Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: February 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My hair keeps falling out - not in chunks, but strands. I lose at least 20 strands throughout the day-probably more. It's really embarrassing, especially when I leave dozens of strands behind in a friend's house or car. Why might this be happening? What can I do?
Signed: Losing Hair-Help!
Dear Losing Hair-Help!,
Believe it or not it is normal to lose up to 100 strands of hair per day! Losing some of your hair is actually normal. However, if you experience a sudden loss of hair or large clumps or chunks you should see your doctor immediately!
Hair loss can be due to a number of things. Stress, medications, hormonal imbalances, other medical conditions can all cause hair loss. If you are truly concerned please see your doctor. He or she can perform specific tests to rule out anything medically.
Certain hair styles and products can weaken hair and may cause breakage. You may want to examine your hair care routine. Keep in mind that certain fabrics may grab loose hair and make normal shedding more predominant. Malnutrition can also be a cause of hair loss. Make sure that you are eating healthy, taking in enough protein and your weight is normal for your age. A balanced diet is important for all normal body functions. A deficiency in one area of your diet will upset many processes in your body.
See your doctor if you are truly worried about your hair loss. Hair loss can be a scary experience but one you can help alleviate. If you live in northern New Jersey and would like help finding a doctor you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
One in four teenage girls in the 
