Hair Loss AudioHealth Library Topic 2621 Hair Loss Hair loss in women is fairly uncommon prior to menopause, but does occur. Hair grows from indentations in the outer skin layer called hair follicles. Each person has a set number of follicles at birth.
Blondes tend to have more hair follicles than brunettes, and brunettes more than redheads.
In its growth cycle, hair grows actively for 2 to 6 years, followed by a brief period when short, fine hairs are produced, and a 3-month resting period. When active growth begins again, the short hairs fall out resulting in a normal, temporary increase in hair loss, usually of the short, fine hairs. As people age, the rate of new hair growth slows, resulting in a gradual thinning of the hair. A loss of 50 to 100 hairs a day is perfectly normal. A women may also experience increased hair loss after the birth of a baby, or from heavy menstrual flow which depletes the body of the iron needed for hair growth and maintenance.