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How Many Hairs are Lost from the Average Human Body Every Day?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Although hair loss is often associated with aging, it is important to realize that many hairs are lost from the body each day. From infancy to adulthood, hair is continually growing. There are three phases hair must go through: anagen (the growth phase), catagen (the shedding phase), and telogen (the resting phase). In most cases, this cycle takes about six years to complete.

There are 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on your scalp, but they are not all going through the same stage of hair growth at one particular time. This means that a certain amount of daily hair loss is completely normal and not a cause for concern. In most cases, hairs are lost regularly and will grow back as the cycle repeats itself.

Daily hair loss of between 50 and 100 hairs is considered normal.
Daily hair loss of between 50 and 100 hairs is considered normal.

Determining how many hairs are lost from the average human body in a typical day can be difficult, however. Some experts believe daily hair loss of between 50 and 100 hairs can be considered normal, while others say up to 200 hairs may be lost on average per day. Anything above the 200 hairs per day mark, however, should be considered excessive.

There are many myths surrounding what is normal in regards to hair loss. Within the standard measurement, the rate of hair loss can vary based on your age as well as genetic influences. If you’re over the age of 30 and you have parents who are struggling with hair loss, you may find yourself losing more hair than the average person. One factor that does not make a difference, however, is whether or not you cut your hair on a regular basis. Cutting your hair will not make it thicker or more resilient. On a similar note, remember that wearing a hat does not cause hair loss unless the hat is tight enough to block circulation. In fact, hats are often recommended when you are outdoors because of their ability to protect the skin from damage caused by too much sun exposure.

There are 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on a person's scalp.
There are 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on a person's scalp.

Even though there are a number of over-the-counter products available that claim to be able to prevent, stop, or slow hair loss, their effectiveness is questionable. If you are concerned about losing your hair, the best course of action is to discuss the issue with your healthcare professional before deciding on a treatment plan.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the TheHealthBoard team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

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Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the TheHealthBoard team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

rachelsjulia

100 to 150 hairs each day is considered normal.

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    • Daily hair loss of between 50 and 100 hairs is considered normal.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Daily hair loss of between 50 and 100 hairs is considered normal.
    • There are 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on a person's scalp.
      By: jedi-master
      There are 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on a person's scalp.
    • Hair loss rate depends in part on genetics and age.
      By: draganica
      Hair loss rate depends in part on genetics and age.
    • A certain amount of daily hair loss is normal and not a cause for concern.
      By: diego cervo
      A certain amount of daily hair loss is normal and not a cause for concern.