Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. On average, a person can lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day. This might sound like a lot, but considering the scalp has around 100,000 hair follicles, this amount of shedding is relatively insignificant and often goes unnoticed. Shedding occurs because hair undergoes a life cycle that includes growth (anagen phase), rest (telogen phase), and shedding (catagen phase). Each hair strand is at a different point in this cycle, which is why shedding is spread out over time rather than happening all at once.
Causes of Hair Shedding
Several factors can contribute to hair shedding, including:
1. Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger temporary hair loss. This type of shedding is known as telogen effluvium.
2. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid issues can cause hair shedding due to fluctuations in hormone levels.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and protein can weaken hair, making it more prone to shedding.
4. Medications: Certain medications, including those for depression, high blood pressure, and cancer, can cause hair shedding as a side effect.
5. Hairstyling Practices: Frequent use of heat styling tools, tight hairstyles, and chemical treatments can damage hair and lead to increased shedding.
6. Health Conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata, scalp infections, and autoimmune diseases can cause abnormal hair shedding.
How to Combat Hair Shedding from Common Causes
Addressing hair shedding effectively involves understanding the root cause and taking targeted action. Here are some strategies for combating hair shedding:
1. Managing Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise. Ensure you have a support system and seek professional help if stress becomes overwhelming.
2. Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet is rich in essential nutrients. Incorporate foods high in vitamins and minerals such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats. Supplements can also help if dietary changes are insufficient, but consult with a healthcare provider first.
3. Gentle Hair Care: Avoid excessive use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments. Opt for gentle shampoos and conditioners, and use wide-toothed combs to reduce breakage. Protective hairstyles can also minimise hair damage.
4. Medical Consultation: If medications are causing hair shedding, discuss alternatives with your doctor. Never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
5. Hormonal Balance: For hormonal-related shedding, treatments might include hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, depending on the individual case. Again, these should only be used under medical supervision.
How to Monitor Hair Shedding and When Treatment is Required
Monitoring hair shedding involves being observant about changes in your hair's volume and noticing any unusual patterns of hair loss. Here are some ways to keep track:
1. Hair Counts: Collect shed hairs daily for a week to get an average. If you consistently shed more than 100 hairs a day, this might indicate an issue.
2. Visual Checks: Notice changes in your hair's fullness, such as widening part lines, thinning patches, or increased hair in your brush or shower drain.
3. Photographic Records: Take regular photos of your scalp and hair to visually track changes over time.
4. Scalp Health: Regularly check your scalp for signs of inflammation, redness, or sores, which can indicate underlying conditions affecting hair health.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult our TrichoPrescriber if:
- You notice sudden, unexplained hair loss.
- Hair shedding is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or changes in menstrual cycle.
- There are signs of scalp infection, like redness or swelling.
- You experience patches of hair loss or bald spots.
Early intervention can be crucial in preventing further hair loss and promoting regrowth. Treatments may include topical solutions like minoxidil, oral medications like finasteride, or procedures such as personalised meso-therapy treatments.
References
1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Hair loss. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926)
2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss: Who gets and causes. Retrieved from [AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes)
3. WebMD. (n.d.). Causes of hair loss in women: Medical reasons and more. Retrieved from [WebMD](https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/causes-hair-loss)
4. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Hair loss (alopecia). Retrieved from [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16919-hair-loss-alopecia)
5. Healthline. (n.d.). How much hair loss is normal? Retrieved from [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-hair-loss-is-normal)
By understanding and monitoring your hair shedding patterns, taking proactive steps to address common causes, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can maintain healthier hair and mitigate excessive shedding.
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