Seasonal hair shedding is affecting many of us this winter – here’s why it’s happening.
But, before you start to panic, there’s probably nothing to worry about. “It is ‘normal’ to lose up to 100 hairs per day, provided they are growing back,” explains Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley. This may sound a lot, but bear in mind the average head hosts 100,000 hairs.“There are three stages of the hair growth cycle: anagen , catagen , and telogen ” says Kingsley.
Certain life changes can have an impact on how your hair grows, though. For example, during pregnancy, the hair stays in the anagen state for much longer, meaning hair feels longer, thicker and more full. However, postpartum, the rate at which we lose hair increases significantly from an average of 50-100 hairs lost a day to 400.
“You will usually know if you are shedding an abnormal amount of hair – you’ll notice more hairs coming out when you shampoo, brush and style, and perhaps on your floor, clothes and pillow. It is not unusual to lose as many as 300 hairs, that is three times the normal amount.” So, while everyone’s experience with hair loss is different, if you’re simply noticing a little more fallout than usual right now, it’s probably natural.Although you can’t stop shedding in its tracks, there are things you can do to keep it to a minimum. Read on for six ways to help your hair.