How much hair loss is normal? An inside scoop on your hair health..

How to determine how much hair loss is normal? An inside scoop on your hair health!

How many of you daily brush your hair and wonder if the amount of hair in the brush is normal? What is the right amount of shed?

I think we’ve all been there. Whether it’s in your hair brush, your sink, or on your pillow when you wake up, or in your car. Sometimes it’s a bit alarming and makes us freak out a bit but the majority of the time, your follicle turnover is quicker than the average and your shed cycle is happening and it’s new hair coming through! Either way, sometimes it can be stressful because all you see is the hair not being on your head.

There is a difference between hair shedding and hair loss. As well as many determining factors like postpartum, hormonal changes due to conditions like PCOS, supplement deficiencies, and stress. Hair loss and shedding come in many forms.

Here is how you can determine which type of hair loss is occurring:

What’s normal?

Brushing: We shed about 50-100 strands daily. To some, this sounds concerning but it is completely normal especially if are having your hair wash day. When you brush your hair, you can get about 60 strands of hair in your brush. When you see this, don't be alarmed, this is completely normal.

Unique Situations:

Coloring Sessions: After a blonding session, some shedding is normal. There is something called the “blonde tax”. This is where you determine if being blonde is okay with you if that means compromising your hair health. There are healthier ways to bleach hair nowadays while keeping its integrity of it. Using a balance of moisture and protein in your hair care at home is crucial to prevent breakage.

Postpartum moms: You’ve gained a ton of new luscious hair because your hormones are at an all-time high to support the needs of your baby. Once you’ve had your baby, your hormones are returning to their natural state and cycle causing shed of hair during its hormonal shift.

Hairstyles: When you are wearing a high ponytail all day, a tight bun, or a braid. There is a normal amount of shed that will happen at the end of the day. When you take out these hairstyles, your hair has either been pulled by tension at the root from these styles or because you haven't brushed your hair all day, therefore, there is more shed that is likely to be coming out in your brush.

But….How do you know which one you are experiencing? Maybe more than one.

More often than not, when there is an internal issue with your body, it presents itself physically. In some ways, this results in hair loss.

Supplementation, nutrients from our diets, water intake, and hair care are all factors that go into our hair growth and hair loss.

Reviewing and assessing our supplementation is key! We can be deficient in vitamins B, C, D, Omega-3's, Zinc, and Iron. Focusing on rich foods like red meat is amazing!

When running your hand through your hair, if it’s a few strands, that’s normal. If it is coming out in clumps, then maybe address your stylist or doctor for further instruction.

If you have dry hair, using a hydrating shampoo is more beneficial than a regular shampoo. If you have greasy hair, try alternating between a clarifying shampoo and a regular shampoo to change the pH in your scalp/hair. If you days without washing your hair, and you use dry shampoo, texture, spray, and hairspray, a good pre-wash deep scalp oil is amazing, clarifying shampoo along with a hydrating mask is gold. A clean scalp is the best scalp! 

So what are your next steps?

• Determine which type of hair loss or shedding you are having.

• Deep dive into your lifestyle. Nourish and Revive your locks through, supplementation, diet, and lifestyle.

• Consistency is key! Doesn't work overnight so keep up with the routine and trust the process!

Are you struggling with hair loss? We can help rebuild your hair and regain your confidence. Contact our healthy hair and scalp specialist Ava Brown @avalaurenhair