Finding hair on your pillow, comb, or shower drain can be scary—but not all hair fall is a problem. Every person sheds hair daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. The real concern starts when shedding turns into excessive hair loss.
So how do you know what’s normal and what’s not? Let’s break it down.
What Is Normal Hair Shedding?
Hair grows in a cycle with three main phases:
- Anagen (growth phase) – lasts 2–7 years
- Catagen (transition phase) – lasts a few weeks
- Telogen (resting & shedding phase) – lasts about 2–3 months
At any time, about 10–15% of your hair is in the shedding phase.
Normal Hair Shedding Looks Like:
- Losing 50–100 strands per day
- Hair falling evenly from all over the scalp
- No visible bald spots or widening part
- Shedding increases slightly during:
- Hair washing days
- Seasonal changes
- After oiling or combing
👉 Good news: Shed hair usually grows back on its own.
What Is Excessive Hair Loss?
Excessive hair loss happens when hair falls faster than it can regrow—or when new growth stops altogether.
Signs of Excessive Hair Loss:
- Losing more than 150–200 hairs daily
- Noticeable thinning at the crown or hairline
- Widening part or receding hairline
- Bald patches or scalp visibility
- Hair coming out in large clumps
- Ponytail feels thinner than before
If hair shedding continues for more than 6–8 weeks, it’s likely not normal.
Common Causes of Excessive Hair Loss
- Stress & emotional shock
- Hormonal changes (thyroid issues, PCOS, postpartum)
- Poor nutrition (low protein, iron, vitamin D)
- Illness or high fever
- Excessive heat styling or chemical treatments
- Tight hairstyles (traction alopecia)
- Genetics (male/female pattern baldness)
Simple At-Home Test: The Pull Test
Gently pull a small section of hair (about 50–60 strands).
- 1–3 hairs come out: Normal
- 6+ hairs come out: Possible excessive shedding
Do this test on different areas of the scalp for accuracy.
When Should You Worry?
You should take action if:
- Hair fall lasts longer than 2 months
- You see patchy hair loss
- Hair fall is sudden and severe
- There’s itching, pain, or redness on the scalp
In these cases, consulting a dermatologist is strongly recommended.
How to Reduce Excessive Hair Loss Early
- Eat protein-rich foods (eggs, lentils, fish)
- Massage scalp gently 3–4 times a week
- Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh chemicals
- Reduce heat styling
- Manage stress (sleep, exercise, breathing)
- Use mild, sulfate-free shampoo
Final Thoughts
Hair shedding is normal. Hair loss is not.
Understanding the difference helps you take action early—before thinning becomes permanent.