Each follicle cycles independently through growth, regression, rest and shedding. This cycle is the basis for explaining normal shedding to patients – and for deciding when hair fall needs evaluation.
The four phases
- Anagen (growth) – the active growing phase, which can last several years. Most scalp hairs are in this phase at any time.
- Catagen (transition) – a short phase of a few weeks when growth stops.
- Telogen (resting) – a resting phase of around three months.
- Exogen (shedding) – the old hair is released, often as a new one starts to grow.
Losing some hair every day is normal. Dermatology bodies commonly describe shedding of around 50 to 100 hairs a day as typical.
Why hair fall increases
When more hairs than usual move into the resting and shedding phases, hair fall becomes noticeable. Common contributors include stress, illness, sudden weight loss, nutritional gaps and hormonal changes. In pattern hair loss, the hormone DHT is involved in the gradual thinning of hair follicles.
The role of nutrition
Hair is built from protein (keratin), and follicles need a steady supply of nutrients. Amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, minerals like zinc and iron, and vitamins including biotin all play a part in normal hair.
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When to evaluate further
Sudden, patchy or persistent hair fall, or hair fall with scalp symptoms, warrants evaluation for underlying causes before nutritional support is started.
Key takeaways for practice
- Increased shedding reflects a shift of follicles into telogen and exogen.
- Stress, illness, rapid weight loss, nutritional gaps and hormones are common contributors.
- Nutritional supplements complement – not replace – evaluation of the underlying cause.
Patient counselling points
- Shedding of around 50–100 hairs a day is commonly described as normal.
- Supplements need consistent use over months before change is noticed.
- Report sudden, patchy or persistent hair fall for review.
This article is intended for registered medical practitioners and healthcare professionals. It is for professional information and does not replace clinical judgement. *Individual results may vary.
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