As a dermatologist with a keen interest in hair and scalp health, I've often been asked about hair loss and the natural cycle of hair growth. It's a common concern, especially as we age, and it's important to understand that some hair loss is a normal part of the hair growth cycle.

The hair on our head goes through several phases in its life cycle: the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. The anagen phase is the longest phase and can last anywhere from two to six years, during which the hair grows actively. The catagen phase is a short transitional period that lasts about ten days, where the hair follicle begins to shrink and detach from the dermal papilla. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting phase, which lasts about three months, after which the hair falls out and a new hair begins to grow in its place.

The average person has about 100,000 hairs on their scalp. It's estimated that at any given time, approximately 90% of the hair is in the anagen phase, 1% in the catagen phase, and 9% in the telogen phase. This means that a significant portion of our hair is in a state of growth, while a smaller percentage is in transition or resting.

Now, coming to the question of how many hairs one loses in a day, it's a bit more nuanced. The average person does lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. This is a normal process and should not be a cause for concern. However, it's important to note that this number can vary depending on several factors, including age, health, and hair care practices.

Factors that can influence hair loss include:


1. Age: As we age, the duration of the anagen phase shortens, which can lead to thinner hair and increased hair loss.

2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or certain medications, can lead to hair loss.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins, can affect hair growth and lead to hair loss.

4. Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual enter the telogen phase and fall out.

5. Hair Care Practices: Excessive use of heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles can cause damage and hair loss.

It's also worth mentioning that hair loss can be a symptom of underlying health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or scalp infections. If you notice a significant increase in hair loss or if it's accompanied by other symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. However, understanding the factors that can influence hair loss and taking steps to maintain a healthy scalp and hair can help prevent excessive hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

read more >>

100 hairsThe average person loses an average of 50 to 100 hairs from the head every day. You have about 100,000 scalp hairs that follow a predictable cycle of growing (anagen phase), stopping growth (catagen phase) and resting (telogen phase).read more >>