When you sit in the barber’s chair and glance at your reflection, have you ever wondered just how many hairs are on your head? It’s a question many men in Canada have asked especially when noticing a fuller comb or a bit more scalp in the mirror. The answer isn’t as simple as one fixed number because hair count varies by age, hair colour, genetics, and even the weather we live with here in Ontario.

In this post, we’ll break it down so you can understand what’s happening on your scalp and how to take care of it, especially in a Canadian climate with hard water and cold winters.

What’s the Average Hair Count?

Let’s start with the basics: the average person has about 100,000 hair follicles on their scalp. But this number can swing quite a bit based on hair colour:

• Blondes tend to have the most, averaging around 150,000 hairs.
  
• Brunettes usually have about 100,000 to 110,000.
  
• Redheads generally have fewer, with about 80,000 to 90,000 hairs.
  

That number sounds like a lot, but it helps explain why a few extra hairs in the sink aren’t cause for panic. We naturally shed anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the normal growth cycle.

Hair Growth Cycle: Why You Notice Shedding

Your hair is always going through a growth cycle with three stages:

1. Anagen (growth phase): Lasts 2-6 years; most of your hair is in this stage.
   
2. Catagen (transition phase): Lasts a couple of weeks as the hair follicle shrinks.
   
3. Telogen (resting/shedding phase): Lasts about 2-4 months before shedding occurs.
   

At any time, about 85-90% of your hairs are actively growing, while the rest are preparing to shed. If you’re seeing more hair loss than usual, especially after winter or when the seasons shift, that’s also normal.

Canadian Climate and Hair: Why It Matters

For men living in Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo, or other parts of South West Ontario, the climate can affect your hair’s health and even how full it looks:

• Cold winters can dry out your scalp, making hair more brittle and prone to breakage.
  
• Hard water, common in many Ontario cities, leaves mineral buildup on your scalp and hair, affecting how well products work and making hair look thinner or dull.
  

That’s why choosing the right haircare methods is key. Using products that combat dryness and clarify mineral buildup can help your hair stay healthier through the seasons. An expert who knows haircuts for such hair type can also recommend styles that make your hair appear fuller and stronger.

Products and Methods for Keeping Hair Healthy

To support your hair’s natural cycle and maintain a healthy head of hair, here are some simple approaches:

1. Use a Gentle, Moisturizing Shampoo

Especially in winter months or when using hard water, switch to a sulphate-free shampoo that hydrates the scalp.

2. Clarifying Shampoo (Once a Week)

If you live in an area with hard water, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove mineral buildup.

3. Conditioner Is Key

Men sometimes skip this step, but conditioner helps restore moisture, making hair look and feel thicker.

4. Scalp Massage

When shampooing, spend a few extra moments massaging your scalp. This encourages blood flow to the follicles, supporting growth.

5. Choose the Right Cut

If you’re experiencing thinning or simply want to make your hair look its best, talk to a barber who is experienced in cutting hair with this issue. The right cut can add volume and structure even if your hair count isn’t as high as it used to be.

Hair Density vs. Hair Thickness

It’s also important to know the difference between:

• Hair density = how many hair follicles you have per square inch of scalp.
  
• Hair thickness = the diameter of each hair strand.

Even if you have fewer hairs, if they’re thicker strands, your hair can still appear full. Conversely, many thin strands can sometimes look flat without the right cut or products.

Final Word

While the average person has about 100,000 hairs, your hair health depends on much more than just numbers. Age, genetics, the Canadian climate, and even water quality all play a role in how your hair looks and feels.

Good grooming habits, proper products, and advice from an expert who knows haircuts for such hair type can help you get the most from what you’ve got. Whether you’re coming in for a trim, fade, or full style refresh, keeping your hair strong and healthy is the first step to looking your best.