How much hair loss per day is normal and not considered a disease?

 

Each adult has an average of 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on their head, and approximately 25 to 100 hairs are shed daily. At first glance, this amount of hair loss may seem large, but it is completely normal and almost all of us lose this amount of hair per day. Some people do not notice this loss and others pay too much attention to it due to their mental sensitivity.

One thing to keep in mind is that every time a hair is shed, new hair grows back from the same point over time, but sometimes factors weaken the hair follicles and make it difficult for hair to regrow. In fact, one should not worry about hair loss, but the lack of hair regrowth is a cause for concern, in other words, the problem occurs when the rate of hair loss is more than their growth, which eventually reduces the density of hair.

Hair loss up to 100 hairs per day is normal and is not considered a disease and there is no need to see a doctor for treatment. Of course, the lower the rate, the more positive it is.

Sometimes hair loss temporarily increases for reasons such as the change of seasons, stress, insomnia, allergies to certain foods, pregnancy and menstruation. You need to see a doctor when the rate of hair loss is more than 100 hairs per day and lasts for more than 3 weeks, or when you feel that the density of your hair is decreasing over time.

Also, if the hair strands are shed along with the roots, it is necessary to see a doctor to start treatment.

 

How to count the amount of hair loss per day?

It is almost impossible to count the number of strands lost during the day. To find out if your hair loss is normal, place about 60 strands of hair between the fingers of one hand, then gently pull it in different directions. If the number of hairs shed and placed in your hands is between 5 and 8, your hair loss is normal, but if more than 15 strands are removed from your head, it indicates that you have more hair loss than usual.

What is the reason for this test? In most people who do not have a problem with the health of their hair, 90% of hair is in the growth phase and 10% in the resting phase, ie 10% of hair is prone to hair loss.

If more than 15 strands of hair are lost by pulling the hair, it means that more than 10% of the hair is in the resting phase, and if this process continues chronically, the hair volume will gradually decrease.

 

Some simple causes that increase hair loss and are often overlooked include:

Medications: Some medications such as antibiotics, levothyroxine (thyroid medication), metformin (diabetes medication), birth control pills and others can cause hair loss. If you are taking medication, read the leaflet and if hair loss is a side effect. The side effect is to ask your doctor to replace the same medicine.

Improper shampoos and cleansers: Never use soap, even herbal soaps, to wash your hair. The pH of soaps is good for the skin, not the scalp and hair, and using them can cause hair loss in many people. It is recommended to use standard shampoos produced by reputable laboratories and change your shampoo once every 6 months. You can choose 2 shampoos that are compatible with your hair and use each one periodically for 6 months. .

 

Excessive hair washing: Bathing more than once a day causes the scalp to lose its natural fat. A small amount of natural fat produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin is essential to keep hair strands healthy. Excessive use of shampoo It also damages the hair every time you take a shower.

Late bathing: Excessive oil on the skin also causes hair loss. If this fat stays on for more than 2 to 3 days, it will eventually close the pores of the skin and make hair growth difficult. Due to environmental pollution, it is recommended to wash your hair daily or for a maximum of one day with a mild shampoo, also known as daily shampoos.

 

Bathing with hot water: Using too much hot water causes the skin to stretch and dilate its pores, and it affects the hair that has loose roots and causes them to fall out.

Using a hair dryer: The high heat of the hair dryer, like hot water, causes damage to the scalp and hair loss. If for some reason, such as the cold in winter, you have to use a hair dryer to dry your hair at a minimum temperature of 30 cm. Use a meter from your head.

Hair dyes and chemical conditioners: Excessive hair coloring and the use of conditioning gels and sprays can also damage the hair strands and make them thinner over time.

Improper nutrition: Not eating enough fruits, fresh vegetables and food sources of protein will cause a lack of vitamins, minerals and protein in the body, which will lead to hair loss.

It is recommended to eat 2 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, which contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and 2 to 3 servings of fish a week, which contain protein, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.

If you continue to experience abnormal hair loss in accordance with the above, see a specialist doctor to find the root causes and treat it.