It can be a little startling, can’t it? You run your fingers through your hair, or you see a cluster of strands in the shower drain, and a question immediately pops into your head: is this normal? The truth is, shedding hair is a natural part of your body’s cycle. In fact, losing a bit of hair every day is a sign that your scalp is healthy and active.
So, what’s the magic number? On average, it’s considered normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs in a single day. This might sound like a lot, but remember that your head has about 100,000 hair follicles, so this daily loss is just a tiny fraction of your total hair.
Why Your Hair Has a Shedding Schedule
Your hair grows in a cycle with distinct phases. The growing phase, called anagen, can last for years. This is followed by a short transitional phase and then the resting phase, known as telogen. At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out to make room for a new one to grow. The 50-100 hairs you lose daily are simply those that have reached the end of their lifecycle. It’s a continuous and perfectly normal renewal process.
When Shedding Might Be a Sign of More
While daily shedding is standard, there are times when you might notice more hair coming out than usual. Significant stress, hormonal changes like after having a baby, certain illnesses, or even drastic changes in diet can temporarily push more hairs into the resting phase. This condition, called telogen effluvium, often shows up as increased shedding a few months after the triggering event. If you’re consistently losing large clumps of hair or notice thinning patches, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or dermatologist.
Simple Ways to Support Healthy Hair
You can support your hair’s natural health with a few gentle habits. A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins is fundamental for strong hair growth. Try to be gentle when brushing—using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair can prevent unnecessary breakage. And while it’s tempting to use high heat from styling tools, giving your hair a break can help maintain its strength.
Seeing a few strands in your brush is usually no cause for alarm. It’s simply your body’s way of making room for new growth. By paying attention to your overall health and being kind to your hair, you can help keep your shedding within that healthy daily range.