Dealing with hair loss isn’t easy. It can be stressful, confusing and difficult to get to grips with, all while dealing a blow to your self-confidence. However, there are many types of hair loss, some of which are a natural part of the hair’s growth cycle. In this article, we’ll discuss whether it’s normal for hair to fall out and how to spot signs of male pattern hair loss. Let’s take a look.
Daily hair loss
In short, it’s entirely normal for hair to fall out. In fact, men lose dozens of hair strands every single day. The NHS states that men shed between 50 and 100 hair strands on average daily, adding up to between 18,250 and 36,500 every year. This is an entirely natural part of your hair’s life cycle and shouldn’t be any cause for concern. However, if you’re experiencing a noticeable increase in the amount of hair you’re losing, such as more hair coming out in the shower or noticed on your pillow in the morning, this could be a sign of male pattern hair loss developing.
The hair growth cycle
As mentioned above, hair loss occurring every now and then is nothing to panic about. On top of daily hair shedding, everybody’s hair goes through a rotation called the growth cycle, including natural hair loss. We’ve outlined this below to give you a clearer idea of why and how hair loss happens:
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The growing phase (Anagen)
The growing phase is when a strand of hair starts to grow upwards from the follicle with the help of a steady supply of blood. This phase can last as long as seven years.
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The regression phase (Catagen)
As the follicle grows upwards, it moves further away from the blood flow. The result is that the follicle will start to shrink. This phase is much shorter than the Anagen, taking around ten days.
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The resting phase (Telogen)
With the follicle shrunken, a new hair starts to grow below it. At any one time, 10-15% of a person’s hair strands on their head are in this part of the growth cycle. The Telogen phase lasts around three months.
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The shedding phase (Exogen)
Finally, the shedding phase ends the hair growth cycle. As the hair is made loose, it falls away from the root, and the process starts again.
How do I know when I’m experiencing male pattern hair loss?
While hair loss occurs naturally every day, it usually isn’t noticeable. If you’re spotting a significant thinning, a receding hairline or increased shedding, it may be time to take action. The Norwood Hair Scale is particularly useful for guys, helping to clarify what stage of the male pattern hair loss you are at. As with most treatments, tackling hair loss early will increase the chances of success, so always consult the Norwood Scale if you’re noticing changes.
Find a hair loss plan suited to you with a professional consultation
Hair falling out is a clear sign of male pattern hair loss, but men should always go through a consultation before settling on a treatment plan. After completing our free consultation, independent prescribers can recommend a more suitable treatment for your hair loss journey.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
