Signs to Consider When Concerned About Hair Shedding
Losing hair pizzle you off? It's natural to lose hair as a regular part of life's cycle, but a significant increase might have you scratching your noggin and wondering, "What the f#@k is going on here?" This blow-by-blow on hair shedding sheds some light on the situation, whether you're a bro or a broad, and what you can do to keep a lid on it.
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In the grand scheme of things, shedding your barnet is common as hell and nothing to worry about. On average, you'll see between 50 and 150 hairs taking a hike every day. But, admittedly, thatmay still seem like a big handful. Besides, with a mop of hair like yours, even losing half a strand could appear alarming.
But before you go ballistic when you see a mass of bristles clogging your drain or tangled in your brush, take a deep breath. Here's what erudite Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, MD, has to say about that:
What's Up, Shedding?
Different strokes for different folks, right? Well, the same goes for shedding, where each hair type experiences its own unique lifestyle in the root. But one thing's for certain: We all shed.
On average, you can expect to lose between 50 and 150 hairs a day. You may be asking, "Holy sh#t, isn't that a lot?" Well, consider this: Every bonce has around 100,000 (or more) hair follicles gracing its noggin. So, a little shedding is like peanuts in the grand scheme of things.
This tidy tidbit also depends on the length and thickness of your strands. For instance, you'll appear to shed less if you've got a shorter or finer mane. Fact is, your hair goes through cycles:
- Anagen phase: Growth phase, lasting two to eight years.
- Catagen phase: Transition phase, lasting about two to six weeks.
- Telogen phase: Resting phase, leading to shedding and spanning about two to four months.
Hair shedding is part and parcel of our locks' growth process. When a hair takes its sweet depart, it makes way for fresh new growth.
Male vs. Female Pelt
Ever wonder if being blinded by your balls or lady parts influences hair loss? Not so much. What plays a more significant role is:
- Genetics: You inherit hair follicles from both your old man and old lady.
- Hormones: Testosterone and its byproduct dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the main triggers for hair loss.
Generally speaking, studies shoe that men are more prone to experience hair loss compared to women. But ladies lose way more of their follicles during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal fluctuations. Half of all broads experience noticeable hair loss eventually.
A 2017 study shows that women are more likely to lose tresses due to styling practices. However, this may have more to do with attitude than gender. Long story short? Anyone who tears their coiffure asunder can experience increased shedding, leading to potential permanent hair loss if it becomes chronic.
Ain't No Cause for Panic, But...
Sure, some hair loss is a normal part of life. But if you're noticing a bald patch emerging, increased thinning, or shedding way more than usual, it's time to open up a dialogue with your doc, preferably a dermatologist. These signs might signal an underlying issue that needs addressing.
So, what causes our hair to shed like a wolf shedding its winter coat? Here are the main culprits:
Grooming Practices
Your follicles get a good workout during routine haircare sessions like washing and styling. This nudges strands already in the shedding phase or on the verge of it out the door.
On a hairier note, tight ponytails, cornrows, and other 'dos can damage follicles, leading to thinning. But loosening up and switching up your styles can help put a rein on it.
Stress Freakouts
Stress got yer balls in a bunch? You're not alone. In fact, when under duress, your body pumps out cortisol, a hormone that revs up your engine. This can hasten the growth cycle, causing your hair to fall out prematurely. Once you've found your zen again, your hair growth should return to normal within six to 12 months.
Medical Bizness
Sometimes, medicine and therapies target fast-dividing cells, like cancer treatments, disrupting the hair growth cycle. Blood thinners, certain antidepressants, and other medications may affect your hair's natural cycles or the hormones pulsating through your body, leading to shedding.
Malnourishment
Our bods require specific nutrients to keep humming along, including protein, iron, and biotin. If you're lacking in these essential vitamins, minerals, and minerals, your hair might become weak or brittle, shedding more than normally seen.
That's just the basics. To learn more about how factors like stress, medical treatments, and hormones impact your barnet, book an eye-opening chat with your doc or derm today. Find the analysis you need to uncover any underlying issues and the secrets to keeping a full head of hair on your melon.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, hair shedding is a common occurrence, particularly in the context of lifestyle, as different hair types have unique growth patterns but all eventually shed.
- The science behind hair shedding reveals that it is a natural part of the hair growth process, with an average of 50 to 150 hairs being lost each day, although this number may seem significant to some individuals.
- Despite the normalcy of hair shedding, it is essential to be aware of unexplained bald patches, increased thinning, or excessive shedding, as these symptoms may signal an underlying issue that requires medical intervention in the health news domain.
