Shedding hair is a natural and ongoing process considered a typical aspect of the hair cycle. Hair that has been shed can be found on our fingers, combs or brushes, pillows, or other articles of clothing. When we understand the hair growth cycle, it will be easier to comprehend both regular and abnormal forms of hair loss. Various sources of stress have been shown to disrupt the natural cycle of hair growth and result in excessive hair loss.
Signs And Symptoms of Hair Shedding in A Clinical Setting
The scalp becomes more noticeable due to diffuse hair reduction caused by excessive hair shedding. In extreme cases of hair loss, the scalp may become completely bare. There is also the possibility of a more localized hair loss, which can be scarring or non-scarring.
The Several Possible Causes of Hair Shedding
Three conditions—telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, and alopecia areata—are responsible for hair shedding in most cases. Several other factors might contribute to thinning hair and hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is characterized by extreme shedding after the body has been subjected to a shock. Up to fifty percent of the hair abruptly enters a time of dormancy, during which it stops growing and eventually falls out. Poor nutrition, stress (such as delivery, surgery, or a severe sickness), and a lack of minerals can all trigger this condition. If you pull on the top or the sides of your head while being careful, you should be able to effortlessly remove many hairs.
Anagen Effluvium
Shedding of approximately 90% of structurally defective scalp hairs can occur suddenly and diffusely after acute damage to the follicles during the growth stage (anagen effluvium).
Alopecia Areata
This condition is an autoimmune disorder that can cause either diffuse alopecia or spherical patches of hair loss. Both types of alopecia areata can be distinguished by their appearance. Alopecia areata can result in total baldness of the scalp (alopecia totalis) and, in extremely rare cases, total baldness of the body (alopecia Universalis).
Other Factors That Contribute to Hair Shedding
Improper Diet
Consuming a too restrictive diet may cause more harm than benefit to your hair. Be sure you are consuming enough nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to help you maintain healthy skin and hair. Eat a lot of foods that are high in antioxidants as well as proteins. Folic acid, zinc, and iron are examples of some of the essential nutrients.
Dryness
Damage and shedding are more likely to occur in hair that is dry and fragile. Using harsh solutions, shampooing the hair excessively, and washing the hair with hot water are all examples of things that can make this issue even worse. It’s also possible that you’re contributing to dryness and shedding in your hair by skipping the conditioner step after washing your scalp.
Grooming Instruments
Using these styling products can cause damage to your hair, but you can prevent this damage by putting on a heat protectant. If you subject your hair to temperatures too high, the scales on your head may start to fall out and shatter. It is best to refrain from using such instruments too frequently. Give your hair some room to breathe.
Overusing Chemical Treatments
The use of chemical treatments on your hair, such as relaxers, dyeing, or perms, amongst other things, might cause it to shed. If you have previously chemically treated the hair, it is recommended that you refrain from doing so for at least 6-7 months. When you chemically treat your hair too frequently, you subject it to potentially dangerous chemicals and even heat, which can significantly damage your hair.
Repetitively Pulling Your Hair
Regularly pulling your hair back into a ponytail or bun will pull it out of the roots, but it will also make your hair tangled and more likely to break. The most effective daily routine strategy is to keep the knot somewhat loose.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid glands in your neck do not produce an adequate amount of the hormones that regulate your metabolism. Growth hormones produced by the thyroid are essential for healthy hair. A deficiency in thyroid hormone can damage the hair and even cause hair shedding.
How Can I Stop My Hair from Shedding?
Ensure That Your Diet Consists of Vitamins
Because they improve the hair’s health, vitamins C, D3, and biotin may help minimize hair shedding. Your diet should include foods high in these nutrients if you want healthy hair. If you cannot ingest foods containing them or if you already have a deficit, you can get them in supplement form instead.
Vitamin C may play a role in developing collagen, the protein responsible for forming the foundation of the blood vessels in the skin. Vitamin D3 stimulates the creation of keratin, a protein with a fibrous structure that accounts for most of the hair. For optimal hair growth, biotin is an absolute must.
Maintain An Effective Hair Care Routine
Regularly massaging your scalp with essential oil will help to improve blood circulation to your hair follicles. The hair follicles will get stronger, which will help avoid breakage.
Cleansing the scalp, which is necessary to eliminate excess oil, can be accomplished with the help of shampoo. Experts recommend you use it at least twice or thrice weekly. After you, shampoo, use a conditioner to replenish the nutrients stripped from your hair by the shampoo.
Give Your Hair Deep Conditioning Treatment
Applying a deep conditioner will supply your hair with the essential amino acids and nutrients it needs. It will strengthen your hair, and the nutrients can go deeper into the shaft, where they can help repair any damage. Your hair will become smoother and more resistant to breakage if you regularly subject it to deep conditioning treatments.
Conclusion
You may have hair shedding if your strands are dry, frizzy, and scratchy. The way of life, medical conditions, and other things can lead to hair shedding. It is crucial to keep up a decent hair care regimen, eat well, keep the hair hydrated, and supply it with the required nutrients if you want to protect it from shedding.