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It’s not uncommon to feel concerned when you notice more hair in your brush or a clog in your shower drain. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between hair shedding and hair loss, as the two are not the same. While hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, hair loss could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
What Is Hair Shedding?
Hair shedding is a natural and essential part of the hair growth process. On average, it’s normal to shed about 100 to 150 hairs per day. This shedding reflects the end of one hair’s life cycle and the beginning of a new one.
Hair goes through four main stages:
- Growth (Anagen): The active growth phase.
- Transition (Catagen): The phase where hair growth slows.
- Rest (Telogen): The phase where the hair stops growing but remains attached to the follicle.
- Shedding (Exogen): The phase where the hair falls out.
Shedding occurs during the exogen phase to make room for new growth during the anagen phase. This process is cyclical and typically takes two to five months from shedding to new hair growth.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss, on the other hand, happens when hair strands fall out without re-entering the growth phase. This can lead to thinning hair or bald patches. Unlike regular shedding, hair loss often signals a disruption in the hair growth cycle due to external or internal factors.
Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss
- Hair Shedding: Cyclical, temporary, and often related to changes like hormonal fluctuations, nutritional shifts, or stress. Shedding is generally manageable with remedies and tends to resolve on its own.
- Hair Loss: Triggered by factors like stress, diet, or health conditions, hair loss is more persistent and may require professional intervention to reverse. Unlike shedding, hair loss can result in visible thinning or bald patches.
Certain life events, such as pregnancy, childbirth, or significant weight loss, can increase hair shedding temporarily. These situations often result in excessive shedding but typically balance out over time. In contrast, hair loss can be more severe and long-lasting, potentially leading to conditions like alopecia areata—an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice unexpected hair loss or prolonged excessive shedding, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Excessive shedding that leads to visibly thinner hair, known as telogen effluvium, might indicate underlying hair loss. Additionally, if your scalp becomes tender or sensitive, it’s advisable to see a dermatologist.
If you suspect your shedding is related to dietary changes, consulting with an endocrinologist could also be helpful. A doctor can provide treatments to address hair loss and help you develop a plan to manage your hair health.
Preventative Tips for Healthy Hair
While it’s important to address excessive shedding or hair loss with a professional, there are also steps you can take at home to maintain healthy hair:
- Daily Scalp Massage: Spend at least 4 minutes massaging your scalp daily to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote scalp health. Research has shown that regular scalp massages can help reduce hair fall.
- Avoid Heavy Oils: Applying heavy oils directly to your scalp can clog hair follicles, potentially hindering hair growth.
- Limit Shampooing: Washing your hair every other day instead of daily can help prevent dryness and scalp irritation, as harsh cleansers can strip your hair of its natural oils instead use a gentle shampoo.
The Final Takeaway
If you’re dealing with bald patches or significant hair loss, it’s crucial to seek professional help to determine the underlying cause. Hair shedding, even when excessive, is generally normal and often temporary. However, if you notice thinning or scalp tenderness, a professional can help you create a treatment plan. In the meantime, focusing on regular scalp care and gentle hair practices can help keep your hair’s growth cycle in balance.
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