How Do I Know If I'm Shedding Too Much Hair?

Most people know that everyone sheds hair; it’s a natural part of the hair growth cycle. That's why our shower drains get clogged and why hair collects in our brushes and combs. But how do you know when you are shedding more hair than what's normal? Knowing the answer to this question can help you determine if your hair is in trouble. In this article, we'll tell you how much shed hair is normal and fill you in on signs indicating excessive hair shedding.

What is Normal Hair Shedding? 

It’s important to understand what “normal” hair shedding looks like before jumping to any conclusions about excessive loss. On average, women shed 50-100 hairs per day. If you consider the fact that the average human has around 100,000 hairs on their head, you'll realize that 50-100 hairs is not much hair. If you count more than 100 hairs in your brush or shower drain each day, then it may be time to look into what is causing the extra shedding. 

Signs of Excessive Hair Shedding 

In addition to counting hairs in your brush or shower drain, there are other signs that could indicate excessive hair shedding. And here are a few of them:

• Thinning at the crown or temples
• Breakage around the edges of your hairline
• Patches or bald spots on your scalp
• Seeing large clumps of shed hairs in the drain after washing your hair

If you notice any of these signs, you might be dealing with excessive shedding.

The Causes of Excessive Hair Shedding 

There are several potential causes for excessive hair shedding—everything from hormonal imbalances and high-stress levels to diet deficiencies and rough styling. Other causes of excessive shedding include thyroid issues, scalp infections, and certain medical conditions. Sometimes, simply making lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress levels or incorporating more hair-healthy vitamins into your diet can make a huge difference in reducing excessive shedding. But in other cases, medical intervention may be necessary to remedy the issue.

At-Home Remedies for Excessive Shedding

In addition to lifestyle remedies, there are other remedies and products that can help reduce breakage and promote healthier hair growth. For example, you can start by investing in a quality shampoo and conditioner designed for damaged or shedding hair. You can also look into topical treatments like scalp serums or creams that are high in essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, you can inquire about medical-grade laser therapy or hair transplant surgery if the shedding does not improve.                                     

Remembering that everyone sheds 50-100 hairs every day is key—it's only when those numbers rise above 100 that you should look into remedies for excessive shedding. It makes no sense to worry if the amount of hair you’re shedding is normal. We hope that you found all the information you were looking for and that if you do decide to take action, that you find the best solution for your hair shedding. Good luck with your hair journey!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.