Shiny, full, and strong – that is how many wish their hair to be. But what we see above the scalp tells only part of the story. Hair grows in its own rhythm, reacts to internal and external influences, and can be visibly damaged by heat, dyeing, or mechanical stress.
And then there is the hair in the brush and shower: How much hair loss is actually normal? What is the difference between hair breakage and hair loss – and what is really true about well-known hair myths?
Every hair originates in a hair follicle in the skin and goes through its own cycle. This is why not all hairs grow at the same time – while one hair is in its growth phase, another may already be entering the resting phase.
Because our hairs are in different phases at the same time, daily hair loss is part of the process. About 50 to 100 hairs per day are often cited as a rough guide. However, the amount actually perceived can fluctuate – for example, after a few days without washing, more may come out at once during washing.
Not every hair that suddenly appears shorter or thinner has fallen out at the root. With hair breakage, the visible hair shaft breaks. This can lead to hair appearing to have uneven lengths, feeling dry or brittle, and showing increased split ends.
With hair loss, on the other hand, the entire hair is lost. If fewer hairs are regenerated in total or significantly more fall out, the hair can become visibly thinner or bald spots can occur.
A hair treatment can nourish the surface of damaged hair and make the hair appear smoother. However, this does not automatically resolve the cause of actual hair loss. In the case of noticeable hair loss, it is therefore crucial to know the cause first.
The visible part of the hair consists mainly of keratin. Its outer cuticle layer protects the structures underneath. If this surface is repeatedly damaged, the hair can become increasingly rough, dull, and prone to breakage.
High temperatures from blow-drying, straightening, or curling can strain the hair, as can bleaching, dyeing, perms, and other chemical treatments. Frequent, vigorous brushing, pulling, and rubbing can also promote hair breakage. Depending on the hair type, wet hair should be treated with particular care.
It is not just the hair shaft that can be subjected to mechanical stress. Very tight ponytails, buns, braids, or other hairstyles that constantly pull on the hair can also strain the hair follicles. If this tension persists over a long period, it can lead to what is known as traction alopecia.
Good hair care does not need to consist of as many products as possible. What is much more important is to treat the hair according to its structure and the condition of the scalp.
Shampoo is primarily needed to clean the scalp and the hair roots. When rinsing, it gets through the lengths anyway. Conditioner or suitable care can make longer or dry hair smoother and make detangling easier.
Those who regularly blow-dry, straighten, or use a curling iron can reduce the strain by choosing the lowest possible temperature and not using heat for longer than necessary. The same applies to brushing: it is better to detangle carefully than to pull vigorously.
Hair growth takes place in the body – accordingly, an adequate supply of energy and nutrients is part of the overall picture. A varied and balanced diet is the basis for this.
There are recognized health-related claims for some nutrients: Biotin, zinc, and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. However, this statement does not mean that additional intake automatically leads to faster or denser hair growth.
Nutrient deficiency can also play a role in hair loss. Therefore, especially in the case of noticeable hair loss, it makes more sense to have possible causes clarified medically rather than taking various high-dose supplements on suspicion.
There are an astonishing number of rules surrounding hair growth and hair care that are passed down from generation to generation. Not all of them stand up to a fact check.
Hair grows from the hair root in the scalp – not from the tips. Trimming therefore does not change the growth speed at the root. However, freshly cut tips can make the hair appear fuller and better groomed, and they remove ends that are already split or severely damaged.
A lot of brushing does not make hair stronger. On the contrary: unnecessarily frequent brushing and strong pulling can mechanically strain the hair shaft and promote hair breakage. It is better to detangle the hair as often as necessary and as gently as possible.
Not necessarily. Hair is constantly being shed. For example, those who do not wash or brush their hair daily often see several hairs that have already loosened at once during the next wash. Noticeable thinning, bald spots, or significantly heavier hair loss over a longer period should, however, be investigated.
Hair loss has many potential causes. A shampoo can clean hair and scalp and, depending on the product, provide care, but it does not automatically eliminate the cause of hair loss. In the case of noticeable hair loss, a proper diagnosis is therefore more important than a product promise.
Hair loss is not a single disease, but can have very different causes. A common form is hereditary hair loss. In addition, for example, certain diseases, hormonal changes, medications, or an insufficient supply of certain nutrients can play a role.
After childbirth, an illness with high fever, an operation, or pronounced physical or mental stress, there can also be a delayed onset of increased hair loss. In this process, more hairs than usual can move into the resting and subsequent shedding phase at the same time.
Changes in thyroid function or iron deficiency are also among the possible medical connections. However, which cause is present in an individual case cannot be determined by the shed hair alone.
A few extra hairs in the brush are no reason for concern. However, if hair density changes visibly, hair loss appears unusually severe, or bald spots appear, medical or dermatological consultation is advisable.
Suddenly occurring or persistently noticeable hair loss, noticeably thinning hair, circular or other bald spots, and changes to the scalp should be evaluated medically. Additional symptoms can also provide important clues to the cause.
Hair naturally goes through a growth cycle – which is why shed hair is part of everyday life. At the same time, it is worth distinguishing between hair breakage, normal hair shedding, and actual hair loss.
Gentle care can help avoid unnecessary damage to the hair. If, however, the hair becomes noticeably thinner or falls out increasingly, finding the cause is more important than the next supposed miracle cure.
About 50 to 100 hairs daily are often cited as a rough guide. What is decisive is less the counting of individual hairs than a noticeable change compared to one's normal personal state, such as visibly thinning hair or bald spots.
With hair breakage, the hair shaft breaks, which can lead to hairs of different lengths. The hair can simultaneously appear dry, rough, or split. With hair loss, however, the entire hair comes out.
No. Hair grows from the hair follicles in the scalp. Trimming the ends does not influence the growth speed at the hair root. However, it can remove damaged ends and make the hair appear better groomed.
Pronounced physical or mental stress can be associated with increased hair loss that occurs with a delay. Since hair loss has many potential causes, noticeable or persistent hair loss should, however, be clarified medically.
Biotin, zinc, and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. However, it cannot be inferred from this that additional intake will make the hair grow faster or treat hair loss if one already has an adequate supply.
A consultation is particularly useful in the case of suddenly occurring or persistently noticeable hair loss, visibly thinning hair, bald spots, or accompanying changes to the scalp.
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace a medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Information regarding nutrients refers to their normal physiological functions and not to the prevention, treatment, or cure of hair loss or other illnesses. For noticeable or persistent hair loss, please consult a medical professional.
Share
Share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, make announcements, or welcome customers to your store.
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
