Hair loss and loss of density: how should you respond?
“I’m losing my hair” and “my hair is less full” often describe two different realities. Making the distinction is the first step towards choosing the right response — and knowing when to seek advice.
By the Luxéol team · Reading time: 7 min · Updated 9 July 2026
Key takeaways
- Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is perfectly normal: it is the hair’s natural renewal process.
- A loss of density (finer hair, less volume) is not the same as hair loss (more hairs falling out) — the approaches differ.
- To combat loss of density, work on the volume and thickness of the hair fibre and scalp health.
- Reactive hair loss (seasonal, post-partum, stress, fatigue) is most often temporary; address the trigger and support hair vitality.
- Zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair; a programme should be planned over 3 months.
- Sudden, significant or persistent hair loss, or thinning areas, warrant advice from a doctor or dermatologist.
Normal or abnormal hair loss: how can you tell the difference?
Hair follows a cycle: a long growth phase, a short transition, then a resting phase at the end of which it falls out to be replaced. As each hair is at a different stage, losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is part of normal functioning.
What should draw attention is a change: noticeably more hair on the pillow, in the brush or in the shower, visibly thinning hair, or hair loss lasting beyond a few weeks. This is then referred to as reactive hair loss (often temporary) or, if it persists, hair loss that warrants medical advice.
Hair loss or loss of density: they are not the same thing
The two are often confused, even though they do not call for the same response:
- Loss of density: you do not necessarily lose more hair, but it is finer, your hair has less volume, and your ponytail has become “thinner”. This is often gradual.
- Hair loss: you notice more hairs falling out than usual over a given period.
A simple test: over a few days, observe whether the amount of hair lost increases (more likely hair loss) or whether it is mainly volume that is lacking without marked shedding (more likely loss of density).
Combatting loss of density
When volume is lacking, the aim is to restore body to the hair fibre and create the best conditions for the scalp.
Good habits
- Take care of the scalp: this is where hair grows.
- Choose treatments that coat the hair fibre without weighing it down.
- Limit what thins and breaks hair: excessive heat, frequent colouring, overly tight hairstyles.
- Take care of your diet: iron, zinc, B vitamins.
Density routine Luxéol
A targeted routine to support density and restore volume to the hair, to be incorporated over time.
Fighting hair loss
Most everyday hair loss is reactive: it follows a trigger and is reversible once the trigger has passed.
The most common triggers
- Seasonal changes (often autumn): a well-known temporary hair loss.
- Postpartum: postpartum hair loss is common and temporary.
- Stress, emotional shock, severe fatigue.
- An unbalanced diet or deficiencies, particularly after dieting.
The strategy: address the trigger where possible (rest, diet, stress management) and support hair vitality while the cycle rebalances.
Luxéol Anti-hair loss shampoo & spray
The Anti-hair loss shampoo and the Reactive anti-hair loss spray, enriched with keratin, help reduce temporary hair loss and strengthen the hair fibre — alongside action on the triggering factor.
Which nutrients support normal hair?
Certain nutrients benefit from authorised claims: they do not “treat” hair loss but contribute to the maintenance of normal hair.
Useful nutrients & active ingredients
Recognised role / use |
Where to find it |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zinc |
Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair |
Seafood, pumpkin seeds, legumes |
|
|
Selenium |
Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair |
Brazil nuts, fish, eggs |
|
|
Iron |
Contributes to reducing fatigue; a deficiency affects vitality |
Red meat, lentils, spinach |
|
|
Horsetail / nettle |
Plants traditionally associated with strengthening the hair fibre |
Targeted density programmes |
|
|
Summary: hair loss or loss of density?
Loss of density |
Hair loss |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Main sign |
Finer hair, less volume |
More hair falling out |
|
|
Progression |
Progressive |
Over a defined period |
|
|
Objective |
Thicken, coat, increase density |
Address the trigger, support |
|
|
Luxéol journey |
Density routine |
Anti-hair loss (shampoo + spray) |
|
|
When should you consult a professional?
A food supplement supports normal hair: it does not replace medical advice. Consult a doctor or dermatologist if hair loss is sudden or significant, if it lasts for several months, if you notice bald patches, or in the event of fatigue and associated symptoms. An assessment (including blood tests) can identify a possible deficiency or underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions
How much hair do we normally lose per day?
Does hair grow back after hair loss?
Do I have loss of density or genuine hair loss?
How long does a programme take to work?
When should you seek advice?
Food supplements should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle and are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. In the event of significant, sudden or persistent hair loss, consult a healthcare professional.
Sources
- Ameli.fr — « Hair loss (alopecia): what should you do? »
- Vidal.fr — « Hair loss: hair care and food supplements. »
- European Register of authorised health claims (EC Regulation No 1924/2006) — zinc, selenium.
- French Society of Dermatology — reference points on the hair cycle and telogen effluvium.