Hair Shedding VS Hair Loss Understanding the Differences and Solutions
What is the difference between Hair Shedding and Hair Loss?
Hair shedding and hair loss both refer to the process of hair falling out. Therefore, many people may mistakenly believe that they mean the same thing. However, in reality, hair shedding and hair loss are different. From a medical perspective, they are two distinct terms because the causes behind them are different.
What Is the Hair Growth Cycle?
Before discussing hair shedding and hair loss, we need to understand the hair growth cycle. This will help us better comprehend hair shedding and hair loss.
The human hair growth cycle is typically divided into three phases:
Anagen Phase: Also known as the "Growth Phase" or "Active Phase," this stage usually lasts for 2 to 7 years. It is the period when the hair root cells divide the fastest, leading to the formation of more new hair. The length of this phase determines the maximum length of the hair.
Transition Phase: The Catagen Phase, also referred to as the "Transition Phase," generally lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. During this phase, the hair follicles gradually begin to shrink, and hair growth will halt.
Telogen Phase: Also known as the "Resting Phase," the Telogen Phase typically lasts for 3 to 4 months. During this stage, the hair does not grow, and you may even notice some shedding. If you're losing up to 100 strands of hair a day, don't worry; this is a normal occurrence. After hair falls out, new hair will begin to grow, starting a new cycle.
Something You Need to Know About Hair Shedding
What is Hair Shedding?
Hair shedding is a natural process that is a necessary part of the hair growth cycle. During telogen phase, hair enters the resting period and falls out. It is normal to lose a certain number of hairs each day—typically around 50 to 100 strands. However, this number can be influenced by various external factors, such as hormonal changes, stress, nutrition, and overall health.
Common Causes of Increased Hair Shedding:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations often occur in women during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Hormonal imbalances can lead to changes in mood and can also trigger an increase in hair shedding.
- Health Status: Conditions such as high fever, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, and autoimmune diseases can lead to hair loss.
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can cause hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely, resulting in more hair shedding than usual.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, or vitamins can negatively impact hair health.
- Medications: Certain medications, including those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart disease, and blood thinners, may have hair loss as a side effect.
- Hairstyles and Hair Care: Frequent use of harsh chemicals for dyeing or perming hair, as well as tight hairstyles, can damage hair and contribute to hair loss.
Effective Solutions for Hair Shedding
A certain level of hair shedding is normal. We can take targeted actions based on the causes mentioned above. However, if you notice a significant or sudden change in your hair shedding patterns, it is important to seek professional medical help. A healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes to effectively manage hair shedding.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise, and recreational activities can help reduce stress.
- Balanced Diet: Make sure to consume enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support overall hair health. Foods rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E are particularly beneficial.
- Proper Hair Care: Reduce the frequency of dyeing and perming your hair. Regularly perform scalp care and choose gentle hair products to help minimize hair shedding.
Something You Need to Know About Hair Lost
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, refers to a reduction in the number of hairs on the scalp and is usually permanent. This condition can occur in people of all ages and genders and may be caused by a variety of factors. Unlike hair shedding, which is generally temporary and self-resolving, hair loss often indicates a more serious underlying issue that may require medical intervention.
Common Causes of Increased Hair Lost:
- Genetic Hair Loss: Also known as "Androgenetic Alopecia," this hereditary condition causes hair to gradually thin and decrease. In men, it typically results in a receding hairline and bald spots, while in women, it usually leads to overall thinning.
- Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disease that causes sudden, patchy hair loss. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair falling out in small, round patches.
- Cicatricial Alopecia: This is a relatively rare form of hair loss where inflammation damages the hair follicles on the scalp, resulting in permanent hair loss due to scarring.
- Hair Loss Due to Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can lead to hair loss.
- Hair Loss from Scalp Infections: This is usually caused by fungal infections, such as ringworm, which damage the hair follicles and result in hair loss.
Effective Solutions for Hair Lost
- Medications: FDA-approved treatments such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia) can help slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
- Implementing Hair Restoration Procedures: Options like hair transplant surgery or scalp micropigmentation can be considered for more permanent solutions.
- Treating Underlying Conditions: Addressing any medical conditions that contribute to hair loss can aid in restoring hair growth.
- Scalp Treatments: Treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involve injecting the patient’s own platelets into the scalp to promote hair growth.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy: This non-invasive treatment can stimulate hair growth and increase hair density.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding hairstyles that pull on the hair can help control hair loss.
Secrets to Keeping Hair Healthy
- Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Eat plenty of foods high in vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Since hair is made of keratin, include healthy protein sources such as fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and nuts.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily to keep your body and hair adequately hydrated. Well-hydrated hair is less prone to breakage and dryness.
- Gentle Handling: Avoid excessive brushing, especially when wet, and use a wide-tooth comb. Always use a high-quality conditioner to keep hair moisturized and manageable.
- Limit Heat Styling: Reduce the use of heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers. If you must use them, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray first.
- Regular Trimming: Get regular haircuts to avoid split ends and maintain overall hair health.
- Scalp Care: Massage your scalp while washing your hair to promote blood circulation and maintain scalp health. If you have issues like dryness or dandruff, consider using specialized scalp treatments.
- Protect from the Elements: Wear a hat in the sun to prevent UV damage, and consider wearing a swim cap when swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Sleep on Silk: Consider using silk or satin pillowcases, as they can reduce friction on your hair, minimizing breakage and frizz.
At Last
There is a significant difference between hair shedding and hair loss. Understanding the distinction between the two is crucial. Identifying the true cause allows for targeted solutions, helping us to better address the issue.
We hope that this article provides you with useful information. If you are unable to determine whether you are experiencing hair shedding or hair loss, we recommend seeking the assistance of a healthcare professional. We wish you a swift resolution to your hair concerns.
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