If you’ve ever noticed a few loose strands of hair on your pillow or in the shower drain, you’re not alone. Hair shedding is a completely normal process that happens to everyone. On average, we shed 50 to 100 hairs a day, and while that might sound like a lot, it's just part of our hair’s natural growth cycle. But what happens when you start noticing more hair than usual on your brush? Let’s dive into the science of hair shedding and explore how you can manage it.
What Causes Hair Shedding?
Hair grows in a cycle that has three stages: the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. Most of our hair is in the growth phase, but some will always be in the resting phase, which eventually leads to shedding.
However, there are times when hair shedding becomes excessive, and this can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, and other hormonal shifts can throw off your hair’s natural cycle, causing more shedding.
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a temporary condition that pushes more hairs into the resting phase.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients like iron, biotin, or vitamin D can weaken hair and make it more prone to shedding.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like alopecia, autoimmune disorders, and scalp infections can also contribute to excessive hair loss.
Understanding what’s behind your hair shedding is the first step to addressing it. But don’t worry - there are plenty of ways to manage hair shedding and keep your hair looking its best!
Is It Hair Shedding or Hair Loss?
It’s important to differentiate between normal hair shedding and actual hair loss. Hair shedding is part of the natural cycle, whereas hair loss occurs when something stops your hair from growing entirely. Hair loss can be permanent, as seen with conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), or temporary, as in cases of postpartum hair loss or telogen effluvium.
If you’re noticing thinning areas or bald patches, it might be time to consult with a dermatologist or a trichologist to get to the root of the issue. If it’s just extra shedding, lifestyle adjustments and a good hair care routine can work wonders.
Simple Steps to Address Hair Shedding
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to manage hair shedding and promote healthier hair. From lifestyle changes to powerful ingredients, here’s what you can do to tackle the issue head-on.
1. Improve Your Diet
A healthy diet is key to strong, resilient hair. Since hair is made of keratin, a protein, be sure to include enough protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and nuts to support growth. Other important nutrients include:
Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to increased shedding, as it helps carry oxygen to hair follicles. Foods like red meat, spinach, and lentils are great sources.
Zinc: An essential for hair growth and repair. A lack of it can lead to thinning and shedding. You can get zinc from pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and oysters.
Vitamin A: This vitamin supports the production of sebum, which keeps your scalp moisturized. Find it in sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens—but avoid excessive amounts, as too much can cause hair loss.
Vitamin D: Known to promote new hair follicle creation, vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss. Get it from fatty fish, mushrooms, fortified dairy, or a bit of sunlight exposure.
Vitamin E: With its antioxidant properties, vitamin E improves circulation to the scalp, supporting hair growth. You can find it in almonds, spinach, and avocados.
Including these nutrients in your diet can help minimize shedding and promote healthier, stronger hair.
2. Manage Shedding with the Right Hair Care Products
When managing hair shedding, the products you use on your hair are just as important as your diet and lifestyle choices. Using shampoos, conditioners and treatments that target thinning or shedding hair can help maintain scalp health and strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage over time.
For those dealing with hair loss or increased shedding, it may be helpful to use an alopecia hair shampoo. Specifically designed to nourish hair follicles, improve scalp circulation, and provide essential nutrients that support hair retention, investing in a good wash and rinse routine is key.
While they may not reverse hair loss overnight, consistent use of the right products can contribute to overall scalp health and help reduce excessive shedding.
3. Incorporate Oils to Nourish Scalp + Stimulate Growth
Incorporating natural oils into your hair care routine can help nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. Whether you apply them directly to the scalp, or find products that utilize them in their formulas, here are a few of our favorite oils that can help reduce shedding and promote healthy hair growth:
Coconut Oil: This well-known hair savior deeply penetrates the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and keeping your hair strong and moisturized. Coconut oil can also improve scalp health, reducing dandruff and other conditions that lead to hair shedding.
Castor Oil: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can promote hair growth. It’s also known to improve scalp circulation, stimulating hair follicles and reducing hair shedding.
Peppermint Oil: This refreshing oil has been shown to increase blood circulation to the scalp, which can help in stimulating hair growth. It also has a cooling effect that soothes the scalp and may help alleviate conditions like dandruff that contribute to hair loss.
In the end, while hair shedding is a natural part of life, excessive shedding can be distressing. By understanding its causes, focusing on a healthy diet and incorporating nourishing care products you can take proactive steps toward healthier, stronger hair.