Hair loss is a sensitive topic, but it’s also very common. Many people experience it at some point in their lives, including a handful of celebrities. No matter the cause — genetics, stress, an illness — or the form, it can be upsetting. That said, it’s not uncommon for someone to confuse normal hair shedding with hair loss. Every time you brush and wash your hair, it’s normal to have some hair fall out, but it’s a fine line. It’s understandable if you often find yourself wondering: how much hair is normal to lose?
There is no hard and fast rule for how much hair shedding is normal, and there are many factors that can influence shedding that vary from person to person, so we tapped a hairstylist to get some parameters.
Hair Loss vs. Hair Shedding
First things first: let’s understand the difference between hair loss and hair shedding — because they’re not the same. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people can experience hair shedding after a life-changing event — be it losing weight, giving birth, experiencing trauma, having an illness, or even stopping a medication. The good news is, after you recover from said event, your hair should return to its natural state.
Hair loss, also known by its medical name of anagen effluvium, can be hereditary or a result of harsh hairstyling practices or illness. Unless treatment is pursued or the cause is remedied, the hair loss can be permanent.
How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?
Repeat after us: everyone experiences some hair falling out — it’s impossible not to. “Hair fall is a natural part of the hair life cycle,” David Adams, a consulting trichologist for Thicker Fuller Hair, previously told POPSUGAR. The life cycle of a hair follicle has three stages: growing, resting, and shedding. This cycle repeats continuously with each hair at different times. That said, some people do experience more hair loss than normal — but how much is normal?
“It is normal to lose around 50 to 100 strands per day,” Adams said, “and some of your loose hair strands tend to get held in place by styling products . . . If you brush your hair every day, you do not notice hair fall as much as you would if you are only brushing every two to three days.”
Now, we don’t expect you to go counting every piece of hair that comes out of your head. If you believe you’re experiencing more fall out than 50 to 100 strands a day, it’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for some answers.
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