Many people believe they are suffering from a hair loss condition at the first sign of loose hair. But in truth, it’s normal for your scalp to shed a few hairs on a daily basis. Additionally, you naturally start to lose more hair, depending on the season. But when does hair loss go beyond routine shedding? How much hair loss is normal and how much should be a cause for concern? Let’s talk about the stages of hair growth and loss so you can figure out whether FUE hair surgery is the procedure for you!
How Much Hair Loss is Normal?
Every hair follicle has a cycle. It includes a growth stage (anagen) and a rest phase (telogen) before it falls out. The cycle continues for as long as the hair follicle is active and produces new hairs. While people with shorter hair might not experience significant shedding, those with longer hair will notice hairs in the shower drain and on their hairbrushes.
The average person has between 85,000 and 120,000 hairs. Additionally, research has shown that up to 9% of hair follicles are in the resting phase at any one time no matter the season. This means they are ready to let the strand fall out. Hair can be damaged by excessive hair brushing, chemical dyes, straighteners, and heated curlers. A dermatologist or doctor may be able to help anyone who notices a dramatic increase in hair loss.
Understanding the Hair’s Life Cycle
The anagen phase is where you are at the moment with your hair strands. During the anagen phase, hair grows approximately 1 cm per month. Anagen effluvium is a condition that stops hair from growing. Anagen effluvium, which is the term you’d normally associate with “hair loss,” is what you might think of.
Next comes the catagen phase. The catagen phase is only between 1% – 2% of your hairs at any one time. This phase can last from two to three weeks. The hair strands stop growing during the catagen phase.
The telogen phase is the last stage of hair growth. The telogen phase is also known as “club hairs.” This phase sees hair at rest while it prepares for its detachment from your scalp. This phase accounts for between 8 and 9 percent of your hair.
What Causes Excessive Hair Loss?
If your hair loss goes beyond this normal range, you may be dealing with an underlying condition. There are many different causes of excessive hair loss that may be discussed with your hair loss specialist, especially during short periods of intense stress. Stressful events or major changes in the body can cause a brief bout of excessive hair loss, which can stem from:
- Going through a major life change such as a divorce, job loss or other significant life changes
- Giving birth
- Overcoming a high fever
- changing or stopping Birth control pills
- Losing a lot of weight
- Recovering from an operation
- Recovering from an illness
- Losing a loved one
The excessive shedding should stop as the body adjusts to stressful episodes. The hair should return to its normal thickness and fullness within 6-9months with proper treatment.
Get the Best Treatment for Hair Loss ASAP
At Denver Hair Surgery, we can offer a progressive diagnosis and a successful treatment plan to help you prevent total hair loss on the scalp. No matter if you are losing a little or a lot of hair, you can invest in the best restorative methods today. Learn more about FUE in Denver when you get in touch with our certified team of specialists to address your hair loss concerns. The sooner you work to reverse hair loss, the more success you will have in the long run. Call us ASAP!
