Ever pondered upon the daily count of our hair loss? What number of hairs lost could be considered normal? These questions kept me ruminating, as I observed a few strands on my comb after each brush, deeming it a common occurrence. After all, it is an undeniable fact! But little did I realize that with each passing day, the number of strands seemed to multiply subtly. The hair fall crept in so surreptitiously, with a slight but steady rise in the shedding, that it was only later I came to fathom the unfortunate transformation of my once thick and voluminous hair into a thinning and almost balding state!
One fateful day, while gazing at my reflection, I was met with an alarming revelation—I could see my SCALP! Panic ensued as I shrieked in disbelief. The visible scalp unequivocally indicated that my hair fall had exceeded the bounds of normality. And yet, the questions persisted:
How does one determine if their hair fall is indeed normal? Is there a specific numerical benchmark? Does an upper limit exist beyond which it becomes abnormal?
Indeed, there is! Allow me to elucidate the intricate dimensions of hair fall and its normality.
Unraveling the Numbers of Significance
Finding a few hairs on your hairbrush or pillow is entirely customary. This phenomenon is known as “hair shedding,” which forms a natural part of the hair growth cycle. Shedding is the process whereby old hairs are shed from the scalp. Each hair follicle goes through a growth phase lasting about two to eight years, followed by a two-month resting stage where no growth occurs. Subsequently, these hair strands naturally fall out, making way for new growth.
As humans, we boast nearly 100,000 hairs on our heads. Out of this vast array, we shed merely 100 to 125 hairs per day. Hence, if you find yourself losing more than 125 hairs daily, it no longer remains a mere “shedding.” Instead, it serves as a stark warning sign, foretelling what awaits you!
An Impractical Task of Counting 125 Hairs
Counting and collecting all the hairs lost in a day, strand by strand, before bedtime is indeed an absurd and unfeasible task. Besides, what if you receive an interruption while counting? You might be compelled to start anew!
Fear not, for there exists an alternative method—a simple test known as “The hair-pull test.” Here’s how it goes:
- Gently grasp approximately 30 to 40 hairs about an inch from your scalp between your forefinger and thumb.
- Gently tug the hair, allowing your scalp to lift slightly as your fingers slide along the shaft till the end.
- Naturally, some hairs will be pulled out. Count the number of hairs that have fallen.
If your hand reveals more than six hairs, it could be categorized as HAIR FALL.
Moving Forward: The Path to Hair Care
Now that we have differentiated hair fall from mere shedding, it’s time to prioritize your hair’s well-being. Allow me to impart some highly effective home remedies that combat hair fall:
- Indulge in Hair Oil Massage: Regularly massaging the scalp with the right hair oil serves as an effective means to reduce hair fall. This practice conditions the hair and scalp while promoting increased blood flow to the hair follicles, thus fortifying the hair roots. Opt for oils like coconut, almond, or olive, and you may also add a few drops of rosemary essential oil for enhanced results.
- Harness the Power of Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil emerges as a potent home remedy for addressing hair fall. Its application to the hair strands and scalp, particularly in areas with increased hair loss, stimulates hair growth.
- Embrace Indian Gooseberry: For swift and natural hair growth, embrace the power of Indian gooseberry. Rich in vitamin C, this fruit can counter severe hair loss, courtesy of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it prevents split ends and hair breakage.
A Cautionary Note
Abstain from crash dieting, as it poses severe risks to both your hair and general health. Such practices disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, facilitating the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which spells doom for hair follicles. Opt instead for a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring the wellbeing of your precious locks.
Bonus Tips for Luscious Locks
- Nourish your hair with Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon and sardines, or consider DHA supplements and distilled fish oils for added shine.
- Incorporate vitamin B-rich foods like beans, carrots, peas, cauliflower, nuts, soybeans, and eggs into your diet to slow down hair loss and promote hair growth.
- Embrace avocados, which counteract the detrimental effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on hair follicles, thus controlling hair fall.
- Engage in the wonders of green tea. Brew a cup for five minutes, let it cool, and then rinse your hair to eliminate dandruff-causing fungi.
Embrace the Wisdom
Now, armed with the knowledge of discerning normal hair fall from the excessive, you can steer clear of the turmoil my family experienced when confronted with the visible scalp. Embrace these home remedies before hair fall transfigures into a nightmare, safeguarding the beauty of your precious locks. I sincerely hope this information proves helpful. Should you have any questions, kindly leave a comment.