Finding hair on your pillow, in the shower or on the bathroom floor can make anyone wonder: is this normal, or is something wrong?
Most of the time, it's normal. But it helps to know how the hair cycle works, what can cause extra shedding, and when it's worth getting checked. Here's what I'd want you to know.
What is a normal hair growth cycle?
Your hair grows in three phases, and every strand is in one of them at any given time:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): the active growth stage, which can last anywhere from 2 to 6 years. During this phase, hair grows about half an inch a month.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): a short transition of about 2 to 3 weeks, when growth slows and the follicle starts to shrink.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): the hair rests for about 3 months, then sheds, and the follicle starts making a new hair.
On average, losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. That shedding is just the resting phase doing its job, and in most cases new hair is already on the way.
How much is too much?
If you start noticing a lot more hair than usual, on your pillow, in the shower or clogging the drain, you could be dealing with telogen effluvium (TE). That's when a larger number of hairs than usual move into the resting phase at once and then shed. With TE, you can lose 300 hairs a day or more.
TE doesn't usually lead to baldness, and it's often temporary, but it can cause noticeable thinning while it lasts.
What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
Common triggers include:
- Postpartum: many new moms shed more after giving birth, as hormones adjust and the extra hair held during pregnancy sheds.
- Severe stress: stress, anxiety or big life changes can push more follicles into the resting phase.
- Rapid weight loss or crash dieting: big changes in how much you eat can show up as shedding a few months later.
- Nutrient deficiencies: low iron or vitamin D are commonly linked to shedding, especially in women.
- Thyroid imbalances: both an underactive and an overactive thyroid can cause extra shedding.
- Illness or high fever: being sick, having surgery or running a high fever can trigger shedding a few months later.
Other causes of hair loss
Not all hair loss is TE. Some other common causes:
- Autoimmune conditions, like alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes patchy loss.
- Medications, including chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners and some antidepressants.
- Pattern hair loss, which is genetic and usually shows up gradually as thinning on top or a widening part.
Signs of Excessive Hair Loss
If you think you're losing more than usual, look for:
- More hair on your pillow than you're used to
- Clumps in the shower or drain
- Noticeable thinning, a wider part or a smaller ponytail
- Hair on the floor and a lot more in your brush
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or dermatologist if:
- The extra shedding lasts more than a few months
- You notice bald patches or a widening part
- Your scalp is itchy, red, painful or flaky
- You have other symptoms, like fatigue or weight changes
They can run simple tests, like checking your iron, vitamin D and thyroid, to figure out what's going on.
Everyday Habits That Help
Some causes of hair loss, like postpartum shedding or medication side effects, are out of your control. But there are a few things that help you take good care of your hair and scalp along the way.
1. Eat Well
Crash dieting, poor nutrition and vitamin or mineral deficiencies can all show up in your hair. Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, and ask your doctor to check your levels if you think something is off.
Many of our customers also love adding Goldie Locks® Supplements, which include biotin, zinc and vitamin D, to their daily routine.
2. Reduce Stress
Stress can push more hairs into the resting phase and lead to shedding. Exercise, meditation and good sleep all help.
3. Take Care of Your Scalp
Keep your scalp clean and balanced with a gentle shampoo, and if it's itchy, flaky or irritated, see a dermatologist.
4. Shampoo Regularly
A lot of people worry that washing often makes them shed more. It doesn't. The hair you see in the shower was already going to fall out. Shampooing regularly keeps your scalp clean and free of oil, product buildup and pollutants. Once a week, a clarifying shampoo lifts any extra buildup.
Final Thoughts
Losing some hair every day is completely normal. If you're shedding a lot more than usual, it can be a sign that something is going on in your body, like stress, a nutrient deficiency or a hormone change.
The best next step is simple: pay attention, and if it doesn't settle within a few months, see your doctor. In the meantime, take care of your scalp, manage your stress and give your body the nutrients it needs.