Hair shedding is a natural phenomenon. On any given day, it’s typical for a person to lose 50 to 100 hairs. However, when the bathroom floor, your hairbrush, or your pillow starts showing an unusual amount of hair, it becomes a noticeable excessive hair shedding female and a cause for concern, especially for women for whom hair often holds significant aesthetic and emotional value. Excessive hair shedding female, in females can be the result of numerous factors. In this post, we’ll explore the causes, remedies, and when it’s time to seek professional advice.
Understanding Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss
Before delving deeper, it’s vital to distinguish between hair shedding and hair loss. * Hair sheds, shedding is a natural process, where old hairs fall out to make way for new ones. Hair loss, on the other hand thinner or missing hair part, happens when the hair stops growing altogether due to various reasons.
Causes of Excessive Hair Shedding in Females
a. Telogen Effluvium (TE):
This temporary hair shedding condition often follows significant stressors like childbirth, major surgery, severe infections, or extreme weight gain or sudden hair loss either. In TE, a larger-than-normal number of hairs move into the shedding phase.
b. Hormonal Changes:
Conditions like pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or menopause can lead to hormonal imbalances, resulting in increased hair shedding.
c. Nutritional Deficiencies:
Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, protein, or vitamins can weaken hair, leading to shedding.
d. Hair Care Practices:
Regular heat styling, tight hairstyles, or harsh treatments can damage hair and increase shedding.
e. Medications:
Certain drugs, including those for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure, can cause more hair- shedding.
Excessive Hair Shedding Female: Remedies and Preventative Measures
a. Balanced Diet:
Ensure you’re consuming a healthy diet, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Foods like spinach, eggs, berries, and fish are beneficial for hair health.
b. Gentle Hair Care:
Avoid heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments. When brushing, be gentle and consider using a wide-toothed comb.
c. Scalp Massage:
Regularly massaging your scalp can stimulate blood circulation, promoting hair health.
d. Limit Stress:
Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity to manage stress.
e. Hair Supplements:
Biotin, zinc, and folic acid supplements can support hair health. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried various remedies and the excessive shedding persists, it’s time to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. They can provide:
a. Accurate Diagnosis:
By examining your hair and scalp and running necessary tests, professionals can determine the underlying cause of the shedding.
b. Customized Treatment Plans:
Based on the diagnosis, you might be prescribed topical treatments, oral medications, or even laser therapy.
c. Guidance on Hair Growth Products:
Not all hair products marketed for growth are effective. A professional can recommend clinically proven treatments or products that promote hair growth.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Hair shedding, especially when excessive, can have profound emotional extreme physical stress and psychological implications. Many women derive a significant portion of their identity and self-confidence from their hair. Thus, losing hair shedding can lead to diminished self-worth and increased anxiety.
It’s essential to address these feelings, either by seeking support from loved ones, joining support groups, or considering therapy. Remember, your value isn’t determined by the volume of your hair, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
What is Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)?
FPHL is a hereditary condition wherein hair follicles shrink over time, eventually leading to hair thinning and hair loss treatment itself. Unlike male pattern baldness, where hair loss typically starts at the temples and crown, FPHL often results in a diffuse and gradual thinning of hair on the scalp without a receding hairline.
Causes of FPHL
- Genetics: If there are family members, especially on the maternal side, who have experienced hair loss, you may be at an increased risk of developing FPHL.
- Hormones: Changes in levels of androgens, male hormones present in both men and women, can trigger FPHL.
- Aging: As women get older, they are more susceptible to FPHL, with post-menopause being a particularly vulnerable period.
Treatment Options
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): An over-the-counter foam or liquid, Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp. It’s the most widely used treatment for FPHL.
- Hormone Therapy: Drugs like Spironolactone and birth control pills can help in balancing hormone levels, reducing hair loss.
- Hair Transplant: Tiny plugs of hair are moved from one part of the scalp to the thinning areas.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy: This non-invasive procedure uses red light to stimulate hair growth.
What is Thinning Hair?
Thinning hair refers to the lose hair, the gradual, notice hair growth and decrease in hair density on the scalp. It shouldn’t be confused with standard hair shedding; everyone loses 50-100 hairs a day. However, thinning hair means these hairs aren’t replaced as quickly as they fall out, leading to a noticeable reduction in hair volume.
Causes of Thinning Hair
The reasons for thinning and excessive hair loss in women are manifold:
- Age: As we age, hair growth slows down, and strands become thinner and weaker.
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition can lead to patterns of hair thinning, like Androgenic Alopecia.
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions like pregnancy, PCOS, and menopause can result in hair thinning.
- Medical Conditions: Ailments such as thyroid disorders, iron-deficiency anemia, or alopecia areata can lead to thinning hair.
- Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can cause temporary hair thinning.
- Dietary Factors: Lack of essential nutrients can impact hair health.
- Hairstyling: Overuse of heat tools, coloring, and hairstyles that pull on the scalp can weaken hair.
Prevention
While not all type of hair loss and thinning can be prevented, especially if it’s genetically predisposed, certain steps can reduce risks:
- Avoid Over-Styling: Limit the use of heat tools and avoid hairstyles that strain the scalp.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for hair health.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Chemical treatments can weaken hair, leading to thinning.
- Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels.
What is a Hair Follicles?
A hair follicles is a tunnel-shaped structure in the epidermis (outer layer) of our skin. Each hair on our body, hair grows up out of a hair follicle. It’s more than just a ‘tube’ for stimulating hair growth; it’s a dynamic organ that undergoes a life-long cycle of growth, regression, and rest.
Anatomy of the Hair Follicle
- Bulb: This is the base of the hair follicle. It’s where the hair shaft is produced and is surrounded by the dermal papilla, a structure rich in blood vessels that provide nutrients to the growing hair shaft.
- Sebaceous Glands: Attached to each follicle, these glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin.
- Arrector Pili Muscle: This small muscle attaches to the hair follicle and the skin. When it contracts (often due to cold or emotional reactions), it causes the hair to stand upright—leading to what we commonly refer to as ‘goosebumps.
Hair Growth and the Hair Cycle
The life of a hair follicle can be broken down into three phases:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This phase can last several years, and it’s when the hair is actively growing.
- Catagen (Transitional Phase): Lasting only a few weeks, this is when the hair stops growing and detaches from its blood supply.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): Lasting a few months, the hair rests while a new hair begins to grow beneath it.
Follicles and Hair Types
The shape of your hair follicles largely determines the texture and type of your hair.
- Round Follicles produce straight hair.
- Oval Follicles produce wavy hair.
- Elliptical Follicles produce curly hair.
What is Female Pattern Baldness (FPHL)?
FPHL is a hereditary condition that causes hair thinning and loss in women. Unlike male pattern baldness, which typically results in a receding hairline and bald spots, female pattern baldness generally leads round bald patches and to overall hair thinning, especially at the crown of the head.
What is Hereditary Hair Loss?
Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a genetic condition that affects both men and women. It is characterized by a predictable pattern of hair thinning due to genetic predisposition. In men, it’s commonly referred to as male with hair pulling disorder or pattern baldness, while in women, it’s called female pattern hair loss.
How Does it Manifest?
- Men: Typically, the hairline begins to recede at the temples, forming an ‘M’ shape. Over time, the hair on the top of the head also starts to thin, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness.
- Women: Women generally experience a broad thinning of hair across the entire scalp. However, the frontal hairline usually remains intact. Complete baldness is rare in women.
Role of Hormones
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of the hormone testosterone, is believed to be the primary factor in male hair loss and follicle miniaturization. Follicles sensitive to DHT shrink over time, resulting in a shortened hair growth cycle and thinner, shorter strands.
Essential Nutrients for Healthy Hair Growth
The health of your hair reflects your overall well-being. Including certain nutrients in your diet can fortify your hair:
- Protein: Hair is primarily made of protein, so consuming enough is crucial. Foods like eggs, poultry, and fish are rich sources.
- Iron: Iron deficiencies can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Incorporate spinach, lentils, and red meat into your diet.
- Vitamin E: Found in nuts and seeds, it boosts blood circulation, promoting hair health.
- Biotin: This B-vitamin can strengthen hair and enhance its texture. Eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes are biotin-rich foods.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: They nourish the hair and support thickening. Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are good sources.
Hair Falls
Hair falls notice hair loss is a common concern that affects people across age groups and genders. While losing 50-100 strands of hair a day is considered normal due to the natural hair growth cycle, excessive hair fall can be distressing. Understanding its causes and implementing effective solutions can help manage and reduce hair loss.
Causes of Hair Fall
Multiple factors can contribute to excessive hair shedding:
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid imbalances can lead to hair loss.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata, scalp infections, and diseases like lupus or diabetes can cause hair fall.
- Medications: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications used to treat cancer, depression, arthritis, and heart problems.
- Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can lead to hair shedding.
- Hairstyles and Treatments: Tight hairstyles, like cornrows or pigtails, can cause traction alopecia. Chemical treatments can weaken hair, leading to breakage.
- Poor Diet: Lack of essential nutrients, particularly iron and protein, can affect hair health.
- Aging: As people grow older, their hair naturally tends to thin out.
Hair Fall vs. Hair Breakage
It’s essential to distinguish between hair fall (loss from the root) and hair breakage (snapping of hair shaft). Hair falling or breakage is often a result of external damage, such as excessive heat or chemical treatments.
Conclusion
Excessive or temporary hair loss or shedding can be concerning, but understanding its causes and remedies can help manage the situation better. While some hair shedding is natural and temporary, persistent excessive shedding requires professional intervention to treat hair loss. Remember to care for your emotional well-being just as much as your physical health, as hair health often reflects overall wellness.