How much hair do people lose in a day? This is one of the first questions that usually comes to mind when you find your brush or comb filled with more hair than you consider normal.

Losing hair every day isn't unusual. Experts say that the average person loses up to 100 hairs a day. Hair loss is fairly common in adults. By the time most adults reach 50-years-old, about half of them will have experienced some type of hair loss.¹ Despite how common this is in adults, it’s always alarming when we’re faced with the realization that we may be losing hair.

A few symptoms that indicate you may be losing more hair than normal include thinner include bald patches, thinner ponytails, sunburns on scalp due to scalp visibility, hair refusing to hold styles, losing clumps of hair, or hair that “feels” lighter.

If you are certain that you are losing more hair than normal, the first thing you’ll want to do is to rule out any potential health issues. Medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions can cause you to lose more hair than normal.

If you’ve been dealing with excess stress lately, this hair loss due to stress, known as telogen effluvium, causes your hair to move from its growing stage to its resting stage quicker than it normally would.

This causes it to move into its shedding stage sooner than expected and results in dramatic hair loss. Some medications are known to cause a similar occurrence as well.² 

Genetics also play a large role in hair growth and hair loss. If the women in your family are known for their thinning hair or the men in your family often sport bald spots by the time they’re 50, your hair loss could be hereditary.

If this is the case, work with your doctor on treatments that may help or prevent you from suffering from extreme hair loss.

Despite what the cause of your thinning hair may be, whether genetics, health, or just bad hair practices, here are a few tips and tricks to help you combat hair loss and regain control.

1. Wear A Shorter Style

Longer hair weighs more, and if you have thinning hair, these issues will be more apparent with longer hair. While not many people want to shear their long locks, your hair will appear healthier and thicker with a shorter style.

Do research on styles that will complement your face shape and personal style. You might be surprised at just how much you love having shorter hair.

2. Avoid Stressful Styles For Your Hairline

Traction alopecia is a common cause of hair loss in people who love styles that add stress to their hairlines such as ponytails, braids, and buns. Hair loss due to hairstyles usually happens over a course of time as wearers continue to pull on their edges.

As more and more people, especially women, invest in hair extensions, there have been more cases of traction alopecia.³ 

3. Use Products That Stimulate Hair Growth

There are products on the market that target hair follicles and stimulate growth. Fortunately, these products can be purchased in many different forms. You might prefer using an oil, cream, or a serum.

There are also shampoos and conditioners that stimulate these same effects. Experiment with a few different products to find a regimen that works for you. You may also consider a few DIY ideas that use safe ingredients that you can find in your home.

4. Eat A Balanced Diet

Many people have a love-hate relationship with food. If you’re one of those people who often tries the latest dieting fad or crash diets frequently in hopes of losing a few pounds as quickly as possible, your dietary habits could be wreaking havoc on your hairline.

Without the proper vitamins and nutrients, your hair suffers from a deficit of important supplements, particularly zinc and iron which are linked to most cases of hair loss due to diet. Consider supplementing your diet with vitamins to help your hair and your overall health.

5. Stop Using High Heat

Heat styling can damage hair that is already thinning. Heat breaks down the bond in hair strands which results in brittle hair that easily breaks off. This can spell disaster for thinning hair. Try to look for alternative ways of straightening your hair, but if you’re determined to use heat, take precautions. Use heat protectors, and never style your hair while it’s wet.

6. Think Twice About Harsh Chemicals

Much like heat, using harsh chemicals in your hair can break down the bonds in your hair strands. They can also strip needed moisture from your hair, making your hair thin and fragile. Hair that has been damaged due to chemicals has to be pampered. You’ll want to use deep conditioners often to help your hair build up strength. It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals altogether, especially if you have thinning hair, but if you are intent on using them, make sure to give your hair the best chance by taking care of it to the best your ability. Find out what treatments work to help keep chemical treated hair as healthy as possible.