How Much Hair Loss Is Normal: Brushing, Washing, and More

Hair loss is a universal phenomenon affecting people of all ages and genders, and it is entirely natural to lose some strands of hair daily. Whether you find a few strands in your hairbrush or notice more hair than usual on your pillow, you may wonder if your hair loss is within the normal range. But how much hair loss is considered normal?

Stress, some health conditions, and even hairstyling techniques may cause an increase in hair loss. This article will review what you need to know about how much hair loss is normal on a daily basis, the life cycle of hair, what causes excessive hair loss, and how to tell if you are losing too much hair.

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It is normal to naturally shed around 50 to 100 hairs every day. However, when an individual experiences a substantial increase in daily hair shedding, it may be classified as excessive. Medically referred to as telogen effluvium, this condition signifies an abnormality in the hair-shedding process.

Since people can naturally lose up to 100 strands of hair daily, it is not surprising that some of these strands may be shed during the brushing process. However, a common question arises: Does brushing actually cause hair loss?

In a non-randomized study involving 14 women over a four-week period, participants were instructed to brush their hair with varying frequencies each week. The amount of hair lost during each week was recorded, and comparisons were made to determine the average hair loss for different brushing frequencies.

The findings revealed a consistent trend: Brushing was associated with hair loss, and reducing the amount of brushing will reduce the amount of hair shed.

It is common to notice an increased amount of hair shedding during or after a shower. However, this may not be a cause for concern. The water and the act of washing and rinsing can loosen and dislodge hair that is already in the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. This can give the impression of losing more hair in the shower.

In reality, the hair loss experienced during showering is often within the normal range of daily shedding.

Hair loss is an abnormal or excessive loss of hair beyond the typical shedding rate. However, hair shedding is a natural process of hair follicles going through their growth cycle, which involves the shedding of old or resting hairs to make room for new hair growth.

Excessive hair shedding commonly occurs in individuals who have undergone certain stress-inducing events, including:

Typically, most people notice excessive hair shedding a few months after experiencing the stressful event. For instance, new mothers may observe this shedding approximately two months after giving birth, with the peak occurring around four months postpartum. It is important to note that this type of shedding is temporary and normal.

As the body gradually readjusts, the excessive shedding subsides, and within six to nine months, the hair typically regains its normal fullness.

Hair loss is a regular part of the hair growth cycle, and shedding a certain amount of hair each day is completely normal. The human scalp typically houses around 100,000 hair follicles, each with its own growth cycle.

Hair grows in three stages: the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase.

The anagen phase is the active growth phase of hair follicles. It typically lasts for several years, ranging from two to six years on the scalp. Around 85% to 90% of the hair on the scalp is usually in the anagen phase at any given time.

The catagen phase is a short transitional phase that signals the end of the active growth phase. It lasts for about two to three weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks, and hair growth stops. The lower part of the hair follicle attaches to the hair strand, and the blood supply to the hair is cut off. This phase prepares the hair follicle for the next phase.

The telogen phase is a resting phase that lasts for about three months. During this phase, the hair follicle remains inactive, and the hair strand does not grow. Towards the end of the telogen phase, new hair begins to grow in the same follicle, pushing out the old hair.

Excessive hair loss many be caused by various factors, including:

The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary and is known as male or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss occurs gradually over time and is influenced by genetic factors.

Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can contribute to excessive hair shedding.

Certain medical conditions and illnesses can contribute to hair loss, including:

Some medications and treatments, such as certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and proteins can weaken hair follicles and contribute to excessive hair loss.

Physical trauma, major surgery, severe emotional stress, or significant weight loss can trigger hair loss and lead to excessive shedding.

Repeatedly wearing your hair in a tightly pulled-back style can result in permanent hair loss, known as traction alopecia.

Habitual pulling or twisting of hair, known as trichotillomania, can result in patchy hair loss.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in sudden hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or body.

A hair pull test is a clinical examination conducted by a healthcare provider, often a dermatologist, to evaluate the condition of hair and assess the extent of hair loss.

During the test, a small bundle of hair (usually 50–60 hairs) is grasped close to the scalp, and gentle traction is applied to pull the hair away from the scalp. The number of hairs that are extracted during the test is counted.

Hair pull tests help determine if the shedding is within the normal range or if there is an underlying hair loss condition.

If you are experiencing any of the following hair loss symptoms, it may be time to consult with a healthcare professional:

If any of these symptoms are present, it is recommended to reach out to a healthcare provider, who can assess your condition and provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. Seeking medical attention in such cases can help identify any underlying causes or medical conditions contributing to hair loss and ensure timely intervention.

Hair loss is a common concern for many individuals, but it's important to understand what amount of hair loss is considered normal. On average, it is normal to lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair per day. This shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle and is usually replaced by new hair. However, if you notice excessive hair loss or significant thinning, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

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By Sarah Jividen, RNSarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a freelance healthcare journalist and content marketing writer at Health Writing Solutions, LLC. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room.