Signs of Hair Loss in Women

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

Knowing the signs of hair loss and figuring out what is normal hair loss in women, and what isn’t, is complicated. The average hair loss in women is 50-100 hairs per day. That’s called hair fall, and refers to the predictable and typical process of growing and shedding hair throughout life. In certain seasons, you may notice greater amounts of hair loss. If you aren’t sure if the cause of hair loss is typical, try the at-home Hair Pull Test.

The Hair Pull Test

• Hold a clump of 40-50 hairs near your scalp. That’s not too thick and not too thin.
• Pull outward, allowing hair that is rooted to stay connected, and pulling any loose hairs away in your hand.
• 3-6 hairs would be considered typical; multiples of that (closer to 9-18 hairs) would be considered non-typical types of hair loss.

When Hair Loss Happens

The seasons of life impact type of hair loss conditions implicated. You might notice increased hair loss in times of:

Female Pattern Baldness

The most common type of hair loss known by medical term female androgenetic alopecia, leads to gradual miniaturization of hair follicles and general thinning through out life. Affects 1 in 3 women in the United States through life leading to gradually less hair on top of your head.

The Signs of Hair Loss

You might find yourself thinking, “My hair is so thin I can see my scalp.” Or, “is it normal for women to see their scalp through their hair?” You aren’t alone. Approximately one third of women experience female pattern hair loss (FPHL) at some point in their life. When you include other causes of hair loss, that number goes up to two thirds.
Female pattern baldness, the most common cause of hair loss, usually starts to appear near the center with a widening part. In the middle and later stages of FPHL hair loss extends down on either side of the part and toward the front of the scalp. Women tend to experience global hair loss, which is an overall loss, rather than focal hair loss in a specific section, such as bald spots and receding hairlines that is common in male pattern baldness.

Are There Any Early Indicators That Can Help Identify Hair Loss In Women?

Some early signs of hair loss in women include increased hair shedding in the shower or on your pillow, widening of the hair part, general hair thinning, and noticing smaller ponytails. Consulting a hair surgeon, primary care physician or dermatology if you notice these signs can help in diagnosing the pattern of hair loss and treating it effectively.

Hair Thinning vs Hair Loss

Signs you have gone from hair thinning to advancing hair loss can include:

• An increased number of hairs falling out daily
• Patches of thinner or missing hair
• Seeing your scalp through your hair
• Tying up smaller ponytails
• Feeling your hair break off

Signs of Hair Loss From Causes Other Than Androgenetic Alopecia

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an unpredictable autoimmune condition that can lead to hair loss ranging from small patches to complete baldness. Here’s what you might notice:

• Oval Bald Patches: Sudden, smooth bald spots that are often round or oval in shape on the scalp or other parts of the body.
• Hair Loss in Different Areas: This can include eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair, not just the scalp.
• Nail Changes: Some people with alopecia areata notice pitting or other nail changes.

To learn more about signs and treatment options, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provides valuable insights.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia happens due to stress on hair from tight hairstyles, like braids or ponytails. Early signs include redness or soreness of the scalp, and you might spot little bumps or even some scaling. As Healthline mentions, it’s crucial to change hairstyles to reduce tension, as prolonged stress can lead to permanent hair loss. If you find thinning primarily at your hairline or where the hair is pulled back the tightest, it may be time to reconsider your styling habits.