How much hair loss is normal? Hair loss can be a very common problem in men and women, but it’s important to know what the “normal” amount of hair loss is for you. The truth about how much hair loss is normal is that there are no set numbers or percentages. It occurs naturally as we age, so if your hair loss isn’t severe enough to cause concern, then it’s not abnormal. However, if you have more than 10% of your scalp showing baldness, this may indicate a medical or health condition such as alopecia (hair loss). In addition, if you notice thinning on the sides of your head or around your ears, this could also be a sign of an underlying health issue.
What causes hair loss?
There are many reasons why people lose their hair. Some of these include genetics, hormonal changes, stress, illness, medications, diet, and other factors. It’s important to understand that hair loss is a natural part of aging, so don’t worry too much about losing too much hair. If you do notice any significant hair loss, however, make sure to consult with your doctor.
In this article, we will be talking about the most common facts and myths ( false beliefs) about hair loss, and to what extent they are true.
How do I know when my hair is falling out?
If you notice that your hair feels different than usual, check yourself over carefully. Are you losing patches of hair on your head? Do you see bald spots where your hair used to be? Is your hair breaking off easily? These are some signs that you might be experiencing hair loss.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to tell you whether you have any underlying health problems that could be contributing to your hair loss.
Myths:
1. All hair loss is permanent
It’s true that some types of hair loss are irreversible. For example, male pattern baldness is caused by genetic factors and cannot be reversed. On the other hand, female-pattern hair loss is often temporary and reversible. This type of hair loss usually begins after menopause and is triggered by hormones.
2. Stress is causing your hair loss
Stress has been linked to hair loss before, but it doesn’t always play a role. Sometimes, hair loss is due to a hormone imbalance, which can happen when someone experiences high levels of cortisol. Other times, it’s because of certain illnesses or conditions.
3. Only older people suffer from baldness
While it’s true that hair loss tends to increase with age, younger people can experience it as well. There are even cases where young children have experienced hair loss.
4. Genetic hair loss is passed down through your mother’s side of the family
This myth comes from the fact that some people inherit genes that lead to hair loss. While this does occur, it’s not necessarily hereditary. A person’s hair loss can also change over time, meaning that one generation might not pass along the same gene mutations as another.
5. Bald men have more testosterone
Testosterone plays a big role in hair growth, but it’ll only affect your body if you have low levels of it. People who have higher levels of testosterone tend to have thicker hair. But it’s still possible to have low levels of testosterone without having symptoms of balding.
6. Getting your hair cut often will make it grow back thicker and faster
Getting your haircut every few weeks won’t help your hair grow back thicker. Instead, try cutting your hair once a month instead. Also, avoid getting haircuts at places like salons, since those places use chemicals that can damage your hair.
7. Brushing your hair when it’s wet means more will fall out
Brushing your hair while it’s wet will actually make it stronger. When you brush your hair, you’re helping to remove split ends and breakage. These problems can weaken your strands, making them easier to pull out.
8. Shampooing daily will cause your hair to become dry
Shampooing regularly isn’t bad for your hair. In fact, using shampoo on a regular basis helps keep your scalp clean and healthy. However, excessive washing can strip away moisture from your hair. So, if you find yourself feeling overly dry, switch up your routine and see how that affects your hair.
Facts:
1. Hair loss occurs naturally
Hair loss is completely natural. It happens all the time, especially during puberty. The difference between thinning hair and actual hair loss is the amount of hair that falls out. If you notice that your hair seems thinner than usual, but there aren’t any noticeable clumps missing, then you probably don’t have hair loss.
2. Some forms of hair loss are permanent
Some types of hair loss are permanent. Male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, scarring alopecia, and trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling) are just a few examples of this kind of hair loss. This type of hair loss usually goes away after treatment, so you may want to consider seeing a doctor if you think you have these kinds of issues.
3. You can treat temporary hair loss
Temporary hair loss is pretty common. Dandruff, stress-related hair loss, and certain medications such as chemotherapy or birth control pills can contribute to temporary hair loss. Your best bet is to simply wash your hair less frequently or get rid of the problem causing the issue.
4. Drinking and smoking can make your hair fall out more
It’s true that both drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of developing male pattern baldness. Both substances can reduce blood flow to the scalp, which makes it harder for new hair cells to develop.
5 Anxiety and stress can affect hair loss
Anxiety and stress can also lead to hair loss. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that people with high anxiety were twice as likely to lose their hair compared to men with lower anxiety. Stress has been linked to hair shedding before, too. A 2010 study found that women who had higher levels of cortisol — the stress hormone — experienced more frequent hair shedding.
6. Hormone changes can cause hair loss
Women often experience hair loss around the time they go through hormonal shifts, including perimenopause and menopause. During these times, estrogen levels drop and testosterone levels rise. This change causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in fewer hairs.
7. Certain medical conditions can cause hair loss
Certain medical conditions can cause hair to fall out. For example, hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, can result in hair loss because the body doesn’t produce enough hormones. Other medical conditions that can cause hair loss include diabetes, lupus, scleroderma, and psoriasis.
8. You can prevent hair loss
You can take steps to keep your hair healthy and strong. Eat foods rich in protein, like fish, eggs, lean meats, and dairy products. Avoid excessive heat styling tools, since they can damage your hair. And use good hair care products regularly to help moisturize your strands.
To conclude, Hair loss is not something to be ashamed about. In fact, most people will never even know you’re experiencing it. But if you do notice that your hair is falling out at a faster rate than usual, talk to your dermatologist. They’ll be able to tell you whether there’s anything else going on that could be contributing to your hair loss.