Hair Loss: Normal Hair Loss and Hair Growth Cycle

Well, the question could be reframed as 'when does the falling of hair be of concern?' This is because, medically, some amount of hair falling has been considered 'normal'. Hair being an appendage of the body like nails, they grow and fall constantly, in varying degree.

How Much of Hair Falling Per Day is Normal?

Medically speaking, for an adult, about 40 to 80 hair falling a day is considered within a normal range. It simply means that one may not consider getting treated for it if this is the case. However, it is also important that if one observes a sudden increase of hair falling even within the normal range, it calls for medical attention and evaluation. Again, if one has hair falling within normal range but if they fall from the roots amounting to a definite reduction in the quantum of the total hair on the scalp, it calls for appropriate treatment. In any case, consistent hair falling over 80 a day and/or reduced hair quantum needs to be evaluated for treatment. Localized hair falling, leading to even a tiny hairless spot (alopecia), should always be studied and treated. This condition is discussed separately on this website; please click alopecia areata.

Normal growth cycle of hair:

Anagen/ The growing phase:

In this phase, the hair grows rapidly from the follicle. This phase usually lasts for about 1000 days; however, it may range from 2 to 6 years. Longer the anagen phase, the longer the hair will grow.

Catagen/ Hair growth stoppage:

This is a regressive phase lasting for about 2 weeks. In this phase, the hair stops growing, the follicle shrinks, and part of it may die.

Telogen/ Resting phase:

This is the final resting end phase of the hair growth cycle; no further change occurs now. This phase may last for about 2 to 4 months.

Later on, the hair follicle becomes active again, developing new hair and forcing old Telogen hair out. At any given time, 90% of hair is in the Anagen phase and 10% in the Telogen phase. A reversal of the ratio results in thinning of hair.

Note: We, at Life Force, treat cases of hair loss and Alopecia Areata. We do not treat cases of Baldness or Male-Female Pattern Baldness. It may be noted that many patients get confused and misguided as they may not know the difference between hair loss / Alopecia Areata and Male Pattern Baldness.

Written & Approved by-

Dr. Rajesh Shah

M.D. (Hom.)