It's normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, and most people become accustomed to finding a few during their regular hair care routine. If you've noticed more hair in your comb, brush, or the shower drain when you wash your hair, it's natural to be concerned about hair loss. However, it's important to remember that hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, and you could just be shedding more hair than usual.
What Is Hair Shedding?
Hair shedding is a normal part of the natural hair growth cycle. The cycle begins with the Anagen, or growth stage, which lasts anywhere from two to seven years. After the growth stage, the hair enters the Catagen phase, lasting about two to three weeks, before entering the Telogen, or resting stage, which can last up to three months.
The hair is no longer attached during the Telogen phase and merely rests in the hair follicle while new hair grows to replace it. The resting hair falls out as the new hair emerges from the hair follicle. The natural hair growth cycle typically goes unnoticed, with each hair growing on an independent cycle. So, while you may lose as many as 100 strands of hair each day as part of the normal hair growth cycle, they come from all over your scalp, while 80-90% of your hair remains growing in the Anagen phase.
When a person begins to shed significantly more hair than usual, they are experiencing excessive hair shedding, also known as telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a relatively common condition that occurs in people exposed to some stress or shock to the system. Excessive shedding can be triggered by emotional events, such as a funeral, wedding, or job change, as well as physical shocks, such as changes in medications, significant weight loss, undergoing medical procedures, or giving birth.
Most people notice excessive hair shedding a few months after the stress or shock. Excessive hair shedding is a temporary condition usually resolved as the body adjusts to the new conditions. However, if the state causing it continues, excessive hair shedding can become an ongoing issue.
What Is Hair Loss?
Unlike hair shedding, hair loss occurs when something stops hair from growing. Various factors can cause or contribute to hair loss, including genetics, reactions to certain drugs or treatments, immune system disorders, and hairstyles that pull and tug on the hair.
Hair loss occurs when the health of the hair follicle is compromised, and the growth cycle is interrupted. The damaged hair follicle begins to produce weaker strands of hair and, if not treated, will eventually stop producing hair altogether.
While many causes of hair loss, such as genetics, are well beyond our control, there are various proven treatments and options to deal with hair loss. The advanced treatments available today can halt the progress of many hair loss conditions and, in some cases, even reverse the damage done to hair follicles.
Is It Shedding or Hair Loss?
Determining whether you are experiencing excessive shedding or hair loss can be challenging. At LH Hair, we understand how troubling it can be when you begin to see more hair falling out than usual. Our team of experts specializes in all aspects of hair care.
We can help you determine if you are experiencing excessive shedding or the early stages of hair loss and recommend appropriate solutions for your condition. To learn more about the differences between hair shedding and hair loss, contact us today to schedule your FREE initial consultation.
