The average human loses between 50 and 100 hairs daily, which is a completely normal part of the natural hair growth cycle. Our hair goes through continuous cycles of growth, rest, and shedding, with new hair simultaneously replacing what is lost. Given that the average head contains over 100,000 hairs, this daily loss is negligible and generally not noticeable.
Understanding Normal Hair Shedding
- Daily Hair Loss:
- It is typical to shed 50 to 100 strands of hair each day.
- This shedding occurs as older hairs fall out to make room for new growth.
- Hair Growth Cycle:
- Anagen Phase: Active growth period where new hair is produced.
- Catagen Phase: Transitional phase where hair growth slows and the hair follicle shrinks.
- Telogen Phase: Resting phase, after which the hair sheds, typically replaced by new hair entering the anagen phase.
- Why It’s Normal:
- With over 100,000 hairs on the head, losing 50-100 hairs results in minimal change to hair density.
- New hair growth maintains the overall volume, so daily shedding doesn’t affect appearance.
When Hair Loss Becomes a Concern
Hair loss refers specifically to a situation where hair is shed at a faster rate than normal, and replacement does not keep up with the loss. This can manifest in two primary ways:
- Gradual Hair Loss:
- Occurs slowly over several years.
- Often difficult to notice initially but can lead to thinning over time.
- Sudden Hair Loss:
- Happens abruptly, sometimes overnight.
- Can be more shocking and emotionally distressing due to its rapid onset.
Types of Hair Loss
- Temporary Hair Loss:
- Usually reversible, where hair regrows once the underlying cause is addressed.
- Can be triggered by stress, illness, medications, or nutritional deficiencies.
- Permanent Hair Loss:
- Hair does not regrow, often due to scarring conditions or genetic factors like androgenic alopecia.
- Requires medical intervention or specific treatments to manage.
Recognizing Abnormal Hair Shedding
While daily loss of 50 to 100 hairs is normal, consistently losing more than this amount could signal a problem. Indicators of abnormal hair loss include:
- Increased Shedding:
- Noticing more hair than usual in your brush, shower drain, or on your pillow.
- Thinning or Bald Spots:
- Visible reduction in hair density, particularly in certain areas.
- Changes in Hair Texture:
- Hair may become finer or weaker before shedding.
Impact on Well-Being
Excessive hair loss can have significant emotional and psychological impacts:
- Confidence and Self-Esteem:
- Visible hair thinning or loss can lead to self-consciousness.
- Concerns about appearance may affect social interactions and quality of life.
- Stress and Anxiety:
- The uncertainty and distress associated with unexplained hair loss can lead to stress, which ironically may exacerbate the problem.
Hair Loss Treatment at TMSC
At The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC) in Toronto, we understand the emotional and physical toll that hair loss can take. Our specialized hair loss treatment, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, aims to address the underlying causes of hair shedding and stimulate regrowth.
What is PRP Therapy?
- Procedure Overview:
- A small amount of your blood is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets.
- This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into areas of hair thinning.
- How It Works:
- The growth factors in PRP stimulate hair follicles, promoting regeneration and strengthening existing hairs.
- PRP can improve hair density and slow or reverse the thinning process.
- Treatment Process:
- PRP treatments are typically done in a series for best results.
- Each session is minimally invasive and requires little downtime.
Benefits of PRP Therapy:
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive.
- Uses your own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or complications.
- Can lead to noticeable improvements in hair thickness and overall appearance.
Taking Action
If you suspect that your hair loss exceeds normal shedding, consider seeking professional advice:
- Consultation:
- A consultation with our experts at TMSC can help determine the cause of your hair loss.
- We will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and any other symptoms to tailor a treatment plan for you.
- Treatment Plan:
- Based on your specific situation, we may recommend PRP therapy or other treatments to help combat hair loss and stimulate new growth.
- Our goal is to restore not only your hair but also your confidence and quality of life.
