HOW MUCH HAIR FALL IS NORMAL?

Understanding Normal Hair Fall and When to Seek Help

Noticing hair strands fall around you can be distressing, but it's important to remember that losing 100-150 hairs daily is completely normal. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, factors that can influence hair loss, effective tips for reducing shedding, and guidance on when to consult a professional.

Why do we lose 100-150 hairs daily?

The 4-phase hair growth cycle explains why we lose hair daily(1):

1. Anagen Phase is the active growth phase when a follicle is continuously producing a hair strand. This phase lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 years and determines how long your hair can grow. Most hairs on your head are in the anagen phase.

2. Catagen Phase is the transition phase that marks the end of the active growth phase as the follicle shrinks and detaches from the hair bulb. It typically lasts 4-6 weeks.

3. Telogen Phase is the resting phase that lasts 2-3 months. During this phase, the hair strand remains attached to the scalp, but no new growth occurs.

4. Exogen Phase is when the fiber exits the follicle, marking the end of Telogen. At any time, 10-15% scalp hairs are in the Telogen-Exogen phase, turning into the 100-150 hairs shed per day.

What 100-150 shed hairs look like depends on your hair texture, thickness, and length. Getting to know what that looks like for your hair is the best way to gauge when the amount of hair fall you see exceeds what is normal.

When you see more hair loss than normal, one or more of these factors may be at play:

• Scalp Oxidative stress: Recent studies indicate that oxidative stress from UV exposure, pollution, or oil buildup can weaken hair roots, leading to increased shedding(2,3). This hair loss has also been shown in the same clinical studies to be reduced with antioxidant & barrier-enhancing ingredients. This technology is available as the Pro-Vitamin Complex + Niacinamide in Pantene’s Abundant & Strong collection, which reduces hair loss and grows healthier hair by reducing scalp oxidative stress.

• Seasonal Changes: Studies have shown people experience increased hair shedding in the fall with a second yet smaller shedding peak happening in the spring(4). While time typically slows the rate of hair shedding, recent clinical research(2) has shown that reducing scalp oxidative stress can flatten the seasonal hair loss curve and keep more hair. The clinically proven Pro-Vitamin Complex in Pantene’s Abundant & Strong collection works in this way to reduce hair loss and increase hair density.

• Styling, coloring & heat damage: When hair is damaged to the point of breakage mid-strand, you see more hair falling around you. A small-scale study suggested those who color & heat-style are 17x more likely(5) to lose hair from breakage than those who do neither. Using strengthening conditioning treatments, like Pantene’s Deep Repair Conditioner, and heat protectants before heat-styling can significantly decrease hair loss from breakage.

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or due to certain medical conditions, can affect the amount of hair you seeing falling. During pregnancy, it is normal to see less hair fall as the percent of your hair follicles in the anagen phase can increase up to ~95%(6).

• Post-Partum hair loss is a common experience for new moms. It typically occurs 3-6 months after giving birth and can last for weeks to months. After childbirth, estrogen levels fall, causing the fibers that stayed longer than normal in the Anagen phase during pregnancy to suddenly shift to the Telogen phase. You can go from having 95% of your hair follicles in the actively growing anagen phase(6)to only 75%. You know this drastic shift is happening when you see a large amount of hair falling in a short time. As hormone levels stabilize and the hair growth cycle returns to normal, new hair begins to grow.

• Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair. Deficiencies in nutrients like iron, biotin, and protein can lead to increased hair loss.

• Stress: Emotional or physical stress can push more hair follicles into the telogen phase, resulting in increased hair shedding.

Understanding your hair's natural shedding process can help alleviate concerns about hair loss. By recognizing what’s normal and taking proactive steps in your hair care routine, you can maintain healthy locks and address any issues early on.

FAQ’s

Q. Are certain hair types more prone to hair loss?

A. Yes, studies have shown that textured hair is more prone to hair loss than straighter hair. A 2015 study reported that African American women with more textured hair had equal number of telogen hairs lost as did the Caucasian women with straighter hair types. However, those with more textured hair had significantly more hair lost from breakage(7).

Q. Does conditioning your hair cause hair loss?

Consider the 100-150 hairs you naturally shed from the root each day. Many of those strands get caught up in your hair mass, even though they have already been released from your scalp. The detangling effect of good conditioners helps these caught-up strands complete their exit, but they do not cause hair loss.

Q. When should I seek medical advice for hair loss?

A. If you notice a sudden increase in shedding, thinning patches, or bald spots, it’s time to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. They can help identify underlying conditions and recommend effective treatments.

References

1. Harrison S, Bergfeld W. Diffuse hair loss: its triggers and management. Cleve Clin J Med. 2009 Jun;76(6):361-7. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.76a.08080. PMID: 19487557.

2. Davis MG, Piliang MP, Bergfeld WF, Caterino TL, Fisher BK, Sacha JP, Carr GJ, Moulton LT, Whittenbarger DJ, Schwartz JR. Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021 Nov;43 Suppl 1: S14-S25. doi: 10.1111/ics.12734. PMID: 34424558.

3. Davis MG, Piliang MP, Bergfeld WF, Caterino TL, Fisher BK, Sacha JP, Carr GJ, Moulton LT, Whittenbarger DJ, Punyani S, Schwartz JR. Scalp application of the antioxidant piroctone olamine reduces hair shedding in an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021 Nov; 43 Suppl 1: S26-S33. doi: 10.1111/ics.12737. PMID: 34424549.

4. Kunz M, Seifert B, Trüeb RM. Seasonality of hair shedding in healthy women complaining of hair loss. Dermatology. 2009; 219(2):105-10. doi: 10.1159/000216832. Epub 2009 Apr 29. PMID: 19407435.

5. P&G data on file

6. Lynfield YL. Effect of pregnancy on the human hair cycle. J Invest Dermatol. 1960 Dec;35:323-7. doi: 10.1038/jid.1960.54. PMID: 13764567.

7. Lewallen R, Francis S, Fisher B, Richards J, Li J, Dawson T, Swett K, McMichael A. Hair care practices and structural evaluation of scalp and hair shaft parameters in African American and Caucasian women. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Sep;14(3):216-23.