Why Does Hair Fall Out?

When It’s Normal — and When You Should Be Concerned

Let’s be honest — finding hair on your pillow, in the shower, or on your hairbrush can be a little... unsettling. The first thought that pops into most people’s heads?
“Am I going bald?”

But here’s the thing: some hair loss is completely normal. In fact, you might be surprised how much hair you’re supposed to lose every day.

So, how do you tell the difference between normal shedding and something more serious?

Hair Has a Natural Life Cycle

Yes — your hair is constantly growing, resting, and falling out. This isn’t a sign of a problem; it’s just biology doing its thing.

There are three main phases in the hair growth cycle:

Anagen (Growth Phase) – Lasts 2–7 years. This is when your hair is actively growing.
Catagen (Transition Phase) – A short 2–3 week phase where hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply.
Telogen (Resting/Shedding Phase) – Lasts around 3 months. Old hairs fall out, and new hairs start to grow.

On average, people shed 50 to 100 hairs per day. So if you notice a few strands in your comb or on your shirt, don’t panic — that’s totally normal.

So, When Should You Worry?

While some shedding is expected, there are signs that may point to a deeper issue:

Hair comes out in clumps
Your part is visibly wider than before
You notice bald patches or thinning areas
Your eyebrows or eyelashes are thinning too
Your scalp is itchy, inflamed, or flaky

These could be signs of conditions like:

Telogen Effluvium – sudden hair shedding due to stress, illness, or hormonal shifts (e.g. after pregnancy or COVID).
Alopecia Areata – an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia – genetic hair thinning (common in both men and women).
Nutrient Deficiency – low iron, vitamin D, zinc, or protein levels.
Thyroid issues – especially underactive or overactive thyroid.

What Can You Do?

If your hair loss seems out of the ordinary:

Talk to a doctor or dermatologist — especially if it’s sudden or getting worse.
Check your diet — are you getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals?
Manage stress — your body (and hair) reacts to mental burnout more than you think.
Be gentle with your hair — avoid harsh hairstyles, tight ponytails, or over-styling.

And no — shampooing often doesn’t cause hair loss. That myth can go.

Final Thought

Hair loss can be emotional — it’s part of how we see ourselves. But knowing what’s normal, and when to seek help, gives you back some control.

So next time you spot a few strands on your sweater, remember:
Sometimes it’s just hair being hair.