How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

More than 50% of women will experience hair loss by the age of 65.

While many people lose a few hairs each day, how much hair loss is normal, and when should you be concerned? Out of the 100,000 hairs that you have, when should you seek hair loss treatment?

If you’re worried about hair loss in women and you’re wondering what options you have, keep reading this hair-loss guide.

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss refers to the loss of hair, whether it’s due to a genetic or temporary condition.

Hair growth happens in stages over a period of several years. The first stage is the anagen phase, where hair grows about one centimeter per month. Most of the hair you have is in the anagen phase.

Hair stops growing in the second phase, which is the catagen phase. The catagen phase is short-lived, lasting up to 3 weeks. The last phase, or telogen phase, is when your hair rests before falling out and happens over a period of time.

Women tend to lose more hair than men, and if you have longer hair, you will notice shedding and loss more than someone with shorter hair.

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

Losing hair is normal. On average, a person loses anywhere from 50-100 hairs per day. However, hair loss is often confused with hair shedding. Hair shedding is normal, while hair loss is a different condition.

Excessive hair shedding is telogen effluvium and typically resolves within a few months to a year. Anagen effluvium is excessive hair loss. Hair loss may occur over a period of days or years.

When your hair begins to fall out in large chunks more frequently, you might be suffering from hair loss. Bald spots on your head may be another indicator of hair loss. Only your doctor or dermatologist can help you determine whether or not you have hair loss or excessive hair shedding.

To determine if your hair loss is significant, do a “pull test” in your own home. As you gently rake your fingers through your hair, from root to tip, no more than 10-100 hairs should emerge. If hair comes out in large clumps, consider seeing your doctor.

The Causes of Hair Loss

There are many causes of hair loss, some of them temporary. Here are some reasons you might be losing hair.

  • Stress
  • Temporary conditions like pregnancy, fever, or illness
  • Overuse of chemical treatments and heat stylers
  • Medical treatments, drugs, or medications
  • Hair products
  • Pulling hair back too tightly
  • Pulling out hair
  • Lack of nutrients
  • Weight loss
  • Age
  • Genetics

For many women, menopause is another phase of life that brings hair loss. However, this isn’t temporary, but you can use treatments like supplements to support hair health.

Symptoms of Hair Loss

Hair shedding and hair loss are similar, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Here are some signs and symptoms of hair loss in women.

Bald Spots

If you begin to notice bald spots on your head, it might be due to hair loss. This is especially true if you don’t see hair regrowth. A receding hairline may also be an indication of hair loss.

Brushing and Washing

Brushing and washing your hair naturally pulls out hairs that are ready to detach, but if you notice chunks of hair, this isn’t a good sign. If you’re too aggressive when brushing or washing, you may want to try a more gentle approach.

Itching or Burning

Normal hair loss usually doesn’t have the sensation of itching or burning. But if you experience any discomfort while brushing or washing your hair, you should consult your doctor.

Losing hair is typically the only sign of hair loss, but other problems like itchy scalp, redness, irritation, or even open wounds can be cause for concern.

Treatments for Hair Loss

Losing hair can be a discouraging time for many people, especially women. Thankfully, there are treatments that combat hair loss so you can feel like yourself again.

Nutrition

Food plays a large role in hair health. When you have an unhealthy diet, this contributes to the overall unhealthiness of your hair. Begin incorporating healthy foods like fish, fruits, and vegetables into your diet so you can reap healthier hair.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices also impact how healthy your hair is. Smoking and other unhealthy habits may be causing your hair loss as well. Aim to get enough rest, exercise, and eat a healthy diet.

Hair Loss Treatments

Nutrition and lifestyle changes only work for so long. Some people need an extra boost for hair regrowth and health.

Hair supplements aim to restore health and encourage the regrowth of your hair. These supplements are easy to take and incorporate into your daily life.

Should You See a Doctor for Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be dramatic and scary, but unless it’s due to a temporary condition, it should resolve on its own. If you continually begin losing hair or you’re concerned about how much hair you’re losing, talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatments.

Hope for Hair Loss

If you’re wondering how much hair loss is normal, remember that hair shedding happens on a daily basis. Hair loss should concern you when you see large clumps falling out more frequently than shedding.

Are you curious about the ways to restore your hair’s health? Check out our hair products today to see which one is right for you!