Ever since I have grown out my hair, I have been loosing some of it, about a small handful each time I wash my hair (usually every 3-4 days); and my hair is pretty long, almost 1/2 way down my back.  It doesn't look like I'm going bald in any spots, so maybe enough is growing in to replace the ones falling out. 

But is this normal?

It was for me. I always assumed it was because my diet wasn't healthy or varied enough.
PS (pm coming  )

It could be that Nero, my diet isn't great but I try to keep it pretty healthy.  It might also be in my genes, my dad started loosing hair in his late 20s, and he's got a big bald spot on the top of his head (now late 40s).  I just don't want to loose this beautiful curly hair!

Depends on how you are washing your hair.  It could be breakage, especially seeing it is that long.  Take better care when washing and use a strengthening conditioner such as Brand Name Intense Repair Overnight Elixir.  Not able to give exact name as it would be considered spamming.  But see Personal Website.


Janet

I think it is pretty normal. Most people shed about 100 hairs a day from their head. You notice it more when the hair is longer.

You could always get it checked out by a specialist if you are worried. (don't go to a hair clinic though, quacks the lot of them, see a proper dermatologist)

it's perfectly normal as long as it's not great handfuls. I always get a few every time I comb it out after washing, and I've had long hair for many years with no bald spots. In fact it's actually getting thicker since hormones. Testosterone is the main culpit in hair loss I think so you have nothing to worry about there. Be sure to use a good conditioner as Janet mentioned because it's those darn tangles that can cost you a lot of broken hairs. I slather the stuff on liberally after washing and run it through with my fingers thoroughly before rinsing. Saves a lot of grief later. 

Years ago I asked a very competent barber about this.  He said don't worry about the hair in the drain - worry when you can see where the hair came from.  Rather a glib answer, but with some truth. 

I always lose hair when I wash it, but less now than before HRT.  (And I always use a conditioner.)  I still have a full head of hair and the same hairline as my sister, even though neither of us is a young woman.

- Kate

Thanks girls, I appreciate it.  I will just keep an eye on it.  I had a haircut a few weeks ago with my aunt, and she suggested trying a new shampoo/conditioner, so when I get some extra money (which there's never enough of...) I will try switching to the more expensive brand.

I also suggest taking Biotin.  It will strengthen your hair and nails.  If you are worried you could ask your doc for a scrip for Finasteride as a precaution.

Kristi

Quote from: Kristi on September 21, 2009, 10:29:57 PM
I also suggest taking Biotin.  It will strengthen your hair and nails.  If you are worried you could ask your doc for a scrip for Finasteride as a precaution.

Kristi

It's a concern, but I'm not too worried.  Besides, between my depression, HRT, and dietary stuff, I take enough prescriptions as it is. 

I used to loose a ton of hair. Better diet improved it a lot, but what did the most good was, well, not washing it as often. Rinsing it out, sure; but not using chemicals on it as often. I've had waist-length hair twice in my life now, and it always came out with respect to how frequently I was using chemicals on it. Maybe look for gentler, more natural shampoos; and take better care when brushing/combing it out to be gentle. The best thing to keep it healthy is the natural oil your scalp produces for just that purpose.

Never did use conditioner (more than oily enough, thanks) so no advice on that.

I actually had this problem a lot too, to the point of I could run a comb through my long hair and actually come out with a handful...but my hair has always been obnoxiously thick (I've even gone to get it thinned and used to shave the underside of my hair so it didn't poof out). I've also dyed my hair since middle school every color of the rainbow and back again.

I wouldn't worry about it until you actually start noticing where the hair is coming from.

When short hair falls out, yo can't see it as easily. It also falls out easier and wherever without being noticed.

Long hair you notice because it has more mass, but also tends to get tangled in the rest of the hair, then comes out when you brush or wash. As it gets longer you will shed/break a bit more though as it is under more abuse and is older hair.

As K8 said, if you are not able to notice, don't worry about it.