Normal hair shedding and loss amounts: Factors influencing hair brushing, washing, and other daily activities.
In our daily lives, shedding a certain amount of hair is a normal occurrence. On average, a person loses about 50-100 hairs each day, a number that may increase naturally as we age [1]. However, if you find yourself losing more than this, it could be a sign of excessive hair shedding.
Excessive hair shedding can be caused by several factors. One of the most common causes is genetic factors, particularly androgenetic alopecia, where hair follicles become sensitive to the hormone DHT, leading to gradual thinning and hair loss in both men and women [3].
Hormonal changes can also trigger excessive hair shedding. These changes can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid disorders, or after discontinuing birth control pills [1].
Medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata, lupus), anemia, scalp infections (such as ringworm), and chronic illnesses including diabetes can also lead to excessive hair shedding [3].
Nutritional deficiencies involving iron, zinc, vitamin D, and protein, which are essential for healthy hair growth, can also contribute to excessive hair shedding [3].
Stress and lifestyle factors can also play a role. Severe emotional or physical stress can lead to telogen effluvium—a condition where more hairs prematurely enter the resting phase—often starting 2-3 months after the stress event [5].
Certain hair styling habits can also cause excessive hair shedding or breaks in the hair. Chemical dyes, heated curlers and straighteners, and excessive hair brushing can all contribute to this issue [5].
People with longer hair tend to see hairs in the shower drain or on hairbrushes and clothing more frequently [1].
It's important to note that excessive hair shedding is not the same as permanent hair loss, which leads to the gradual thinning of the hair or a receding hairline. Shedding hair will regrow in the hair follicle, while hair loss occurs when the follicle stops producing hair [1].
If you are experiencing excessive hair shedding, it's recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can help identify any issues and provide advice on how to manage them. In most cases, once the underlying cause is identified and resolved, the hair should return to normal thickness within 3 to 6 months [1].
In the meantime, you may wish to consider more natural hair care options or ways to strengthen your hair. For instance, avoiding shampoos with harmful chemical ingredients that can cause breakage or increased hair loss could be beneficial [2]. Additionally, brushing your hair gently and avoiding tight hairstyles or harsh treatments can help prevent further damage [5].
References: [1] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Hair Loss (Alopecia). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-loss-overview [2] Environmental Working Group. (2021). Healthy Living: Hair Care. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ [3] National Alopecia Areata Foundation. (2021). Understanding Hair Loss: Causes and Treatments. https://www.naaf.org/learn/hair-loss-causes-and-treatments [5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hair loss. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373788
- Besides normal hair loss, excessive shedding might signify underlying health issues, like androgenetic alopecia, a genetic factor that affects the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT.
- Hormonal changes such as those during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can trigger excessive hair shedding.
- Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata or lupus, anemia, scalp infections, and chronic illnesses including diabetes can also lead to excessive hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and protein, vital for healthy hair growth, can contribute to excessive hair shedding.
- Stress and lifestyle factors can lead to telogen effluvium, a condition where more hairs prematurely enter the resting phase.
- Certain hair styling habits, such as chemical dyes, heated curlers, straighteners, and excessive brushing, can cause excessive hair shedding or hair breaks.
- People with longer hair may notice hairs more frequently in shower drains, hairbrushes, and on clothing.
- Excessive hair shedding is not the same as permanent hair loss, which leads to the gradual thinning of the hair or a receding hairline.
- If you're experiencing excessive hair shedding, consulting a doctor or dermatologist is recommended for identifying any issues and providing advice on management.
- In most cases, once the underlying cause is identified and resolved, hair should return to normal thickness within 3 to 6 months.
- During this time, opting for more natural hair care options or ways to strengthen your hair may be beneficial, such as avoiding shampoos with harmful chemical ingredients.
- Brushing your hair gently and avoiding tight hairstyles or harsh treatments can help prevent further damage.
- Scientific research in health-and-wellness, mental-health, skin-care, and nutrition can provide valuable insight into various factors influencing excessive hair shedding and its potential solutions.
- Lastly, Bipolar disease, macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, colitis, Crohn's disease, COPD, ulcerative colitis, obesity, hepatitis, asthma, and colitis are unrelated to excessive hair shedding but are important health concerns in their respective categories.
