How To Reduce Hair Shedding and Stimulate Growth
If you’ve ever noticed extra strands on your pillow or shower drain, you’re not alone. Hair shedding vs hair loss is something most people experience, but they aren’t the same. Hair shedding is a normal part of the hair’s cycle. Hair loss happens when your hair falls out and doesn’t grow back.
Let’s go through what you can do to keep your scalp and hair healthy and boost growth.
What Is the Difference Between Hair Shedding and Hair Loss?
Everyone sheds hair. It’s normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day. These hairs are at the end of their growth phase and are replaced by new ones. But when the amount of hair you lose goes up, thinning, bald patches, or excessive hair shedding, you may be dealing with hair loss.
Hair loss includes conditions like female pattern baldness and others. If you’re worried about how much hair is falling out, watch for repeated thinning near the crown or a widening part.
What Causes Hair Shedding?
Most shedding happens when hair follicles move through the telogen (resting) phase. This can be increased by stress, hormonal imbalances, tight hairstyles, or certain treatments. Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss where more hairs than usual enter this resting phase and fall out. Causes include illness, stress, or sudden diet changes.
Common reasons for hair falling out include:
- Hormonal imbalances, such as after pregnancy or menopause
- Side effects of medication
- Sudden weight changes
- Poor nutrition (lack of iron, vitamins, protein)
- Excessive heat styling, bleaching, or dyeing
- Tight hairstyles that pull on the hair
- Genetics, including androgenetic alopecia
How To Prevent Hair from Shedding
Simple changes can help protect your hair. These changes include:
Eat A Balanced Diet
Your hair follicles need nutrients. Foods rich in iron (spinach, lentils), protein (fish, meat, legumes), and vitamins (A, C, E) support healthy hair and scalp. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, like salmon, are also good for hair health. If you’re not eating enough of the right things, hair growth slows down and shedding can increase.
Manage Stress
High stress pushes more hair into the shedding phase. Meditation, yoga, and regular walks help. Decent sleep also keeps your growth phase healthy.
Be Gentle with Your Hair
Use a mild shampoo and avoid hot showers or strong chemicals. Swap tight ponytails for looser styles to protect your hair follicles. Don’t rub wet hair with a towel.
Regular Scalp Care
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp and hair. Massage your scalp gently to boost blood flow, which encourages growth phase renewal. Wash your scalp and hair regularly, but avoid washing too often.
Limit Damage from Styling
Heat tools and chemical treatments can damage hair and increase breakage. Let hair air dry when you can. If you colour your hair, use professional services like the root touch-up hair colour service for a gentler treatment.
Address Issues Early
Excessive hair shedding and thinning can often be improved with targeted treatment and routine changes. Find out how to address hair breakage and hair loss with professional guidance.
Understanding Types of Hair Loss
There are several types of hair loss, from temporary telogen effluvium to pattern loss like androgenetic alopecia. Female pattern baldness is common and usually starts with gradual thinning.
- Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair loss where more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase, often triggered by stress or illness.
- Androgenetic Alopecia: A common genetic condition causing gradual thinning, known as male or female pattern baldness.
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the body attacks hair follicles, leading to round patches of hair loss.
- Traction Alopecia: Loss caused by tight hairstyles or repeated pulling, which damages hair follicles over time.
Medical conditions or side effects from some drugs can make it worse. If you notice bald spots or a rapid change in the amount of hair you have, speak with a professional.
How Much Hair Is Too Much?
Shedding up to 100 hairs per day is expected for most people. But if you’re seeing much more, large clumps on your brush or thinning spots, it could be excessive. Track the amount of hair shedding, as it can change with stress, hormone shifts, or major life events.
How To Minimize Hair Loss and Help Hair Growth
Improve your nutrition and include foods that boost hair health
- Lower stress levels whenever possible
- Get enough sleep
- Use gentle, nourishing hair products
- Avoid harsh styling techniques and excessive heat
- Take care when combing or drying wet hair
- Talk with your doctor about supplements if you’re low in iron or other nutrients
If you’re interested in boosting growth, explore the best hair regrowth treatments you can book now.
Conclusion
A healthy scalp and good habits play a big role in reducing hair shedding and giving growth a chance. Small changes, like eating better and caring for your scalp, can make a difference. If you’re noticing thinning, persistent shedding, or hair breakage, get advice from a hair specialist.
Want tailored solutions for your hair? Book your appointment with us today.