It is normal to lose between 50 and 150 strands of hair per day. Most sources, including the American Academy of Dermatology and major health institutions, agree that losing about 50 to 100 hairs daily is typical due to the natural hair growth cycle
. This shedding occurs as hair follicles go through phases of growth, rest, and shedding, and with around 100,000 hair follicles on the scalp, this daily loss usually does not affect overall hair volume visibly
. Factors such as hair length, styling practices, stress, illness, hormonal changes, and aging can influence the amount of hair shed. For example, longer hair may make shedding more noticeable, and stress or health conditions can temporarily increase hair loss
. Women may experience increased shedding after menopause due to hormonal changes, with normal daily loss still within this range
. You should consider consulting a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Bald spots or patchiness
- Significant thinning or receding hairline
- Clumps of hair falling out beyond the normal daily amount
These signs may indicate excessive shedding or permanent hair loss requiring medical attention
. In summary:
- Normal hair loss: 50–150 hairs per day
- Visible signs to watch for: Bald spots, patchiness, receding hairline
- Common causes of increased shedding: Stress, illness, hormonal changes, hair treatments
- When to see a doctor: If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or excessive beyond normal shedding
This range of hair loss is a natural part of the hair renewal cycle and generally not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms
