How Much Hair Loss Is Normal? Experts Reveal How To Stop Excessive Hair Shedding

Ever clean clumps of hair out of your shower drain and find yourself wondering how much hair loss is normal? Though it can be alarming to see an uptick in shedding, there’s usually no need to panic. After all, some amount of hair loss is a part of the natural growth cycle. But how much is too much? We connected with experts to find out what you can expect, plus how to halt excessive hair loss.

How much hair loss is normal?

“For women aged 40 and above, it’s generally considered normal to lose between 50 to 150 hairs per day,” says Ross Kopelman, MD, a Cornell-trained hair transplant surgeon in New York City. “This range can vary due to several factors, including hair density, washing frequency and individual hair growth cycles.” 

The best way to tell if you’re losing more hair than the average is with a “pull test,” says Dr. Kopelman. To do this, run your hand through a clean, dry section of your hair (about 40-60 strands), tugging gently at the ends. Dr. Kopelman says it may indicate underlying medical conditions or a hormone issue if more than four hairs fall out after a pass.

The link between normal hair loss and menopause

Speaking of hormones, excessive hair shedding may occur during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Kopelman says this can be attributed to decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone and increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) “which shrinks hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning. Hormonal imbalances also disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing more hair to enter the shedding phase.”

Understanding seasonal hair loss

Have you noticed your hair loss is more prominent in the summer and early fall? “This is believed to be an evolutionary trait, where hair sheds after the peak of sun exposure in the summer,” Dr. Kopelman explains. “The exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, but it’s thought prolonged sun exposure may trigger hair follicles to enter the telogen [or resting] phase.” The shifting seasons is a common cause of hair loss.  

Gretchen Friese, a BosleyMD trichologist (hair and scalp expert) and hairstylist compares this seasonal hair loss to how animals prepare for winter. “We’re mammals, and just like other animals, we shed in order to make room for a different coat of hair.”

What to do if you’re hair loss isn’t normal

If it seems like you’re losing a lot of hair compared to your normal amount of shedding, you’re not resigned to sparse spots. Here’s what can help:

1. See a dermatologist — stat!

Ask your doctor for a dermatologist referral, the sooner the better. “It’s much easier to preserve the hair you currently have and prevent future loss than it is to regrow lost hair,” explains S. Max Vale, MD, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist with the UW Medicine Healthcare System in Seattle. “I always encourage early evaluation with a dermatologist, rather than waiting until it’s possibly too late.”

“The most important thing for hair loss is getting a clear diagnosis of what type of hair loss you have,” says Dr. Vale. Best case, your dermatologist can confirm there’s nothing to worry about. And if an underlying medical issue is responsible for your shedding, they can develop personalized treatment options.

2. Relax with a scalp massage

“Scalp massage promotes hair growth by increasing blood circulation to your hair follicles,” Dr. Kopelman says. Similarly, “regular gentle massages with natural oils, like coconut or castor oil, can nourish your scalp and strengthen your hair.” 

“Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, explains Dr. Kopelman. “It can help improve blood circulation to the scalp, which may promote healthier hair growth.” Coconut oil, on the other hand, “is known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight and straight-chain structure. It can reduce protein loss in damaged and undamaged hair, making [your hair] stronger and more resilient.”

Use about 1 tsp. of oil for optimal results. “Warm the oil slightly, then gently massage it into the scalp using circular motions. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, before washing it out with a mild shampoo,” Dr. Kopelman says. “This can help improve scalp health and nourish the hair.” See our step-by-step scalp massage instructions. 

3. Treat your hair like royalty

Human hair is surprisingly strong. A single strand can hold up to 100 grams — the equivalent of about 20 nickels! Still, you should handle it with care to prevent hair loss. 

“You want to be very gentle with your hair,” says Lauren Streicher, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University and Midi Health’s Medical Director of Community Education and Outreach. “It doesn’t matter how often you’re washing your hair, but drying it with high heat makes your hair brittle and causes increased breakage.”

Additionally, be careful if you have long hair and wear it up. Dr. Streicher says tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids and updos can pull on your hair follicles, making strands more likely to break. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends loosening up hair types and alternating between hairstyles to prevent these problems.

 Keep reading for more hair health tips:

Is Zinc Deficiency Causing My Hair Loss? Doctors Weigh in and Share How to Reverse It

How Your Thyroid Can Impact Hair Loss, Plus 6 Easy Doctor-Backed Ways to Cure It

Treating Scalp Inflammation Can Reverse Hair Loss — Experts Share the Easy + Soothing Remedies

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.