Hair fall can be concerning, but it’s important to understand that losing some hair daily is a completely normal and natural part of the hair growth cycle. Knowing what constitutes normal hair fall versus excessive shedding can help you manage your hair health more effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.
The Hair Cycle
To understand hair fall, it’s helpful to know about the hair growth cycle, which consists of four main phases from a scientific perspective:
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Anagen Phase (Growth Phase):
- This is the active growth phase of hair, lasting 2-7 years depending on genetics and health. Around 85-90% of your hair is in this phase at any given time.
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Catagen Phase (Transition Phase):
- Lasting a few weeks, this is when the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the scalp’s blood supply. Less than 1% of hair is in this phase.
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Telogen Phase (Resting Phase):
- During this phase, which lasts about 2-4 months, the hair follicle rests, and no new growth occurs. Around 10-15% of your hair is in this phase at any time.
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Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase):
- This is a sub-phase of the telogen phase when hair strands are released from the follicle and shed from the scalp. The exogen phase allows new hair to emerge as part of the next anagen phase. Losing 50-100 hairs daily during this phase is normal and part of a healthy hair cycle.
What Is Normal Hair Fall?
On average, it’s normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day, primarily during the exogen phase. This is part of the natural shedding process that makes room for new hair to grow.
Seasonal Hair Fall:
- Many people experience slightly more shedding during certain times of the year, particularly in the fall or winter. This is due to changes in environmental conditions and your body’s natural rhythms.
Visible Signs of Normal Hair Fall:
- Strands in your brush or comb.
- A few hairs in the shower or on your pillow.
- Minimal thinning that’s not persistent or patchy.
Final Thoughts
Normal hair fall, particularly during the exogen phase, is a sign of a healthy, functioning hair growth cycle. While it’s natural to lose some hair daily, excessive hair fall could be a result of seasonal changes or due to an imbalanced scalp.