If you’ve ever looked at your hairbrush or the shower drain and felt a pang of worry, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to shed hair every single day. In fact, it’s a sign that your scalp is doing its job. The key is knowing the difference between this everyday shedding and something that might need a closer look.
The Magic Number for Daily Hair Loss
So, how many hairs is it normal to lose? On average, most people shed between 50 to 100 hairs in a 24-hour period. This number can fluctuate based on your natural hair characteristics. Someone with thicker, coarser hair might fall on the higher end of that range, while a person with finer hair might be on the lower end. It’s also perfectly normal to notice more hair coming out on days you wash it, as you’re simply loosening hairs that were already ready to fall.
Why We Shed Hair Every Day
This daily loss is a fundamental part of your hair’s growth cycle. Each hair follicle on your head goes through phases. The anagen phase is the active growth period, which can last for years. This is followed by the catagen, a short transitional phase, and finally the telogen phase, which is a resting period. After the telogen phase, the hair strand falls out to make room for a new one to begin growing. Since all your hairs are on their own schedules, this shedding happens gradually and consistently every day.
When Should You Pay Closer Attention?
While daily shedding is standard, there are signs that can indicate it’s time to take notice. If you start finding significantly more than 100 hairs on your pillow, in your brush, or clogging the drain for several weeks, it might be a good idea to consult a dermatologist. Other red flags include noticing sudden patches of thinning or a change in your hair’s overall volume. Often, this increased shedding can be linked to factors like stress, hormonal changes, certain medications, or nutritional deficiencies.
Supporting Healthy Hair Growth
You can support your hair’s natural health by focusing on a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins. Gentle hair care practices also make a difference. Using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair instead of brushing, avoiding excessively tight hairstyles, and limiting high-heat styling can all help minimize unnecessary breakage and support the hairs you have.
Seeing a few strands in your brush is usually just a reminder that your body is continuously renewing itself. By knowing what’s typical and listening to your body’s signals, you can feel more confident about your hair’s health every day.