Are those a few more strands falling off as you run your hands through your hair to “dim down” all the work stress? Help! Your hair is shedding (temporarily growing much slower than before). Sure, hair loss is sometimes natural. But if excessive, you need to get a hold of things ASAP (or risk turning into Gollum). Yikes!
Some good news, though (if you can call it that)…Hair shedding is super common. In fact, 30-50% of men experience it before hitting 50. Women, on the other hand, … just 10% (what a feminist!).
Here’s the thing…A full head of hair has 100,000 hairs. And we lose 50-100 of those on a regular day, a typical process of hair growth and renewal. Old strands fall out and new ones grow in.
Now, you may be losing up to 200 daily and wondering, is that normal? How do I maintain a full head of hair even when shedding occurs? Join me as I tell you what you should know about hair shedding, answer common questions, and hook you with a solid solution for hair loss.
Hair Shedding Reality
As I mentioned earlier, shedding up to 100 strands daily is okay. But, Dr. Rodney Sinclair, a leading dermatologist, is a bit more generous. Even 150 loose hairs dropping daily is still normal, according to him.
It’s often beyond this point that we start noticing scalp thinning. And if there’s no medical reason making you lose hair at this rate, you may be freaking out.
Hair Shedding Extent
Now, when is it time to worry about your hair loss? When you start to notice it. And this often happens:
- If something messes up the normal hair renewal process
- If you lose hair faster than it’s growing
To put it in boxable terms, you’ll likely be beyond Grade 3 on Sinclair’s hair loss scale, which ranges from 1-6 as follows:
- Grade 1: Loss of 10 strands per day
- Grade 2: Loss of 50 strands per day
- Grade 3: Loss of 100 strands per day
- Grade 4: Loss of 200 strands per day
- Grade 5: Loss of 400 strands per day
- Grade 6: Loss of 750 strands per day
I know… you’ll need a serious OCD to keep tabs on your dropping hairs. But while you can’t tell your position on the scale, at least you now have an idea about how serious this can get.
The Science Behind Hair Shedding
Just in case you missed it the first time… shedding hair to some degree is normal. Now that we have that stuck in our heads, let’s see how hair falls, the science involved, early treatment options, and what to do if you’re far along.
Recent Research on Hair Shedding
Some scientists studying the role of arrector pili muscles in hair loss found that a healthy one might reduce hair loss.
Now, what the heck are those?
Arrector pili are the muscles that attach and secure hair follicles to the skin’s connective tissues (the basement membrane).
Ever experienced goosebumps on a cold day or while watching Demi Moore’s gaunt, melting form from The Substance (My, were those five strands the scariest things in 2024)? That’s Arrector Pilli muscles in action, contracting and lifting your hair.
Is My Hair Thinning or Shedding?
You’re not alone. A bunch of folks confuse these two. And though related, shedding hair is different from thinning.
Ask yourself…
Is my hair not as “bulky” as it used to be? If yes, chances are your hair is thinning. Or as I like to call it, in its adulting phase (hello 30s and beyond).
Hair thinning is when the volume or density of hair reduces over time. Thinning hair typically starts at the line dividing hair into sections, the sides, or crowns, with a diffuse pattern radiating outwards. The more brittle it is, the faster it falls.
Like everything else in our bodies, the older we get, the thinner and less glamorous our hair gets. In fact, age is one of the main reasons for thinning. Want some evidence?
A study on androgenic alopecia (the medical term for hereditary hair loss) found that a whopping one in two men experienced noticeable hair thinning or baldness by 50. And 40% of women around the same age also complained of less hair density.
This then begs the question…Why is thinning so common among middle and older adults?
The biggest culprits for hereditary hair loss and thinning include:
- Vitamin D and zinc deficiency
- Genetics
- Aging
- Hormonal imbalances
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
As a rule of thumb, shedding is about losing hair.
And thinning is when the hair density reduces. Unlike the former, it’s permanent, so it needs proper remedies, often medical.
Keep in mind that your hair will also thin faster if you shed too much.
Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss: How to Know What You are Experiencing
There’s no discrimination when it comes to hair loss, or what doctors would refer to as alopecia. A person can find themselves struggling with this at any age. And this can arise from many things… A stressful event, hormonal changes, drugs such as high blood pressure meds, or the natural aging process.
Anyone can lose head hair. But according to medical experts, men are more likely to suffer from alopecia than women.
What Causes Hair Loss?
A slew of conditions, both external and internal. External causes affect women the most because of chemicals and heat tools like curling irons needed. For example, frequent shampooing strips the scalp of natural oils and may cause dryness and brittleness. Bleaching, coloring, and perming can cause excessive shedding and gradual thinning.
Plus, elaborate hairstyles like braids and cornrows may be too tight and cause breakage
What about men? Yes, you guessed it… internal problems are their biggest undoing. Often, they have something called telogen effluvium. In simple terms, this is a sudden but temporary case of hair thinning at the crown.
Another type of hereditary hair loss common in men is androgenetic alopecia, a genetic disorder characterized by sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT shrinks hair follicles over time. And gradually thins hair leading to male or female pattern hair loss. Other causes of hair loss are:
- Pregnancy/Postpartum hormonal imbalances
- Vitamin and protein deficiencies
- Chronic Illnesses like diabetes
- Side effects from medication (Chemotherapy)
- Emotional and physical stress
- Aging
- Scalp damage by fungal infections (tinea capitis)
- Hair-pulling disorder
You’ll notice your hair falling out more commonly while bathing. So, if you spot long strands coming loose when shampooing or conditioning your hair, it may be time to talk to a professional and find a suitable hair loss treatment.
What is the Difference Between Hair Loss and Shedding?
As discussed earlier, shedding is part of the natural hair cycle. Around 50 to 100 strands fall off daily during the telogen phase, a resting stage before new hair begins to grow.
Stress, hormonal changes, medications, or nutritional deficiencies can temporarily increase shedding, sometimes up to 300 hairs daily, like in telogen effluvium conditions. But it’s generally reversible once the trigger subsides, with hair regrowing naturally over a few months.
Hair loss, on the other hand, is a significant point of concern. It indicates a halt in hair regrowth. Causes range from genetic conditions like androgenetic alopecia to medical factors, such as chronic illness or autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata.
Unlike shedding, hair loss can result in noticeable thinning or progressive bald spots or patches. And without treatment, it may turn permanent.
Topical Solutions Can Help Prevent Hair Shedding
Ever wondered why some beauty products seem to work and others are nothing more than a well-marketed scam? It’s all in the ingredients.
Take the case of this study comparing a shampoo containing tyramine hydrochloride to one without. The results… The first shampoo with the special ingredient contracted the arrector pili muscle, resulting in a firmer grip by follicular units.
And there was 31% less shedding than the one without tyramine hydrochloride. Believe it or not, some who used the first product shed up to 77% less!
Nutritional Strategies to Prevent Hair Shedding
It never ceases to amaze me how important a healthy diet is, even for the dead fellas attached to the skin. Did you know that people who experience excessive hair loss often have vitamin and mineral deficiencies?
While the study with these findings doesn’t mention the amount of supplementation required to prevent or reverse hair loss, the researchers say, “It’s clear that nutrient deficiencies must be corrected.”
You’re probably wondering, what is the link between nutrition and your eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp coverage?
Well… Different nutrients have different functions in relation to your hair’s health. For example during insufficiencies of:
- Protein: Your body uses the limited protein reserves for other functions at the expense of keratin information
- Iron: There’s less ribonucleotide reductase (enzyme consisting of various ingredients including iron) and oxygen supply which are crucial in follicle stimulation
- Vitamin C: Less collagen(an element that provides hair its shape and strength) production as this vitamin is one of its components
- Folic acid: Reduced cell growth and repair and poor scalp circulation, reducing hair growth
And these are just a tip of the nutritional constituents your follicles need. So, eat well. You’ll give your body the arsenal needed to reduce scalp coverage and thickness concerns.
Reducing Follicle Stress
Does it feel like someone is constantly pulling on your scalp? Are you in pain? Stop trying to get too snatched and snatch your roots right off in the process. Be gentle with your styling.
Aggressive brushing or pulling locks too tight to braid or tie back may weaken follicles. Over time, this can make your hair fall out and create a receding hairline.
Addressing Hair Shedding Concerns
Hair problems can destroy our appearance and self-esteem. But with the various medications and remedies that support follicles and increase the force needed to pluck them, the rate is much lower, especially in women with telogen effluvium.
The Bigger Picture of Hair Health
Hair is more than just a beauty feature; it’s part of our identity and self-expression. For men, a full head of hair is youth and vitality. For women, it’s femininity and beauty.
I know you relate to this… Losing your locks is a surefire way to tank your self-esteem and overall well-being. So, address these concerns quickly with suitable treatments and remedies.
Why?
- Increased Density: The lesser you shed the denser your shock. And the fuller and healthier it looks.
- Boosted Confidence: Who wouldn’t be confident when fewer hairs fall out? Unless you’re Cynthia Erivo, you’ll need the confidence boost of a thick, vibrant mop. Just ask Southern Living… You can take on the world, and deal with anything if you have healthy hair.
- Long-Term Hair Health: Using hair loss products appropriately supports long-term lock health, delays age-related thinning and gives you a vibrant look.
Hair Shedding FAQ’s
1. How much hair shedding is considered normal?
Loss of 50-100 hairs per day is normal. Hair goes through growth cycles. It falls out and regenerates. Too much, though, may relate to an underlying issue.
2. What causes excessive hair shedding?
Worry, anxiety, hormones (pregnancy or menopause), poor nutrition, certain meds, and medical conditions like thyroid problems or alopecia.
3. Can hair loss be reduced or prevented?
Shedding is like aging… You can’t stop it. But you can reduce it by eating well, exercising regularly, and using density-replenishing treatments. Stop brushing aggressively. No tight ponytails, please. And avoid things that make you anxious and worrisome.
4. Does the environment play a role in hair shedding?
Yes, it can. Avoid extreme heat, tight headwear, and strong chemicals as these speed it up. Small doses are okay, though.
Two keys to healthy full hair:
- Understanding what a normal shed rate is
- Using products that reduce excessive loss
It’s time to take control of your locks and preserve your length and the confidence that comes with it.
Having trouble with a severe loss in density and thickness? Our progressive techniques (modified by the latest research) are here for you.
Talk to Forhair experts to see how our range of services can help stop hair shedding from becoming a problem.
