What is the normal hair loss during brushing and washing?

WE’VE all been there – collecting a ball of hair from the plughole or hairbrush wondering “is this normal?”

First, hair loss is a concern. This affects approximately half of older women and men.

Hair clumps can often come from hair washing

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Hair washing can often lead to hair clumpsCredit to Alamy

Hair loss can occur in many ways, including sudden or gradual.

It can be very difficult to handle emotionally.

Experts agree that it is normal to have clumps when styling or washing your hair.

How thick and how dirty the hair is will determine how much falls out.

Dr Fiona Worsnop, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Dermatology Clinics, Oxfordshire, said: “One of the commonest myths I encounter around hair loss is the perception that washing the hair less often, or brushing the hair less often, will cause less hair loss.

“The truth is that the hairs which fall out during gentle washing or brushing were lost anyway.

“It is completely normal to lose up to around 100 hairs a day; hairs in the resting phase fall out when a new hair growing beneath pushes the hair from the follicle.

“Whilst this shedding process happens throughout the day, if hairs have not fallen, then the number of hairs lost when showering can appear dramatic.

“This effect can become magnified if the hair is left unwashed for longer, which often causes a vicious cycle.”

When is it best to visit a doctor

Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant, stated that there are other indicators than your usual few.

This can be a result of hair falling out of certain areas, itching or reddening on the scalp, as well as hair loss from other parts of your body such the eyebrows.

You might also notice “dramatically”More hair gathers in the shower, on your brush or on your pillow.

Dr Friedmann said: “The general trigger for someone to see a dermatologist will be when their condition is starting to interfere with their quality of life.

“The psychological and social impact of hair loss in adulthood can be profound.

“The degree of psychological stress caused by alopecia is usually related to the extent of alopecia and the ease (or lack thereof) with which the condition can be covered or hidden.

“The most important part of treatment is to make the correct diagnosis and there is nobody more qualified than a consultant dermatologist.

“So, forget the wonder creams and supposed miracle shampoos, visit a dermatologist to discover the actual cause of your hair loss and whether it’s treatable.”

Hair loss causes

There are many causes of hair loss.

Anagen effluvium hair loss

This type of hair loss can be caused by medication that poisons a growing hair’s follicle.

It contains hair-toxic substances, such as chemotherapy.

In its growth phase, hair can be damaged. This causes rapid hair loss. Sometimes, it can be permanent.

Telogen effluvium hair loss

This type hair loss is often caused by emotional or physical trauma to the body.

It includes any type of surgery, illness (including Covid), mental health, thyroid problems, or hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or other medical conditions.

Telogen effluvium hair may also result from extreme stress and drastic weight loss.

People often do not connect the dots between their thinning hair and what’s going on in their life.

This can also be caused by medications, such as high blood pressure or gout medication.

Pattern hair loss and alopecia

There are many types of alopecia. This condition is quite common.

Androgenetic hair loss is also known as “Male pattern hair loss” or “Female pattern hair loss”.

This is the most common form of hair loss. It affects approximately 50% of men over 50 and half of women over 65. Young people can also be affected.

It is caused by hormonal and genetic factors. This condition tends to be passed down through the families.

Permanent damage to the hair follicles means that hair won’t grow back.

Made In Chelsea’s Olivia Bentley discusses alopecia

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