Experiencing Hair Fallout? This Is Everything You Need to Know

We all know the feeling: Upon stepping out of the shower, you turn around and are faced with a rather scary cobweb of human hair. Your hair, to be precise. It is these moments that make you wonder just how much hair fallout should be considered normal. Some days, the amount of hair in the bottom of the shower is enough to have you Googling scalp issues, while other times, you barely need to clear the plughole at all.

The truth is that everyone's hair naturally falls out to some extent. However, an increase in the amount of hair that ends up in your hairbrush, on your pillow or on the shower floor can prove quite worrying. In fact, hair fallout is considered one of the leading hair concerns among women. So what’s the deal? Why do some people suffer from increased hair fallout and thin hair while others boast thick, healthy hair all year round? And perhaps most importantly, what can be done to help promote hair growth? From common causes to the best products out there, keep scrolling for everything you need to know about increased hair fallout and hair loss.

What Are the Main Causes?

Just like our skin, our hair can be a good representation of our overall health. If you’re feeling rundown, it’s likely not a coincidence that your hair is looking a little drab. Kérastase Scientific Advisor Atoshi George explains, "Factors like stress, lack of sleep, diet, health conditions and medication can all affect the appearance of your hair by sending the hair prematurely out of the growth phase into the resting phase, as well as causing the natural structure of the hair to weaken during its formation period.” And essentially, it all comes down to hormones. "Growth and regeneration in the body are controlled by a complex balance of hormones and some hormones have a more direct effect on the hair. These can be caused by extrinsic factors like stress and diet or intrinsic factors like ageing and genetics,” adds George.

Beyond lifestyle factors, however, comes how we actually look after the hair we already have. It turns out that the stresses that we put our hair under can have a dramatic impact on exactly how long it sticks around for. "Activities like bleaching, colouring and heat styling your hair have a marked effect on its internal and external strength. Ensuring the lengths of your hair are properly cared for means it lasts longer without breaking,” he says. And it’s not just colour and heat damage that has the potential to cause hair fall. George warns, "Simple combing and brushing can also leave hair weak and damaged from force.”

When Should It Be Addressed?

As previously mentioned, it’s totally normal for hair to shed. All hair has a life span, and when it reaches the end of it, it simply falls out, making way for new hair to start growing. However, if you’re experiencing an increase in hair fallout, it’s time to take a step back and consider what the issues might be.

"If hair falls more than the usual daily amount (50-100 hairs), if it becomes focused in a pattern, or you’re experiencing significant breakage of the shaft, then that is something to be addressed,” warns George. If you have concerns about increased hair fallout, book in to see either your hairstylist or GP, depending on the likely causes.

 What Can Be Done to Help?

While having to deal with increased hair fallout and loss can be scary and daunting, there are some things that you can do to help. "The first thing to avoid is stress,” says George. "It can be worrying to see strands of hair on your brush or pillow, but take a moment to understand whether it is caused by breakage or if it is more visible at certain times of the year or month. Keep a close eye and do not be afraid to visit your doctor to see if there is an underlying cause.”

However, there are some at-home products that can help to prevent fallout and promote growth. George says, "Ensure you find products that will help repair the micro scars that the surface of your hair has suffered over its years. Restoring the hair’s strength and the protective outer layer will help stop hair breakage and maintain the density of your hair from root to tip.”

Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for the hair products that actually work to strengthen hair and promote growth.

Up next, the secret celebrity hair tips and tricks that everyone should know.