Have you ever run your fingers through your hair and wondered, just how many strands are there? It’s a question that might pop up while brushing or washing it. The number is surprisingly large, but it’s also unique to each person. Your hair count is a personal signature, influenced by factors you’re born with and choices you make every day.
The Average Number and What Changes It
On average, a person has about 100,000 hair follicles on their scalp. This number serves as a general guide, but your individual count can vary quite a bit. The most significant factor is your natural hair color. For instance, blondes often have the most hair, with around 150,000 strands, while redheads typically have the least, at approximately 90,000. Brunettes and those with black hair fall somewhere in the middle. This variation is a natural part of your genetic makeup.
Why You Lose Hair Every Day
Finding hair on your brush or in the shower drain is completely normal. In fact, it’s a sign of a healthy, active scalp. We naturally shed between 50 to 100 hairs each day. This shedding makes room for new growth, as each follicle on your head goes through its own cycle of growing, resting, and shedding. This constant renewal is why your hair maintains its volume over time.
Simple Ways to Support Your Scalp Health
While you can’t increase the number of follicles you were born with, you can certainly take good care of the ones you have. Being gentle is key. When your hair is wet, it’s more fragile, so use a wide-tooth comb to detangle it instead of a brush. Try to avoid very tight hairstyles that pull on the roots, as this can cause damage over time. A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins also provides the essential building blocks for strong, healthy hair.
So, while the exact number on your head is uniquely yours, what truly matters is how you care for it. By being mindful of your hair’s needs, you can help every single strand look and feel its best.