FROM THE LAB
We know it’s natural to panic when you wash or brush your hair and see lots of lost hair strands. However, rest assured that on average you lose up to 100 hairs per day. So, no matter your age or hair type, experiencing some hair loss every day is completely normal.
We sat down with our Schwarzkopf hair experts to find out the causes of normal hair loss, how to tell if the amount of hair you are losing is excessive, along with ways to prevent hair loss.
Some hair shedding is unavoidable, and some of the reasons that influence how much hair you normally shed are natural factors that you can’t control. For example, the season, your hair type and thickness, or hormonal changes.
However, there are also ways you might be encouraging strands to break and fall without realising, for example due to the way you brush or style your hair.
It’s important to be aware of the reasons behind normal hair loss to understand how much hair shedding is normal for you, and how to notice if something might not be quite right.
Lost hair strands are often most noticeable in the shower and although it may look like you’re losing an excessive amount of hair, this is usually not the case.
When washing your hair, any strands that might have already fallen out over the course of a few days may still be in your hair and are encouraged to fall at once. So, the longer you go without washing your hair, the more hair you may feel you are ‘losing’.
Even the colour of your shower can increase the perception of lost hair. Especially if you have dark hair, the contrast against white or light-coloured tiles may also make it seem like you’ve lost more strands than you truly have.
It’s a common myth that conditioner increases hair loss. When using a conditioner to detangle your lengths, any strands which have already fallen are washed out and may come off in your hands or onto the shower floor, making it seem like a result of the conditioner. However, this isn’t the case. In reality, conditioners are designed to prevent hair breakage and therefore reduce hair fall.
You’re probably aware that using excessive heat on your hair can damage your strands. Heat styling tools such as blow-dryers, straighteners and curling irons can strip moisture, leading to breakage and increased hair shedding.
Spending time underneath the sun’s UV rays can also cause damage and dryness which encourages strands to fall.
If you’ve recently had a baby, you might be noticing more loose hair than usual. During your pregnancy, the level of oestrogen hormone within your body increases. This increase in oestrogen prevents hair from shedding, so your hair might feel thicker and fuller during pregnancy.
However, after childbirth your hormone levels begin to drop and return to normal, causing more noticeable hair loss. Postpartum hair loss is only temporary though, and by your baby’s first birthday you should have gained back the same amount of hair as you had pre-pregnancy.
Whilst you now know that losing some hair is normal and the factors that can affect how much you shed, we’ve put together some quick tips for how you can reduce the number of strands that you’re shedding.
We know the slick-back bun is in right now, but wearing your hair in a tight hairstyle too frequently can cause breakage and lead to hair loss. Opt to wear your hair down or in looser styles to protect your locks.
Top Tip: Always brush your hair softly to avoid pulling at strands. When brushing wet hair (which is more prone to breakage) use a wide-tooth comb or wet brush to detangle wet hair gently. Rather than brushing from the root down, work your way up from the ends to the roots, as this tends to be a more forgiving approach.
The best way to protect your hair from heat damage is to ditch heat styling altogether! It’s the perfect opportunity to try out heatless hairstyles or embrace your natural hair. If you are heat styling, ensure you use a high-performing heat protectant and opt for the lowest temperature setting possible to prevent hair breakage.
Avoid exposing your hair to UV damage by wearing a hat or using a product containing SPF protection whenever you’re planning to spend time in the sun.
The condition of your scalp can influence how your hair looks and feels, which in turn can prevent unnecessary hair loss. It’s important to take good care of your scalp and use the right products to balance your scalp’s microbiome. If you’re prone to a dry scalp, look for hydrating products such as a conditioning hair mask. If your scalp tends to be oily, try a lightweight, gentle shampoo. Having a healthy, balanced scalp will result in shiny, full hair which is less prone to breakage and shedding.
Improve the condition of your hair by sticking to a consistent, healthy haircare routine. Even simple changes such as introducing a nourishing hair oil and watching your water temperature when washing can have an impact on reducing lost strands.
We don’t expect you to count the exact number of strands you are losing per day, however if you notice a dramatic change in the amount of hair fall or any bald spots on your scalp, then it’s always worth consulting your hairdresser or a medical professional for advice.