Is Loosing Hair Normal?

Before having a look at the term “normal hair loss” we should have a look at “hair” in general. An average head consists of 100,000 to 150,000 hair, which grows ½ an inch every month. Hair is growing due to rapid cell division at the base of the follicle and gets pigmented when it is pushed upwards out of the follicle.

Normal hair loss or alopecia, is a part of the natural hair life cycle. Normal hair loss is caused by genetic factors, androgens and age. Other factors include general bad health, side effects of medications, and skin diseases.

Hair loss may result from heredity. Millions of men, women and children are confronted with hair loss due to heredity. It is important to know that every day an individual sheds 100 to 300 hairs daily as a natural process. Each and every hair undergoes the hair growth cycle before normal hair loss occurs. The normal growth cycle consists of three stages:,
· Anagen stage
· Catagen stage
· Telogen stage

Anagen stage
hair will stay in this phase for two to four years. Each hair will grow 15 cm per year.

Catagen phase
In this transition phase, the hair spends two to four weeks.

Telogen phase
The telogen phase is also called the resting phase. This phase lasts about three months allowing the hair to detach itself prior to falling out.

In case of normal hair loss, there is no need to panic. But if there is an excessive hair loss, it should immediately be discussed with your physician. Treatments that are available depend on the type of hair loss. Sometimes correcting hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss. Rogaine (Minoxidil) will help to correct common baldness.

An individual will lose 100 hair per day and hair rubbing, too much brushing or excessive washing may result in an increase of hair loss. Losing 100 hair per day is conisdered absolutely normal! Normal hair loss may increase as age advances. Male pattern baldness is a normal hair loss, which is genetically predetermined.

In case if you are an individual of above 30 years and you begin to lose scalp hair, then the chances are 95% that it is normal hair loss.