It's not uncommon to find strands of hair on your brush, in the shower drain, or on your pillowcase. While shedding hair is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, excessive or prolonged hair loss can be a cause for concern. Understanding the difference between normal hair fall and problematic hair loss is crucial in addressing the issue effectively and preventing potential baldness or thinning.
Table of content
How to Know the Difference Between Hair Fall and Hair Loss
Hair fall and hair loss may seem similar, but they are distinct phenomena with different underlying causes and implications. The key to distinguishing between the two lies in understanding the normal hair growth cycle and recognizing the signs of abnormal shedding.
Normal Hair Fall
It's normal to shed between 50 to 100 strands of hair per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. During this cycle, hair follicles go through three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase). At the end of the telogen phase, old hair strands naturally detach from the follicles, and new hair growth begins.
Normal hair fall is typically diffuse, meaning it occurs evenly across the scalp, and the shed hairs have a small bulb at the end, indicating they were in the telogen phase. This type of shedding is considered healthy and helps make way for new hair growth.
Hair Loss
Hair loss, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive or abnormal shedding that goes beyond the normal hair growth cycle. This can manifest in various ways, such as thinning hair, bald patches, or a receding hairline. Unlike normal hair fall, hair loss is often more concentrated in specific areas and may involve shedding of hairs that are still in the anagen (growth) phase.
Some common signs of hair loss include:
- Excessive shedding (more than 100 strands per day)
- Thinning or bald patches on the scalp
- Receding hairline (especially in men)
- Gradual overall thinning or diffuse hair loss
- Dry, brittle, or dull-looking hair
Factors Contributing to Hair Loss
Several factors can contribute to excessive hair loss, including:
- Genetics: Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a common inherited condition that affects millions of men worldwide.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can trigger hair loss.
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to excessive shedding.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins can impair hair growth and lead to thinning.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer treatments, and skin disorders, can cause hair loss.
As your leading source for hair health information over the past 4 years, we never compromise on accuracy. When it comes to your health, you deserve information you can truly rely on - and earning your trust is our top priority.
Here's how Scandinavian Biolabs ensures every piece of content meets the highest standards of accuracy and integrity:
- Credentialed Experts: Our reviewers are actively practicing doctors and medical researchers
- Stringent Reviews: Content undergoes rigorous editing by subject specialists and review by a practicing doctor.
- Evidence-Based: We rely on well-established research from trusted scientific sources like peer-reviewed journals and health authorities.
- Full Transparency: Our editorial standards, writer credentials, reviewer credentials, correction process, and funding are all publicly documented.
- Independent Voice: While we do promote products, we operate in a vacuum to business operations. Our main goal is just an unwavering commitment to providing medically-sound guidance.
You can count on Scandinavian Biolabs to consistently deliver the trustworthy health information you deserve. Read our Editorial Standards.
Addressing Hair Loss
If you suspect you are experiencing excessive hair loss, it's important to consult a dermatologist or hair loss specialist. They can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes to address the issue.
Treatments for hair loss may include medications like minoxidil or finasteride, supplements to address nutritional deficiencies, or procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or hair transplantation, depending on the severity and cause of the hair loss.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between normal hair fall and hair loss is crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp and preventing further hair thinning or baldness. While shedding up to 100 strands per day is considered normal, excessive or concentrated shedding, thinning, or bald patches may indicate hair loss. Factors like genetics, hormones, stress, and medical conditions can contribute to hair loss, and seeking professional help is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.
By understanding the difference between hair fall and hair loss and taking proactive steps to address the issue, you can promote healthy hair growth and maintain a full, vibrant head of hair.
Why Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum?
- Help Stop Hair Loss & Regrow Hair: Bio-Pilixin® is a clinically tested serum that helps reduce hair loss and promote new growth in as little as 45 days.
- Plant-Powered & Drug-Free: This safe formula uses plant growth factors derived from stem cell technology to nourish hair follicles, avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Visible Results: Users report a reduction in hair loss and increased hair density in clinical tests.
- Easy to Use: Simply apply daily for noticeable results.
Experience the difference Bio-Pilixin® can make and feel confident about your hair again.
Read more:
