Excessive hair shedding can be a cause of concern for many people. It is a condition where you lose an excessive amount of hair on a regular basis. This can be quite alarming, especially if you're not sure what's causing it. In this blog post, we'll take a deeper look at what excessive hair shedding means, common causes of hair shedding, and how to manage it.
What is Hair Shedding?
First, let's talk about what hair shedding is. Hair shedding is a natural process where your hair falls out from the roots. On average, we lose around 50-100 hairs per day. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you're losing more than 100 hairs per day, this is considered excessive and could be a sign of an underlying issue.
Common Causes of Excessive Hair Shedding
There are many reasons why you might experience excessive hair shedding. Some common causes include:
- Stress: High levels of stress can cause your body to go into 'fight or flight' mode, which can result in hair loss
- Poor diet: Nutrient deficiencies can cause hair loss, so it's important to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can cause hair loss
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or alopecia, can cause hair loss
- Over-styling: Over-styling your hair with heat tools or chemical treatments can weaken your hair and cause it to fall out
How to Manage Excessive Hair Shedding
If you're experiencing excessive hair shedding, there are steps you can take to manage it. Here are some tips:
- Reduce stress: Try to reduce stress in your life through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques
- Eat a balanced diet: Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to promote healthy hair growth
- Get enough sleep: Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to promote overall health and reduce stress
- Avoid over-styling: Avoid using heat tools or chemical treatments on your hair too frequently
- Visit a dermatologist: If you're experiencing excessive hair shedding, visit a dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hair shedding is normal?
On average, we lose around 50-100 hairs per day. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Can stress cause hair shedding?
Yes, high levels of stress can cause your body to go into 'fight or flight' mode, which can result in hair loss.
Can poor diet cause hair shedding?
Yes, nutrient deficiencies can cause hair loss, so it's important to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Hair Care Tips
Here are some additional hair care tips to help promote healthy hair growth:
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Tight hairstyles, such as braids or ponytails, can cause hair breakage and hair loss
- Use a gentle shampoo: Use a shampoo that is gentle on your hair and scalp, and avoid using too much product
- Avoid hot water: Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, so try to wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water
- Use a wide-tooth comb: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair, and avoid brushing it when it's wet, as this can cause breakage
- Protect your hair from the sun: Wear a hat or use a hair product with SPF to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun
Overall, excessive hair shedding can be a sign of an underlying issue, but it's usually nothing to worry about. By taking steps to reduce stress, eat a balanced diet, and avoid over-styling your hair, you can help promote healthy hair growth.
