Worried About Hair Loss? Recognize the Signs Early and Learn How to Care for It
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Hair loss is a common concern, but not all shedding indicates a serious problem, as some hair fall is natural.
- Losing 50 to 100 strands daily is normal, with old hair being replaced by new growth.
- Persistent excessive shedding, thinning hair, receding hairlines, or noticeable hair loss requires attention and identification of the cause.
Discovering strands of hair on your pillow or noticing hair fall during washing can be alarming, but not all hair loss signals a serious issue.
According to dermatologist Dr. Elisabeth Ryan, losing approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day is within the normal range. This natural process involves old hairs falling out and being replaced by new ones from the same follicles.
However, if the amount of hair shedding consistently exceeds this limit, it warrants closer attention. Dr. Ryan suggests a simple method to assess hair loss: observe the amount of hair collected in your hand after shampooing or combing. If it appears excessive and occurs continuously, it could indicate abnormal hair loss.
Other signs to watch for include hair that appears thinner, reduced hair volume, or a receding hairline, particularly at the forehead. These changes can happen gradually and may go unnoticed initially. Factors such as aging, genetics, hormonal shifts, stress, and lifestyle choices can all contribute to hair thinning. As people age, hair growth cycles may slow, resulting in finer new hair and a gradual decrease in overall hair density.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.