are resting.
Excessive shedding, known as telogen effluvium, can happen due to stress, weight loss, pregnancy, or illness. This is usually temporary, peaking about four months after the triggering event and resolving within six to nine months.
Hair loss, or anagen effluvium, is different. It occurs when something stops hair growth. Causes include genetics, immune system issues, certain medications, and harsh hair care practices. If you’re noticing bald spots or a widening part, it’s time to consult a dermatologist.
St.Botanica Recommended Best Products To Reduce Hair Fall
If you are on the hunt for the best hair care products for dry hair then we have got some awesome recommendations for you. From shampoos to conditioners, we have everything on our list that guarantees to transform your locks.
Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
This shampoo is a powerhouse for combating hair fall and promoting thicker, fuller-looking hair. Biotin is essential for healthy hair growth and strengthening hair follicles. Collagen, a protein naturally found in our bodies, helps improve hair structure and elasticity. Together, these ingredients work synergistically to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair from root to tip, and create the appearance of more voluminous hair. The sulphate free shampoo likely has a gentle cleansing formula that doesn’t strip the hair of its natural oils while effectively removing dirt and excess sebum.
Red Onion Hair Conditioner
This conditioner harnesses the power of red onion extract, highlighting the red onion oil benefits for hair, especially with its high sulfur content, which is crucial for hair health. Sulfur helps in the production of keratin, a protein that’s essential for strong hair. The conditioner works to strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage and split ends. It likely has a creamy texture that coats each hair strand, providing deep nourishment and hydration. The formula may also include other moisturising ingredients to leave hair soft, manageable, and less prone to falling out.
Bhringraj & Amla Hair Mask
This intensive treatment best hair mask combines two powerful Ayurvedic ingredients known for promoting healthy hair growth. Bhringraj has been used in traditional medicine to treat hair loss and premature graying. Amla is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. This mask has a thick, rich consistency designed to deeply penetrate the hair shaft, providing intense nourishment and revitalization. So if you are wondering how to moisturise dry hair then you need this.
Anti-Dandruff Pre-biotic Scalp Serum
Sometimes dandruff causes hair fall, so, it is important to treat it. This innovative serum targets dandruff while simultaneously boosting overall scalp health. The pre-biotic formula likely works by nourishing the beneficial bacteria on your scalp, creating a balanced microbiome that’s less hospitable to the fungus that causes dandruff. It probably has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that’s easy to apply directly to the scalp. By improving scalp health, this serum can create an optimal environment for healthy hair growth, indirectly helping to reduce hair fall caused by scalp issues.
Biotin and Collagen Hair Mask
No best hair care routine is complete without a hair mask. This mask leverages the benefits of biotin and collagen but in a more concentrated form. The mask format allows these ingredients to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and stay on for longer, maximising their volumising and strengthening effects. It’s likely a thick, creamy mask that coats each strand of hair, providing intense hydration and nourishment. Regular use can help in adding visible volume to the hair, reducing breakage, and improving overall hair health.
Red Onion Hair Oil
This best hair oil harnesses the benefits of red onion in a convenient oil format. Red onion is rich in sulfur compounds and antioxidants that can improve blood circulation to the scalp, nourish hair follicles, and stimulate hair growth. The oil probably has a rich texture and may be infused with other nourishing oils to enhance its benefits. It’s likely designed for regular use as a pre-shampoo treatment or overnight scalp massage oil to reduce hair fall and improve overall hair health.
Bhringraj & Amla Cold Pressed Oil
This oil combines the benefits of bhringraj and amla in a cold-pressed format, which helps preserve the integrity of the beneficial compounds in these ingredients. Cold pressing ensures that the oil retains maximum nutritional value. This oil is likely rich in texture and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the scalp and hair follicles. Regular massaging with this oil can help improve blood circulation to the scalp, strengthen hair roots, and potentially stimulate new hair growth.
What Can You Do On Your Own?
We’ve got some great tips to help you take care of your hair at home or stop hair fall.
First, let’s bust a common myth: brushing your hair 100 times a day doesn’t make it healthier. In fact, over-brushing can cause breakage and damage. Instead, focus on gentle detangling and distributing natural oils.
To keep your hair healthy, wash it 2-3 times a week rather than daily. This prevents stripping away natural oils. When you do wash, don’t overdo the shampoo – a little goes a long way. After washing, avoid tying your hair tightly, as this can cause breakage.
Remember, cutting your hair doesn’t make it grow faster, but regular trims can help prevent split ends. Lastly, protect your hair from heat damage by using styling tools sparingly and at lower temperatures.
FAQs About How Much Hair Fall is Normal
1. Is 200 Hairfall a day normal?
We often worry about hair loss, but it’s normal to shed between 50 to 100 hairs daily. For those with longer or thicker hair, losing 150 to 200 hairs on wash days is common. If you wash your hair less frequently, you might notice more shedding due to buildup.
2. How do I know if I’m losing too much hair?
If you’re shedding long after shampooing or finding hair all over your clothes, it could signal a problem. Excessive hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, might indicate an internal issue. Causes can include stress, childbirth, illness, weight loss, or medication.
3. Is losing 70 hairs a day normal?
Losing 70 hairs a day is within the normal range. In fact, it’s below the average of 100 strands per day. This shedding is part of the natural hair growth cycle and shouldn’t cause concern unless you notice thinning.
4. Why am I losing 300 hairs a day?
Losing 300 hairs a day could indicate telogen effluvium, a condition where more than 10% of your hair enters the resting phase. This can be triggered by stress, surgery, or even a fever. It’s usually temporary, with hair returning to normal within six months.
5. Does new hair grow every day?
Yes, new hair grows daily. About 90% of your hair is constantly growing, while 10% is either resting or shedding. The exact number of new hairs depends on individual factors like genetics, age, and overall health.
6. When should I be concerned about hair fall?
Be concerned if you notice sudden excessive shedding, bald patches, or overall thinning. If hair loss persists beyond six months or is accompanied by scalp issues, consult a healthcare professional.
7. Does the frequency of washing my hair impact hair fall?
Washing frequency doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, infrequent washing can lead to scalp issues like dandruff, which may indirectly affect hair health. Find a washing routine that suits your hair type and lifestyle.
8. How does seasonal change affect hair fall?
Seasonal hair shedding is common, especially in autumn. This could be due to evolution, sun damage, or changes in daylight affecting hormone production. Factors like diet, stress, and allergies can also contribute to seasonal hair loss.
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