How Much Hair Loss Is Normal Per Day?

Finding hair on your pillow, in your brush or in the shower can feel worrying – but shedding is a natural part of the hair cycle. The key is knowing what counts as normal hair loss and when shedding becomes a sign of something more.

1. How Many Hairs Do You Lose Per Day?

Most people lose 50–100 hairs per day. This range varies depending on:

• Your hair density
  
  

• Washing frequency
  
  

• Styling habits
  
  

• Hormones
  
  

• Stress levels

If you have thick, long or curly hair, shedding may look like more – but still fall within a healthy range.

2. Why Daily Shedding Happens

Hair naturally moves through four stages:

• Anagen: Growth phase
  
  

• Catagen: Short transition phase
  
  

• Telogen: Resting phase
  
  

• Exogen: Shedding phase

Around 10–15% of your hairs are in the telogen phase at any time. When a hair leaves the follicle, a new one begins to grow – which is why shedding is normal and healthy.

3. How Much Hair Loss Is Normal When Washing?

You may notice more shedding on wash days, especially if you wash less frequently. This is normal because hairs that naturally shed become trapped until you loosen them during shampooing.

It’s the average amount of hair fall over time that matters, not a single shower.

4. Signs Your Hair Loss Is Not Normal

Shedding may be excessive if you notice:

• Hair falling out in clumps
  
  

• Bald patches or widening part lines
  
  

• Significant thinning over several months
  
  

• More hair on your pillow, floor, plughole or clothes
  
  

• Scalp sensitivity, redness or itching
  
  

• Increased hairline recession or a thinning crown

5. What Causes Excessive Hair Shedding?

If shedding increases beyond the normal range, common triggers include:

1. Stress (Telogen Effluvium)

Stress can push hairs into the resting phase, causing a noticeable increase 2–3 months later.

2. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, postpartum changes, menopause, thyroid issues and PCOS can all increase shedding.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

Low iron, vitamin D, zinc or protein can affect hair growth.

4. Illness, Fever or Infection

Physical stress from illness can cause temporary shedding.

5. Medication Side Effects

Antidepressants, acne treatments, blood pressure medication and others can contribute.

6. Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Shedding with visible thinning or reduced density may indicate pattern hair loss.

6. When to Seek Professional Help

You should seek expert advice if:

• Shedding lasts longer than 3 months
  
  

• Your scalp shows visible thinning or patchy loss
  
  

• Hair comes out in handfuls
  
  

• You have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes or irregular periods
  
  

• You notice progressive thinning at the parting or temples

  
  

• You see inflammation on the scalp 

Early assessment helps identify the cause and prevent further loss.

7. How to Reduce Excessive Hair Shedding

While solutions depend on the cause, general steps include:

1. Eat protein-rich meals and top up essential nutrients
   
   

2. Manage stress through exercise, sleep and mindful practices
   
   

3. Avoid tight hairstyles that place tension on the scalp
   
   

4. Be gentle when brushing or washing
   
   

5. Reduce heat and chemical treatments
   
   

6. Consider evidence-based treatments such as minoxidil (if suitable)

Final Thoughts

• Losing 50–100 hairs per day is normal
  
  

• More shedding on wash days is expected
  
  

• Clumps, bald patches or prolonged shedding can be signs of an issue
  
  

• Early assessment helps prevent long-term thinning
  
  

• Stress, hormones and nutrient deficiencies are common causes of increased shedding

  
  

• Treat appropriately depending on the cause

References

1. Alessandrini A, Bruni F, Piraccini BM, Starace M. Common causes of hair loss - clinical manifestations, trichoscopy and therapy. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Mar;35(3):629-640. 

2. Walter K. Common Causes of Hair Loss. JAMA. 2022 Aug 16;328(7):686.

3. Owecka B, Tomaszewska A, Dobrzeniecki K, Owecki M. The Hormonal Background of Hair Loss in Non-Scarring Alopecias. Biomedicines. 2024 Feb 24;12(3):513.

4. Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, Allison R. Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Sep 15;96(6):371-378.