You notice a few strands in your hairbrush, a couple more circling the drain after a shower, and it’s easy to feel a pang of worry. Is this normal, or is it a sign of something more? Rest assured, a little bit of daily hair loss is a standard part of your body’s natural cycle. In fact, it’s a sign that your scalp is healthy and actively renewing itself.
So, what is that magic number? On average, most people lose between 50 to 100 hairs each day. This might sound like a lot, but consider that the average person has about 100,000 hair follicles on their head. Losing this small fraction is simply part of the process of making room for new growth.
Why We Shed Hair Every Day
Your hair doesn’t all grow at the same time. Each follicle goes through its own independent cycle with three main phases. The anagen phase is the active growth period, which can last for years. This is followed by the catagen, a short transitional phase. Finally, the telogen phase is a resting period where the hair strand detaches and eventually falls out. The hairs you see in your brush are typically at the end of their telogen phase, gracefully making way for a new hair to begin its journey.
When Should You Pay Closer Attention?
While daily shedding is normal, there are times when it’s wise to take note. If you start finding significantly more than 100 hairs a day for an extended period, or if you notice thinning patches or a widening part, it might be time to look deeper. Temporary increases in shedding can often be linked to events like significant stress, hormonal changes after pregnancy, illness with a high fever, or even sudden weight loss. These events can shock the system, pushing more hairs into the shedding phase at once.
Simple Ways to Support Healthy Hair
Supporting your hair’s health starts with supporting your overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins is fundamental for strong hair follicles. Try to be gentle when handling your hair; using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair can prevent unnecessary breakage. And while it’s tempting to turn up the heat, limiting the use of high-temperature styling tools can help keep the strands you have strong and resilient.
Seeing a few hairs come out each day is usually just a sign of a normally functioning scalp. It’s a natural, ongoing renewal process. By paying attention to your body’s signals and maintaining healthy habits, you can help ensure that your hair remains as full and vibrant as possible.