Why Does Hair Shed & What Can You Do to Prevent It?

You’re washing your hair in the shower then suddenly you notice your hair all over your hands, it is your worst nightmare!  Whether it is just a few strands or a few clumps, hair shedding is unnerving, but do not panic!  We, at Amazing Beauty Hair are here to help and offer you some tips on why your hair may be shedding and what you can do to prevent it.

Why is my hair shedding?

Firstly, a little bit of hair shedding is totally normal.  The average adult loses around 80 strands per day and has around 100,000 hairs on their head, so in the grand scheme of things that is a very small percentage!  Every single one us notices a few hairs around the plug after a shower, not to mention after brushing our hair after a long day’s work.  Secondly, hair loss is VERY common, it affects millions of people and 1 in 3 women will experience some type of hair loss or hair thinning in their life.  So if you are losing more hair than normal, or noticing it becoming thin, then don’t freak out!  

Also, there are some easy ways to restore your locks to their former glory which we are going to share with you below.

There are multiple reasons why you may be suffering from a little or a lot of hair loss, usually, new hair replaces any lost hair but once this slows or even stops, is when you notice a problem.  This can happen very suddenly or be a gradual process over several years, so let’s examine why this may be happening.

Stress

Yep, the number one reason for hair shedding and the one you probably already knew is stress.  Stress can wreak absolute havoc on our bodies and our hair is no different.  When we are stressed it creates a chemical and hormonal imbalance that affects our entire well being.  Many people suffer from acne, weight fluctuation, sleep loss, and mood swings as other by-products of stress.  Many people lose their appetite when they are stressed so your hair and your body are not receiving the proper nutrients that they need to be healthy, so your hair is lacking the protein it needs and may shed.  Stress can also cause a dry, itchy scalp and dandruff.

Hormonal Imbalance

The hair growth cycle is mainly regulated by our hormones.  Female hormones (estrogen) are the ‘hair friendly’ hormones that keep the hair in the growth phase for as long as possible.  In contrast, the male hormones (androgens) can reduce the length of the growth phase.  If you suffer from certain disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome then this can cause an increase of the male hormones which can lead to hair shedding.

Genetics

Hair shedding is unfortunately hereditary, so if Mom, Dad or even your Grandparents suffer from hair thinning and loss, the chances are that you will too.  Certain sex hormones can trigger hair loss as early as puberty.  This can result in years of gradual loss of hair follicles.

Iron Deficiency

Also known as Anemia, an Iron deficiency can be a very common cause of hair loss.  As well as causing a ‘tired’ feeling, a lack of Iron in your body will stop the production of hair cell protein, which is essential for the healthy hair you are dreaming of!

Dramatic Weight Loss

A drastic change in your weight is never healthy and should be avoided.  If you lose a dramatic amount of weight this will shock your body and cause certain physical reactions.  You will be depriving it of the essential nutrients it needs to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails as well as potentially causing long term damage.  Typically 6-12 weeks after a drastic drop in weight, your hair will abruptly fall out, so as with everything in life, balance is important.

Chemical Damage from Styling

Overprocessing your hair or using cheap products and chemicals can severely damage your hair.  Too much heat or chemical styling can frazzle your ends causing hair to snap and even damage your scalp causing hair to shed and stop growing.

Medical Conditions & Treatments

Alopecia is a condition that happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles resulting in hair loss.  Certain medication and cancer treatments can also cause hair loss and shedding.

Poorly Applied Extensions

At ABH we always encourage seeking a qualified hairstylist/technician when applying certain types of extensions as the results, if done incorrectly, can be very, very bad!  Not only could you be left with a full head of badly applied hair extensions that you have to wear for a week, but more serious, permanent damage could be done resulting in hair shedding and bald patches!  Heavy weaves can pull finer hair from the roots, resulting in bald spots.  Some stylists still use glue to apply extensions which is a very old method we definitely do not recommend!  We are proud to only offer hair extensions that are safe and gentle to your natural hair and will not cause any hair shedding or loss with the correct application

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is very likely this could be a cause of your hair loss as it can affect the red blood cells which carry oxygen to your tissue.  Vegans are the most likely to suffer from this because vitamin B12 primarily comes from animal proteins.

Age

It is common knowledge that as we age our hair thins, so a little bit of thinning is nothing to worry about.  However, many women experience a greater amount of hair loss in the lead up to and during their menopause.

Styling

We all love a sleek pony and a chic top-knot, but regularly wearing your hair in styles that ‘pull’ on your scalp can result in hair loss.  The traction of the hairstyles put stress on your hair follicles (the same thing can also happen if your extensions are applied too closely to your scalp).  Also, if you have finer hair, then try to avoid heavy styling products that are just going to add more weight to your hair.

So, how you get your hair back? 

The good news is that most hair shedding is only temporary and thankfully there are many ways to reverse the problem.

Supplements

The beauty industry knows how much we love our hair and these days there are so many supplements targeted at hair growth that we are spoiled for choice!  When you are looking for a hair supplement look for the following ingredients for the best results; Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, and the essential amino acids, L-Lysine and L-Methionine.  Biotin is another excellent supplement for increasing hair growth that is often recommended to people suffering from alopecia.  Remember though, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet alongside supplements for healthy hair and a healthy body.

Go Easy on the Styling

If you are guilty of straightening your hair every morning, curling it with tongs at night, regular blow dries...then it is time to take a break.  All of these heat products are doing absolutely no good to your hair.  Instead, air dry your hair wherever possible, embrace those curls for a while and if you absolutely cannot stay away from the heating tools then use them on the lowest setting with plenty of hair protector.  The same goes when it comes to hairstyles, keep them loose and light, nothing that will cause hair traction on the roots.  Finally, be gentle when washing and drying your hair, pat dry with a towel, and don't brush it too hard.

Medication

If your hair shedding is severe and you are concerned then it may be worth you visiting your doctor who can provide you with some medication.  You can discuss all of the options that are available and decide what is best for you.  Remember that most medication has side effects so be sure to examine these before starting anything.

Conditioning Treatments

We always encourage loving your locks as best you can and weekly intensive conditioning treatments are a must!  Look for products that are gentle on your hair with no sulfates and treat yourself to a weekly conditioning mask.  Your hair will really thank you for it!

Extensions / Wigs

Although technically not a ‘cure’ for hair shedding certain extensions and wigs can offer a great solution for thinning hair/hair loss.  Gentle extensions such as our Halo hair extensions are perfect for hair shedding because it causes zero-damage, has no effect on your natural hair and adds instant confidence, length, and volume! 

Finally, remember that a hair loss is NORMAL, don’t freak out as stress (as we already talked about) will only make things worse.  Look after your body, mind, and follow the steps above to maximize hair growth and to keep your hair as healthy as possible.  Don't expect results overnight either, as we all know hair takes time, a typical growth cycle is 6 weeks so that is how long it will take before you see any results.