Daily Hair Fall: Is It Normal or Should You Be Concerned?

Hair is a big part of our identity. Its primary functions are regulating body temperature and shielding us from the sun. However, our hair serves a bigger purpose than its primary functions. It affects our social and emotional well-being. For many of us, our hair is part of our confidence. Hair is one of the first things people perceive about you. Our hair also holds deep cultural information, making it a crucial part of our identity.

Hair loss is a common condition. Most people, if not all, experience hair loss. We experience daily hairfall. This is not a cause for concern; 50-100 strands a day are completely within the normal range. However, sometimes, it can exceed 150 strands. There are several reasons for excessive hair fall. When we experience hair fall, it affects our self-image.

This blog explores the reasons behind hair fall, signs of problematic hair fall, and busts the myths surrounding hair loss. Understanding a condition that happens to you daily can teach you how to prevent hair loss.

How much hair loss is normal?

Hair fall is a natural part of the growth cycle of the hair. We lose nearly 50 to 100 hairs daily. So, hair fall is a normal part of daily life. Nevertheless, seeing a clump of hair in your hands can be disheartening. It may worry you that something is wrong. However, hair loss occurs at every stage of life.

It does not necessarily imply a problem. Normal hair fall might look like you lost a lot of hair, but that is far from the truth. 

You should become concerned about hair fall only if you notice thinning, if you see bald spots, or if your hair comes out in clumps instead of strands.

How much hair loss is normal in a day?

Your hair goes through phases of growth. We will see these phases in detail further on in the blog. The amount of hair you shed daily also depends on the length and density of your hair. 

Average hair loss in men and women

Studies suggest that men are more prone to hair fall than women. However, women may experience excessive hair fall during pregnancy and menopause. More than half of the female population may experience significant hair loss in their lifetime.

Now, does your sex determine how much hair you lose in a day? A 2017 study suggested that it does not. Biological sex has little to do with hair shedding. The study suggests that women are said to shed more due to regular styling. So, hair shedding has more to do with how you treat your hair. If you use styling products, such as straightening or curling irons, or you wear tight hairstyles, you are likely to experience more hair fall. 

Understanding Hair Growth Cycle

All 100,000+ hairs on your head go through a natural cycle of growth. They have a lifespan. Your hair follows four distinct phases: growing, transitioning, resting, and shedding. 

The Growing Stage (Anagen)

This is the stage when hair begins to grow. This phase lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 years for the hair on your head. This is the longest phase of the hair growth cycle. The anagen phase can differ depending on the location of the hair. Eyebrow and pubic hairs have a short anagen phase. In the anagen phase, hair follicles are open and pushing out hair until it is cut or reaches the end of its lifespan. Roughly 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.

The Transition Phase (Catagen)

The catagen phase or transition phase lasts about 2 weeks. Your hair follicles may shrink, and hair growth may slow down. Some strands separate from the bottom of the hair follicle during this phase. However, they do not detach. They remain in that position until their final days. Only 1% to 3% of your hair is in the catagen phase.

The Resting Phase (Telogen)

The telogen phase lasts roughly 2 to 3 months. 9% of the hair on your head will be in the telogen phase at any given time. There is no growing during the telogen phase. New hairs may begin forming in the hair follicles that have released hair during the catagen phase. The shedding stage is sometimes considered the telogen stage. However, scientists believe that the shedding phase is an entirely distinct phase of its own.

The Shedding Phase (Exogen)

This phase is the last phase of the hair growth cycle. This is the shedding phase where the hair sheds from the scalp. You will lose roughly 50 to 100 hair strands from your head in a day. Most, if not all, of this hair fall is aided by hair washing or combing. This phase can last a few months. During the exogen phase, new hairs have already begun growing in the hair follicles.

Signs That Hair Fall Might Be a Problem

Excessive hair fall can occur due to several reasons. However, excessive hair fall can be a sign of an underlying problem. You may begin to notice your hair is noticeably thinner, you have bald patches, or your hairline is receding. These are key signs that there may be another cause for your hair loss. Here are some signs that hair fall might be a problem:

• Male pattern baldness: A receding hairline is a key indicator of male pattern baldness. Another term for male pattern baldness is androgenetic alopecia. Male pattern baldness can be a genetic condition.
• Women can also experience a form type of hair loss; where the parting hair may begin widening. Scalp conditions: Scalp conditions like psoriasis and dandruff can cause excessive hair fall if left untreated.
• Accompanying other symptoms: If hair fall is accompanied by other symptoms like redness, itchiness, pain, tenderness, etc., it could indicate an underlying infection like ringworm.
• PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can affect females leading to excessive hair loss.
• Deficiencies: Nutrient deficiency can cause excessive hair fall. If you are experiencing poor hair health, take a look at your nutrition and daily habits first.

Common Causes of Excessive Hair Fall

Taking care of your locks is crucial. However, sometimes, you may notice that your hair is shedding even when you follow all the hair care tricks. Before we get into preventative measures, let’s understand what causes excessive hairfall.

Grooming

Grooming practices directly affect the quality of our hair. If we tie our hair too tightly or use too many styling products, our hair can lose its natural quality. It may become brittle, greasy, dry, or split at the ends. Changing up your style periodically can ensure your hair doesn’t thin out in one place. Giving your hair a break from the styling products also matters.

Stress

Have you ever seen those stock images of people pulling at their hair to denote stress? Well, your body does react similarly to stress. When cortisol, the chemical released when you’re stressed, goes up, your body goes into overdrive.

Stress can cause your hair to shift from the growing phase to the shedding phase prematurely. You may notice that you shed more when you’re stressed, and as soon as you relieve your stress, the shedding reduces. This is because stress-induced hair loss indeed is temporary. When your body returns to normal, so does your shedding. It may not be an instant return, but you should see your hair return to its natural density in a few months.

Medical Treatments & Substances

We have heard of and seen cancer patients losing their hair to chemotherapy. Cancer treatment focuses on suppressing and destroying rapidly growing cells in your body. Unfortunately, your hair follicles fall under that category. Even though your body does not recognise your hair follicles as cancer, the treatment attacks according to its programming. A cancer patient’s hair can fall out rapidly during treatment.

Medications like antidepressants and anticoagulants may cause hair fall as a side effect. They disrupt the natural hair growth cycle or affect hormone levels.

Nutritional Deficiencies 

Your hair needs nutrients to grow. Everything you consume can have an effect on your hair health. Nutrients like iron, vitamins A, E, C, and B12, or biotin, are crucial for hair growth. They strengthen your hair follicles. Your body also needs protein to promote hair growth and strength. Hair loss caused by nutritional deficiencies is temporary. When your body gets the nutrients it needs to function optimally, hair shedding should reduce.

Diagnostic Tests for Hair Loss

Dermatologists can conduct blood tests, scalp biopsies, hair pull tests, or genetic tests to determine what is causing abnormal hair loss. These tests can help assess any underlying condition that may be causing poor hair health.

• Blood Tests

Blood tests can help doctors detect underlying conditions like thyroid conditions, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies. For instance, a blood test will show you hormone levels like the TSH, T3, T4, iron levels, and vitamin levels.

• Scalp Biopsy

A small sample of your scalp tissue is extracted for a biopsy, where they assess this sample to determine whether you have any skin conditions causing hair loss. Scalp biopsies can help diagnose alopecia.

• Hair Pull Test

The hair pull test refers to gently tugging on sections of your hair to assess how easily they break. Depending on how many strands are pulled, doctors can determine the stage and severity of hair loss.

• Skin Scraping

A skin scraping can help identify infections on the scalp. It is a common diagnostic test, especially if hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms.

• Genetic Testing

In some cases, genetic testing can indicate if your excessive hair loss is caused by a hereditary trait or condition.

Treatment and Management Options

There are several treatment options for hair loss. The appropriate treatment could help you reverse the hair loss entirely or slow it down. Conditions like alopecia may see improvement on their own without intervention. Treatment options for hair loss typically include medication or surgery.

• Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is a common surgical intervention for hair loss. The surgeon takes hair from part of your scalp that is not facing hair loss and transplants it in the bald patches. From here, the hair can continue growing. You may require follow-up surgeries to get the desired effect. However, if the hair loss is genetic, it has a chance of returning.

Myths and Facts About Hair Fall

There are several misconceptions and myths about hair loss. Understanding the facts can help you manage and treat your hair loss better. Here are some myths and facts about hair loss you should understand:

Myth: Hair grows faster if you cut it

Trimming your hair can make it appear healthier. It removed damaged ends. However, cutting your hair has no impact on hair growth. Haircuts target the shaft of the hair, not the follicle.

Fact: Greasy hair leads to more hair fall

Excess sebum can build up on your scalp if you leave it unwashed. It can clog your follicles, hindering hair growth. You may notice more shedding over time. Gently wash your hair regularly, and use shampoos and conditioners that benefit your hair type.

Myth: Washing hair too much increases hair fall

Washing your hair regularly removes the excess buildup around your follicles. The opposite is true; the cleaner your hair, the more room for it to grow. Hair that falls out when you shower does not count as excessive hair fall.

Fact: Anxiety and stress affect hair loss

This is true. Stress and anxiety cause hormonal changes in your body, causing premature changes in the hair growth cycle. Unfortunately, stress and hair loss are a vicious cycle; hair loss causes stress, and stress causes hair loss. Fortunately, stress-related hair loss is temporary.

Myth: Hair loss is permanent

This is absolutely false; not all hair loss is permanent. Some types of hair loss may be progressive, but most are temporary. Most types of hair loss are also treatable. If your body is able to return to stable conditions, your hair health will follow, no matter how bad the hair loss gets.

Fact: Drinking & smoking affect hair health

Alcohol and smoking can have a drastic effect on your hair’s health. It can prematurely affect your hair growth cycle. Smoking and alcohol can lead to your hair being dull, dry, and can increase hair loss over time. 

When to seek a doctor

Hair loss is a frustrating issue. Whether it’s the daily amount or excessive, it can be a point of stress for many. In fact, hair shedding and stress can work in a vicious cycle.

However, there is still hope. Dermatologists specialise in everything related to hair, nails, and skin. If you are noticing excessive hair loss, thinning, bald patches, or low density, you should consult a dermatologist. 

Conclusion

The key to healthy hair is understanding what your hair needs. Not every treatment or hair care hack suits every hair type. It is always best to learn about your specific hair type, so you can care for it properly. While hair fall is a natural process, it doesn’t mean you can’t further strengthen it. Your hair functions like any other part of your body; it requires regular care and maintenance.