What is the normal amount of hair loss?

When it comes to hair loss many people wonder what is a normal amount of shedding.

Under normal circumstances, hair comes and goes. It’s natural to lose some hair every day, but how much is too much? Understanding what is considered a normal amount of hair loss can help you determine if you should be concerned about your health.

 

normal amount of hair loss

Normal amount of hair loss?

Is your shower clogged? It’s not uncommon to see some hair in the shower drain after washing your hair. On average, losing up to 100 hairs per day is considered normal. Seeing a few strands in the shower drain? How about when running your fingers through your hair or in your comb or brush?  These are not usually a cause for concern. On average, people lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. This may seem like a lot, but keep in mind that the scalp has over 100,000 hair follicles, so this amount of shedding is considered normal. On the other hand, it’s important to note that everyone’s hair is unique, and some people may shed more or less than this amount. And remember the longer a person’s hair is even one hair seems like a lot of hair loss.

READ: our hair loss expert, Dr. Strachan, featured in The Scratch in The New York Times.

How much is concerning?

“When should I worry about hair loss?” If you notice a significant increase in hair loss, notice bald spots or thinning, or are losing more than 100 hairs per day, it’s a good idea to speak with a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in hair loss. There are many causes of hair loss.  Excessive hair loss can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Conditions such  as thyroid disease, syphilis, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders may present with alopecia. Sometimes hair loss is hair breakage which often means that the grooming practices need a change. Scarring hair loss, or cicatricial alopecia, can cause permanent hair loss.  I can be important to seek help sooner than later.

Conclusion

When should I worry about hair loss? What is the normal amount of hair loss? If you’re losing more hair than usual, noticing bald patches or thinning hair, or experiencing other symptoms such as itching or scalp tenderness, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor for hair loss. They can help determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatment options. To make an appointment contact us here!

Read next: Got hair loss? Get a proper diagnosis!

 

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