Hair shedding is a natural process that occurs in both men and women. It is a part of the hair growth cycle, which includes three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. During the anagen phase, also known as the active phase, hair grows from the follicles. This phase can last for several years, depending on individual genetics and factors such as age and overall health.

The catagen phase is considered a transitional stage where hair stops growing and prepares to enter the resting phase. This phase typically lasts for two to three weeks before entering the telogen or resting phase. In this final stage, old hairs are pushed out by new ones growing beneath them, resulting in hair shedding.

On average, it is normal for a person to shed around 50-100 hairs per day. However, excessive hair shedding may be a cause for concern as it can lead to thinning of hair or even baldness in some cases. Understanding the causes of hair shedding can help you identify any underlying issues and take necessary steps to prevent it.

Common Causes of Hair Shedding

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can disrupt the natural growth cycle of hair, leading to excessive shedding.
• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger an increase in cortisol levels, which can impact hormone balance and result in temporary hair loss.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins like iron, biotin, or zinc can weaken your strands, causing them to become brittle and fall out easily.
• Harsh Hairstyling Practices: Excessive heat styling tools, such as flat irons or blow dryers, along with chemical treatments like coloring or bleaching, can damage your strands, leading to breakage and ultimately hair fall.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder), scalp infections, or skin disorders like psoriasis, can cause inflammation and disrupt hair growth.

Common Mistakes That Can Contribute to Hair Shedding

• Brushing Wet Hair: Hair is most fragile when it’s wet, so brushing or combing it immediately after a shower can lead to excessive shedding. It is best to let your hair air dry or use a wide-toothed comb to detangle.
• Tight Hairstyles: Constantly pulling your hair back in tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, or buns can put tension on the scalp and weaken the hair follicles, resulting in breakage and shedding.
• Skipping Regular Trims: Not getting regular trims can lead to split ends, which travel up the shaft of your hair, causing it to break off easily, resulting in thinner-looking strands.
• Overusing Products: Using too many styling products that contain harsh chemicals can result in product buildup on the scalp, clogging pores, and hindering new hair growth.

Effective Tips for Reducing Hair Shedding

Hair shedding is a common concern for both men and women. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, and poor hair care habits. Excessive hair shedding not only leads to thinning of hair but also affects the overall health of your scalp. In this section, we will discuss some effective tips on how to stop hair shedding and promote stronger, healthier hair.

• Proper Nutrition and Hydration: A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our hair. Eating foods rich in protein, vitamins (especially Biotin), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce hair shedding. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential for keeping your scalp moisturized and nourished.
• Using Gentle Hair Care Products and Techniques: Harsh chemicals present in shampoos, conditioners, and other styling products can damage the hair follicles, leading to excessive shedding. Switching to gentle or natural products can significantly reduce hair fall. Also, avoid using hot water while washing your hair as it strips off natural oils from the scalp, making it dry, which ultimately leads to breakage.
• Incorporating Scalp Massages and Treatments: Massaging your scalp with essential oils stimulates blood circulation, which enhances nutrient supply to the follicles, promoting healthy growth of new hairs while preventing them from falling out prematurely. You can also try incorporating treatments such as hot oil massages or deep conditioning masks once a week for optimal results.
• Managing Stress Levels: Stress is one of the major contributing factors to excessive hair shedding. Long-term stress disrupts hormonal balance, which weakens follicles, causing them to shed more than usual, leading to thinning of hair over time. Engage yourself in activities like yoga, meditation, or take up a hobby that helps you relax and destress.
• Avoiding Harsh Chemicals and Heat Styling Tools: Excessive use of harsh chemicals, hair dyes, and heat styling tools can cause damage to the hair shaft, leading to breakage and shedding. If you cannot avoid using these products, make sure to use them in moderation and always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools.

Natural Remedies for Stopping Hair Shedding

There are various natural remedies that you can try at home to stop hair shedding. 

• Essential Oils for Scalp Health: Essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil have antimicrobial properties that help balance scalp pH levels, preventing excessive shedding. You can mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and massage it onto your scalp 2-3 times a week.
• Nutrient-rich Diy Hair Masks: In addition to this, nutrient-rich DIY hair masks made from ingredients like eggs, avocado, honey, and yogurt provide nourishment to the follicles, promoting healthy growth while reducing shedding. These masks also help in repairing damaged hair strands, making them stronger.

Conclusion

Hair shedding can be a frustrating and concerning issue for many people, but by following these effective tips, you can strengthen and improve the health of your hair. From incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet to using gentle hair care products and avoiding damaging styling techniques, there are various ways to combat excessive shedding and achieve stronger, healthier locks. Remember to also consult with a medical professional if you notice sudden or severe hair shedding, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition. By taking care of your overall health and implementing these tips, you can say goodbye to excessive hair shedding and hello to strong, beautiful tresses.

Published by HOLR Magazine.