Hair Question: Why Is My Hair Shedding?

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Question:

"I've been noticing a lot of hair coming out when I comb my hair. I know it's not breakage because I see the white bulb at the end of the hair. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I wash and deep condition often. Help!"

Advice: Shedding is a natural, internal process. Our hair naturally cycles in and out of seasonal shedding phases, which may last for days or even weeks in some individuals. A healthy head of hair may shed as many as 50-100 hairs per day. Some individuals shed much less. You should only be concerned when your shedding rate suddenly increases to a rate that was uncommon for you previously or if the shedding seems to be prolonged over a period of several weeks or months without cause.

I personally shed a lot (in my opinion). Since I do a lot of low-manipulation styles and finger comb often, I don't remove the shed hair that would normally come out of my hair on a daily basis. So when I thoroughly comb my hair, usually on wash days, I notice a lot of hair in my comb. Majority of the time, it's shed hair. It doesn't bother me because I know it's because of my hair routine.

If your shedding seems to have increased significantly or you are concerned that your shedding may be medically-related, please consult your doctor.


Reasons Why You May Be Shedding:
  • Styling methods that place stress on the follicles.
  • Birth control/menstrual cycles/menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Heredity
  • Crash dieting/low protein diets
  • High fever
  • Anemia (low iron)
  • Thyroid Disorders
  • Medications/surgeries/chemotherapy





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6 comments

  1. Sunshyne! I just completed my first stretch (for 10 weeks) and my hair grew SO much. The newer growth feels much thicker (even a little heavy) and I'm so happy! I took all of your advice (ex. with Joico K-Pak Reconstructor), and this time around I'll be adding the co-washes to make the hair more manageable in between. I do have a quick question-- how often do you use Aphogee or Joico K-Pak Reconstructor as a protein treatment?


    Thanks so much for your videos, articles, and all of your time. God bless you in everything you do!!!!

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  2. Thank you so much Sunshyne for this Q&A session! I've noticed a slight increase in my shedding, and thought I was doing something wrong or that my routine needed to be reevaluated. This very helpful info!!...Now I won't stress out lol! HHJ

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  3. My post partum shedding with my second son was a BEAST! What i wish i knew back then was the secret of Black Tea Rinses. This has helped slow the shedding for me a lot. HHG ladies.

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  4. ♥BlueandBlessed♥June 13, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    I know that I start to "FREAK~OUT"....Yeah literally! @5+ wks post relaxer is when I really get down and dirty with my low~manipulating hair styles, and big~time finger combing my hair and mainly just pulling a few strands, detangling only on wash days. If I've gone 7 or 8 days between wash days, and when I do detangle I would get so nervous thinking my hair balls are just to big....OK light bulb moment....it's been 7 or 8 days since my last wash day- ok! So now I need to do the math for myself, well that will equate that size hair ball.....Get a grip on your nervousness old girl, cause 50 to 100 shed hairs x's 7 or 8 days = a relatively size hair ball......Thank you Sunshyne my problem is now solved....YAAAY!

    ♥BnB♥

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  5. Nice article. I have been worried about my hair shedding...for several years now! I guess it's just what my hair does. It still looks the same in thickness. I just hate seeing my little root bulbs, LOL

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  6. I have similar problem. My hairline is receding. When I went to my barber he told me to refrain from using shampoos with strong chemicals.

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