Yes, some hair fall is perfectly normal. It's natural to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. You often won't even notice this shedding. However, significantly more hair loss than this warrants investigation.
Understanding Normal Hair Shedding
- Daily Hair Loss: Losing 50-100 strands daily is considered within the normal range. This is due to the natural hair growth cycle, where hairs naturally fall out to make way for new growth.
- Noticeable Shedding: While you might see some hair in your brush or shower drain, it shouldn't be excessive or alarming.
- Excessive Hair Shedding: When you're losing significantly more hair than this, it's known as telogen effluvium, and indicates an underlying issue requiring attention. This might involve patchy hair loss, or a general thinning of hair.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Several sources confirm that substantial daily hair loss is not the norm. Consult a doctor if you notice:
- Sudden or patchy hair loss: This could signal various conditions.
- More than usual hair loss when combing or washing: Consistent excessive hair loss during these activities is cause for concern.
- Postpartum hair loss: While some hair loss after childbirth is normal, excessive shedding should be evaluated.
The amount of hair loss considered "normal" is consistent across multiple reliable sources, including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the NHS, and Mayo Clinic. These sources emphasize that while a certain degree of hair shedding is natural, excessive hair loss should be addressed by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical causes.
