ATH Investigates: How Many Hairs Do You Lose a Day? Here’s What You Should Know
All Things Hair investigates...
If, like most women, you leave a trail of hair on all your clothes, in the shower, and on your hairbrush, you might start questioning how many hairs you lose a day. So, how much hair loss is normal in the shower, or how much is too much hair loss when washing hair? You can lose anywhere from 50 to 150 hair strands a day. There is an average number of strands women lose per day, dictated by the natural cycle of hair growth. That being said, the amount of hair loss that occurs in each person can differ depending on a number of factors like genetics and age.
How Many Hairs Do You Lose a Day? All Things Hair Investigates
To clear up any confusion, we have some information that you should know about normal hair loss, as well as some product suggestions to help you with your hair growth journey.
A few stray hairs in the sink? Don’t panic! Losing hair every day is a normal occurrence that happens to everyone. Here are two of the main reasons for hair loss:
The Hair Cycle
Out of the four phases of growth that each strand goes through, only the last is known as the ‘shedding’ stage which can contribute to how many hairs you lose a day. After the exigent phase, the follicle goes back into the anagen stage and the new hair starts to grow. This completes the normal cycle of hair growth and when factors like genetic programming, age, or illness interrupt this cycle, it can lead to accelerated hair loss. This may help you understand how many hairs do you lose a day.
Hair Damage
How many hairs should come out when I pull? If you have damaged or brittle hair, you are more likely to experience hair breaking off and shedding as it is more porous. You can identify this kind of breakage at the mid-lengths of the hair. Hair damage leads to a greater propensity to breakage and may increase how many hairs you lose a day.
Editor’s tip: If you’re experiencing breakage on damaged hair, use a repairing formula, like TRESemmé Pro Pure Damage Shampoo and Conditioner, to help restore broken bonds and strengthen your strands.
Whenever you need a deeper treatment to help strengthen your hair, use Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Masque.
How much hair loss is normal? How many hairs do you lose a day?
Hair shedding is a person-to-person issue, so there’s not a ‘normal amount of hair loss that can be attributed to all individuals. Typically, 100 to 150 strands a day is considered an average amount of hair loss from the root. That being said, both women and men can lose more or less than that, depending on their hair health and age. Any factors that influence the natural hair cycle will ultimately determine how many hairs you are losing per day.
Do you lose more hair when it’s long? No, the number doesn’t depend on hair length; the loss just looks more significant on long hair.
It’s also important to note that after childbirth, some women can experience elevated hair loss which happens as a natural reaction due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. In pregnancy, the hairs remain in the Anagen phase. After birth, there is a lot of shedding as the hairs move through the cycle again. This will go back to normal in 6 to 8 weeks.
What to do if you’re concerned about hair loss?
If you feel that how many hairs you lose a day is abnormal, consult your doctor. It isn’t best to take matters into your own hands. There are a number of health issues that can be linked to hair loss. A doctor would be able to steer you in the right direction.
