It’s normal to lose some hair each day as part of the hair growth cycle. But losing what seems like an excessive amount of hair when brushing or combing can be alarming. What causes this kind of hair loss, and is it preventable?
What’s normal hair shedding?
It’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. At any given time, about 90% of your hair is actively growing, while the other 10% is in a resting phase, soon to be shed. After shedding, new hair begins to grow from the same follicle, starting the cycle over again.
Hair growth cycles are staggered across the scalp, so at any given time some hairs are growing while others are shedding.
Why do I lose more hair when combing?
You may notice more hair shedding when you comb or brush your hair because these actions help loosen hair that is already ready to fall out. Hair that is at the end of the growth cycle is more likely to come out when brushing or washing.
Running a comb or brush through your hair can dislodge up to 100 hairs at a time. This is normal and not necessarily a cause for concern. You’re simply noticing hair shedding that would have occurred over the next few days come out all at once.
Other causes of increased hair shedding
While some hair loss from brushing is normal, excessive amounts of hair coming out with a comb can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Common causes include:
- Telogen effluvium – Temporary hair shedding caused by stress, illness, trauma, or medications.
- Hypothyroidism – Insufficient thyroid hormone production can cause hair thinning.
- Nutrient deficiencies – Lack of iron, vitamin D, zinc, or protein can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
- Scalp conditions – Infections, dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis on the scalp can cause inflammation and hair shedding.
- Medications – Some drugs used for acne, depression, heart conditions, and cancer can trigger hair loss.
- Aging – Hair density naturally decreases with age as hair follicles shrink.
- Heredity – Genetic factors that lead to male or female pattern baldness.
If you’re concerned about excessive hair loss when brushing or combing, it’s a good idea to see your doctor or dermatologist. They can examine your scalp, perform tests, and determine if an underlying condition is causing the problem.
How much hair loss is excessive?
It’s normal to shed about 50-100 hairs per day. Losing more than that over an extended time can indicate a health issue. Here are some signs of excessive shedding:
- Noticeably thin patches developing on the scalp
- Being able to grab more than 3-4 hairs at a time when gently tugging sections of hair
- An increase in hair accumulation in your hairbrush or shower drain
- Bald spots or wider part line appearing at the top of the scalp
If you notice your ponytail feels thinner or you can see more of your scalp, excessive shedding may be occurring. Consult your doctor if hair loss seems excessive and persists longer than 2-3 months.
How to reduce hair shedding
You can help minimize normal hair shedding by being gentle when washing, drying, and brushing your hair. Here are some tips:
- Use a wide-tooth comb or wet brush when hair is wet and slippery to avoid tugging.
- Brush hair starting at the ends and work upward to gently detangle.
- Avoid rubbing hair vigorously with a towel to dry. Instead, gently squeeze or blot hair.
- Allow hair to air dry when possible rather than over-drying with heat tools.
- Use heat protectant sprays and limit use of hot styling tools like curling irons or blow dryers.
- Wear hair loose rather than tightly pulled back to limit tension on the scalp.
- Get regular trims to remove split ends and keep hair healthy.
Being careful not to pull or tug when brushing dry, tangled hair can help minimize breakage. Make sure to use a comb with smoothly tapered tips.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor or dermatologist if you’re losing what seems like an excessive amount of hair over an extended time. They can examine your scalp and the pattern of hair loss. Tests may be recommended to check for underlying conditions like thyroid disorder, nutrient deficiencies, or autoimmune diseases.
Based on the cause, medications or supplements may be prescribed. Minoxidil foam or hair growth laser devices may help regrow hair. If hair loss is due to genetic male or female pattern baldness, hair transplants or prescription medications like finasteride may be treatment options.
Conclusion
Losing more hair than usual when brushing or combing can be alarming. But some increase in shedding is normal due to the synchronized hair growth cycles across the scalp. Gentle brushing techniques can help minimize breakage of actively growing hair.
Excessive hair shedding that persists over time may indicate an underlying health issue or scalp condition. See a dermatologist if you notice bald patches, thinning hair, or increased hair accumulation in your brush. Determining the cause can help guide treatment to reduce shedding and stimulate new hair growth.