Why You May Be Experiencing Excess Hair Shedding

Did you know the average person loses 50-100 hairs per day?! As curly girls, this can often seem like MUCH more since our hair doesn't fall out throughout the day like our straight hair friends. Instead, it all tends to come out in the shower. So how do you know if your hair is shedding TOO much?

There are many potential triggers that may lead to hair loss, meaning it can be difficult to know why your strands are falling out and the best solution for the hair loss. This article looks into some of the top reasons that may make you experience excessive hair loss and their solutions.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading.

Hormonal Imbalance Hair Loss

One possible reason for hair loss is that you have a hormonal imbalance. Hormones play a key role in regulating the hair growth cycle, and an imbalance can cause hair to fall out prematurely.

Hormones are important in regulating the hair growth cycle. For example, the estrogen hormones- in females are 'hair friendly' and keep your hair in a growth phase for a long time. On the other hand, Androgens hormones are not hair-friendly and can shorten the hair growth cycle. If your body has an excess of androgens, it can cause hair loss.

Infection On Scalp

Scalp infection occurs when bacteria, yeast, or fungi overgrow and invade hair follicles. The infection can come with pus bumps, redness, and scaling. However, most scalp infections are curable with the right antibiotic or antifungal products.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is among women's top most common causes of hair loss. Iron is important for producing hair cell protein; without it, your hair strands will suffer. If you are unsure, it's best to seek advice regarding an iron deficiency from a specialist. They will recommend a blood test to confirm the correct treatment or products with iron to solve that problem.

Genetics

Hereditary hair loss is not only associated with male pattern baldness. Both male and female genders are susceptible to hereditary hair loss. In women, hair loss is usually concentrated at the crown of the head.

Although it is hard to entirely stop this type of hair loss, there are treatments and products that can slow it down and make hair stay full and long, so make sure you regularly discuss the best treatment options and products with your doctor.

Deficiency of Vitamin B12

Healthy hair requires a good variety of vitamins and minerals, and so a deficiency can lead to thinning or shedding. A lack of vitamin B12 makes you tired and low on energy. However, it can also take its toll on your hair leading to hair loss. This is because it affects the health of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues. When the hair follicle is less supplied with oxygen, hair might start falling off.

When You Have Autoimmune Diseases

When you have an autoimmune condition, your body recognizes its hair follicles as foreign substances, attacks them, and makes the hair fall out.

Examples of such conditions include alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Sometimes people with alopecia areata see their hair grow back but might fall off again. However, when you talk to a dermatologist, they can help by prescribing various treatments.

Some Medications May Lead To Hair Loss.

Some medications can cause chronic shedding. For example, those medications for managing high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, and depression are likely to cause hair loss issues, according to research by the Mayo Clinic.

You should check with your doctor when you start suspecting that your medication is causing hair loss. Luckily a lot of hair loss caused by medications is temporary. However, when it becomes chronic, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication that doesn't cause this side effect or a safer product to use.

Traction Alopecia Hair Loss- Hairstyle

A hairstyle like afro, dreadlocks or braids can cause traction alopecia. The term refers to hair loss caused by repeated and prolonged tensile (pulling) on the hair follicles through regularly combing afro, wearing certain braids and long dreadlocks. Hair loss results from too much pressure exerted over the edges or hairline.

Not Eating Right.

If you attempt to reduce weight by going on a diet that deprives you of certain nutrients, you can also experience hair loss. Extreme diets cause deficiencies in protein, vitamins, iron, etc. can cause excessive hair shedding.

Excess Stress

It's true, excessive stress can also cause hair loss. When we're under duress, our bodies produce higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with hair growth.

Final Take Away

Although the reasons for hair loss can vary, it's important to consult with a professional if you're concerned.