Is it normal for your hair to fall out

The hair sheds as part of its natural cycle, which means that seeing hairs in the shower or on a hairbrush is not usually a cause for concern. A person who notices large chunks of hair falling out or bald spots may wish to see a doctor or dermatologist, however.

This excessive shedding may be due to stress or another health issue. It is important to note that shedding is not the same as permanent hair loss. The hair should return to its previous thickness following the resolution of the underlying cause. The American Academy of Dermatology note that it is normal for a person to lose about 50— hairs each day.

Each hair follicle goes through a cycle that includes a growth stage anagen and a rest stage telogen before the hair falls out. This cycle repeats itself for as long as the hair follicle remains active and continues to produce new hairs. Most healthy people have between 80, and , hairs on their head.

People with shorter hair may not notice significant shedding, but those with longer hair tend to see hairs in the shower drain or on hairbrushes and clothing. People who style their hair may also lose more of it. Chemical dyes, heated curlers and straighteners, and excessive hair brushing can all lead to extra hair shedding or breaks in the hair. Anyone experiencing a significant change in the amount of hair that they shed may wish to see a doctor or dermatologist to help identify any issues.

Many people who style their hair using a hairbrush may worry when they see all the leftover hairs in the brush. However, brushing the hair generally just removes and collects the hairs that have already fallen from their follicles that day. Although this can be unsettling to see all at once in the hairbrush, it is normal in small amounts. Learn more about the medications that can cause hair loss. Zinc and iron deficiency are the most common nutritional links to hair loss.

But some evidence indicates that low intakes of the following vitamins and nutrients could also be to blame:. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair loss. Generally, the hair loss is patchy and accompanied by lesions on the scalp. Some lupus medications also may lead to hair loss. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis can occur on the scalp and interfere with hair growth.

Infections such as ringworm of the scalp and folliculitis can also cause hair loss. The search for causes and potential treatments by people experiencing hair loss is understandable.

Research has tied hair loss to lower self-esteem , body image issues, and increased anxiety. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends assessing for anxiety and stress when diagnosing hair loss. Many of these nongenetic causes for hair loss can be successfully treated, and the hair loss averted and even reversed. Talk with your doctor about your concerns and the potential causes for your hair loss. An itchy scalp is a common condition, but if you also notice abnormal hair loss, you may be concerned.

Learn what causes itchy scalp and hair loss…. This shedding is normal and temporary. As your body readjusts, the excessive shedding stops. Within six to nine months, the hair tends to regains its normal fullness. If the stressor stays with you, however, hair shedding can be long lived. People who are constantly under a lot of stress can have long-term excessive hair shedding. Hair loss occurs when something stops the hair from growing. The medical term for this condition is anagen effluvium.

The most common causes of hair loss include:. If you have hair loss, your hair will not grow until the cause stops. For example, people who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments often lose a lot of hair. When the treatment stops, their hair tends to regrow. If you suspect that a treatment or drug is causing your hair loss, talk with your doctor.

Serious side effects can occur if you immediately stop a treatment or drug. Other causes of hair loss may require treatment. Chester County Hospital's Health e-Living Blog offers a regular serving of useful health and lifestyle information for the residents of Chester County, PA and the surrounding region. Health e-Living Blog. April 09, Topics: Aging Wellness. Your hairbrush is full of it. Your shower is covered in it. Seems like your hair is everywhere. Loss vs. Shedding "Hair loss and hair shedding are technically two different problems.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow There are many reasons why you might experience hair loss or shedding. Hair Loss Hereditary hair loss: Also known as "androgenetic alopecia," "male-pattern baldness,"or "female-pattern baldness," this is the most common cause of hair loss. Men usually have a receding hairline and bald spots, while women keep their hairline and have thinning hair.

This happens gradually, as you age. Alopecia areata: This is a condition where your body attacks its own hair. You don't just lose hair on your head - you can lose it on other parts of your body, too. The hair usually grows back, but the loss could start again. You might have the loss-regrow cycle for a few years.