Hair loss is not just a men’s health issue – plenty of women also see tufts of hair blocking the bathroom drain too. But how much hair loss is normal?
Trained scalp expert Anabel Kingsley says that between 60 to 100 strands a day is a normal amount of hair loss. If your hair is long, then this may look like a lot and, conversely, if your hair is shorter, you may not notice this loss so much.
Whilst the amount lost may appear different from person to person, certain factors still may have you shedding more than usual. As hair is non-essential tissue, it is quite sensitive to stresses placed on the body. These ‘strains’ can range from a high fever to office stress, or even the effects of dieting.
“The good news is that as long as your system has recovered and you continue to take care of yourself, there’s no cause for concern,” says Kingsley. “Your hair will stop falling out on its own and will grow back as usual.”
Sometimes hair loss occurs with the change of season, and sometimes it happens if you haven’t washed your hair in a while. It can even be an issue of genetics.
Hair colouring, straightening and bleaching may not affect hair growth, but these things will damage the structure of your hair causing breakage, which, although worrying, is not considered hair loss. However, if it can be helped, it may be best to leave your hair in its natural state as much as possible, or try adding hair supplements containing biotin or washing with a sulphate-free shampoo, then using a good quality conditioner to restore and maintain healthy hair.
You should really only be concerned if your hair sheds excessively for longer than three months. If this happens, it may be time to seek help from your hairdresser, dermatologist or trichologist.
Chronic hair loss may also signify something hidden, such as illness or disease. Long-term hair loss can indicate an iron deficiency, or a lack of vitamin D or B12. It could also be a symptom of hypo- or hyperthyroid issues.
So don’t stress too much about minor hair loss, or you may find yourself losing more! The best way to look after your hair is to treat it gently, maintain a healthy diet and leave it in its natural state as much as possible. However, if you are concerned with the amount of hair you are losing, as always, it is best to seek advice from a health professional.
Read more about hair loss for women.
Do you worry about hair loss? Do you have any tips for our members on how best to look after your hair?
