How much hair loss is normal:-Whether you have thick or long hair, you may have noticed Cousin It floating in your shower. Perhaps your partner complained that your hair strands were all over their heads.
Finding clumps of hair in the shower or on your hairbrush is actually pretty normal, says dermatologist, Wilma Bergfeld, MD.
Here she discusses routine hair shedding and when to suspect it’s something more serious.
What’s normal about hair shedding?
There are approximately 250,000 hairs on our heads at any one time. Some hair follicles may even split into multiple strands.
Average people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, it all depends on the length and thickness of their hair. People with shorter hair tend to lose less.
On days when people with long or thick hair wash it, they could shed between 150 and 200 hairs. They won’t lose much the next day if it isn’t washed again. Because of the buildup, people who wash their hair only once or twice per week might see an increase in shedding.
Dr. Bergfeld says that most hair shedding should occur in the shower. However, it is still possible to shed some hair when combing through afterward. If you find that your hair is shedding even after you shampoo it, or if you suddenly see it everywhere on your clothes, this could indicate a problem.
How to Reduce Hair Loss
Reduce the amount of washing and conditioning you do. Try to wash and condition your hair only one to three times a week. Dr. Bergfeld recommends that you use a wide tooth-comb to manage your hair. Bristle brushes or smaller toothed combs can lead to breakage and more hair.
Hair loss may also be caused by trauma. For example, pulling your hair out and wearing it in a tight ponytail. Try to let your hair down as much as possible. Avoid touching your hair too often and avoid rubber hair ties.
Heat is bad when it comes to styling. Avoid blow-drying, curling, and using a flat iron. To protect your hair, you can use a thermal spray to spray the fibers. You can also damage your hair by the sun, so wear a hat when you are outside.
Are you still concerned about your hair?
Hair shedding is not the exact same as hair loss. Hair loss occurs when hair stops growing. The normal phase of hair shedding is the first stage in your hair’s natural life cycle.
Telogen effluvium is a term that refers to excessive or chronic hair loss. It can indicate internal problems.
Hair loss could be caused by:
- Stressful situations (e.g. divorce, death, or job loss)
- Hormonal changes and childbirth.
- Thyroid disease and nutritional disorders are some examples of illness.
- Diet and weight loss
- Medication.
Dr. Bergfeld says, “When someone brings in concern about having hair loss, we perform an evaluation. We go back for four to six weeks to determine if there have been any major life events that might be contributing.” “If we can identify the cause, we can often treat it.
