Why Is My Hair Shedding So Much? And How To Treat It

Why is my hair shedding so much? Have you ever been worried about your hair falling out more than usual? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Hair loss is a common problem and can happen to anyone. Here, we will discover about the causes of excessive shedding and how to treat it.

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

Every day, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs. This is completely normal and you don’t need to worry about it. Your hair will fall out in cycles and new hair will grow to replace the old hair.

It is important to understand that shedding hair does not happen immediately. Instead, it happens in cycles. New hair grows to replace old hair, and you may notice some hair falling out every day. However, this will not lead to a thinning or noticeable baldness scalp.

However, if you notice a sudden increase in hair loss and find yourself losing hair progressively over a short period of time, this could be a sign of a problem that should be considered by a doctor.

When you start to notice bald spots or noticeably thinning hair, this could be a signal that you are experiencing hair shedding more than usual.

Why Is My Hair Shedding So Much?

So, why am i shedding so much hair? Although genetics is the main cause of hair loss, many people also experience shedding too much hair due to many other factors. Below are some common factors that might be contributing to your hair loss:

1. Hormonal Imbalance Hair Loss

Hormones play a significant role in regulating hair growth. Female hormones (estrogens) are hair-friendly and support healthy hair growth, while male hormones (androgens) can disrupt the hair growth cycle. An excess of androgens, often caused by conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, can lead to hair loss, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition to follicle sensitivity.

Related Topic: Tips for Healthy Hair Growth

2. Stress Shedding Hair

Excessive stress is a known factor that can cause hair loss. Stress can elevate levels of male hormones (androgens), which can, in turn, lead to hair loss. Additionally, stress can trigger scalp issues like dandruff and disrupt eating habits and digestion, all of which can negatively affect your hair.

3. Iron Deficiency/Anemia Hair Loss

Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair shedding too much in women. Iron is essential for producing the proteins that support hair health. Without enough iron, your hair may suffer. If you suspect an iron deficiency, consult your GP for advice and potential blood tests to determine the appropriate treatment.

4. Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism)

Thyroid imbalances can impact hair follicles since the thyroid gland regulates metabolism and tissue oxygen use. Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to anemia, another condition that can affect hair health.

5. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Hair Loss

A lack of vitamin B12 can result in increased hair shedding because it affects the health of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to your tissues. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common among vegans, as it is primarily found in animal proteins.

6. Dramatic Weight Loss

Significant weight loss, whether intentional or unintentional, can lead to excess hair loss approximately 6-12 weeks after the weight loss occurs. Nutritional deficiencies often first manifest in our hair, as it is non-essential for survival.

While our hair is extremely important to us mentally, it is not biologically necessary; we could survive without it with no detriment to our physical health. This means that any dietary shortage generally manifests as first in our hair.

7. Age-Related Hair Changes

As we age, changes in our bodies, such as menopause, can impact our hair. Hair loss becomes more common leading up to and after menopause. Additionally, natural aging processes can cause hair to become finer, which is a normal part of growing older.

Understanding why is my hair shedding so much is important for finding the right solution. If you suspect any of these factors might be contributing to your increased hair shedding, consider consulting a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment recommendations.

How to Prevent Excessive Hair Shedding

After being aware of “why is my hair shedding so much“, it’s important to find some way to prevent excessive hair shedding. Here are some tips you can take to minimize hair shedding:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for promoting healthy hair and reducing excessive shedding. Nutrient-rich foods play a pivotal role in supporting the hair growth phase.

To minimize hair shedding, prioritize a diet that includes lean proteins, essential healthy fats, and a diverse range of fruits and vegetables. Consider incorporating foods like eggs, chicken, fish, avocado, olive oil, dark leafy greens, and vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges into your meals.

2. Take a Supplement for Hair Growth

If you find it challenging to consume certain foods that promote hair health, or if you have dietary restrictions, hair growth supplements can be a valuable addition to your regimen. These supplements provide essential vitamins and minerals that support the hair growth phase, reducing shedding.

3. Reduce Stress

Managing and reducing stress levels is not only beneficial for your overall health but also essential for preventing excessive hair shedding. Chronic stress can lead to conditions like telogen effluvium, which results in temporary hair loss.

The good news is that shedding too much hair due to stress is typically reversible once stress levels are under control. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can help maintain hair health.

4. Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Tight hairstyles and aggressive chemical treatments can exert undue stress on hair follicles, potentially leading to increased hair breakage and shedding. To mitigate this, opt for looser hairstyles and avoid pulling your hair back too tightly. This practice can help protect your hairline from damage and encourage healthier hair.

5. Get Your Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining hair health and promoting new growth. These nutrients can be found in various whole foods such as salmon, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Alternatively, you can consider incorporating a fish oil supplement into your diet. Omega-3s also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can create a favorable environment for hair follicles, potentially reducing hair shedding.

6. Turn Down the Heat

Excessive heat styling can have detrimental effects on your hair shaft, making it more susceptible to breakage and shedding. To minimize hair shedding, consider taking periodic breaks from heat styling tools and always apply a heat protectant spray before using such devices. This precaution can help preserve your hair’s integrity and reduce hair shedding more than usual.

7. Try a Scalp Treatment

Incorporating regular scalp care into your haircare routine can be one of the most effective preventive measures against hair shedding. Employ weekly pre-shampoo scalp treatments designed to stimulate follicular health.

Additionally, explore topical scalp treatments, including creams, masks, and shampoos, which can be purchased over the counter or may require a doctor’s prescription for specific scalp conditions like psoriasis.

More details: Dry Scalp Treatment at Home – Natural Remedies for Healthy Hair

8. Get Enough Sleep

Adequate sleep is paramount for overall well-being and can significantly impact hair health. Experts suggest that getting enough rest is the top recommendation for improving overall health.

Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleeping environment in a cool, dark room, and reduce screen time at least an hour before bedtime. Quality sleep can contribute to better overall health, which in turn benefits your hair health, helping reduce hair shedding too much.

Don’t Freak Out

Now, you’ve got in hand the answer: “Why is my hair shedding so much?” and tips to stop it. I know that experiencing shedding hair can be distressing, but it’s important to remember that it’s a common issue among women. You’re not alone, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed about it.

While it can be challenging, it’s crucial to be patient and not lose hope. Hair growth is a gradual process, and it typically takes a minimum of six weeks to start seeing improvements.

Your next read: Why Is My Hair So Dry? Causes, Treatments, and Solutions

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