It happens to all of us. You pull a few strands from your hairbrush, notice some in the shower drain, and wonder with a slight pang of worry, “Is this too much?” Seeing hair come out is a normal part of life, but it can be hard to know where the line is between typical shedding and a sign of a larger issue.
The truth is, hair has a natural life cycle, and shedding is a fundamental part of it. Just like the leaves on a tree, old strands must fall to make way for new growth. The key is knowing what amount of loss fits within that healthy, natural cycle.
The Magic Number: What’s Normal Daily Shedding?
On average, it’s considered normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs a day. This number might sound surprisingly high, but when you consider that the average person has about 100,000 hair follicles on their scalp, it puts things into perspective. This daily loss represents just a tiny fraction of your total hair and is typically replaced by new growth.
Your Hair’s Natural Life Cycle
To really grasp why we shed hair, it helps to know its three-phase cycle. The anagen phase is the active growth period, which can last for years. Next is the catagen phase, a short transitional stage. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting period, where the hair prepares to fall out. The hairs you see in your brush or shower are usually at the end of their telogen phase, making room for a new hair to begin its growth journey.
When Shedding Might Be a Sign to Pay Attention
While daily shedding is normal, there are times when you might notice more hair loss than usual. This is often called telogen effluvium, a temporary condition often triggered by significant stress, a major illness, surgery, or hormonal changes like after having a baby. Even drastic weight loss or a change in medication can be a factor. This type of shedding usually corrects itself once the underlying cause is addressed.
Simple Ways to Track Your Hair Health
Instead of counting every single strand, pay attention to broader changes. Has your ponytail felt noticeably thinner? Do you see more scalp than you used to? A gentle pull test can also offer a clue: lightly tug on a small section of about 60 hairs. If more than six come out easily, it might be a good time to consult a dermatologist.
In most cases, the hair you find around you is just part of your body’s natural renewal process. By recognizing what’s typical and paying attention to significant changes, you can ease your mind and better care for your hair’s health.