How I Reduced My Hair Shedding
Shedding hair is a completely natural part of the hair growth cycle. Every strand of hair on your head goes through three main phases: the growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), and the resting/shedding phase (telogen). When a hair reaches the end of its life cycle, it falls out to make room for new growth. On average, losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is considered normal.
However, excessive shedding can sometimes signal that something has changed in your body or routine. Stress, illness, hormonal shifts, postpartum changes, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies (like low iron or protein), and certain medications can all trigger increased shedding. This type of temporary hair loss is often called telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual shift into the resting phase at the same time.
It’s also important to understand the difference between shedding and breakage. Shedding happens from the root and usually includes a small white bulb at the end of the strand. Breakage, on the other hand, occurs along the hair shaft due to dryness, heat damage, chemical treatments, or mechanical stress from tight hairstyles and rough handling.
Healthy hair growth starts with a healthy scalp. Gentle hair care, balanced nutrition, proper hydration, stress management, and avoiding excessive heat or tension can help reduce unnecessary shedding. While occasional increases in shedding are common and often temporary, ongoing or severe hair loss should be discussed with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying causes.
Understanding how hair shedding works can help you stay calm, set realistic expectations, and focus on habits that support stronger, healthier hair over time.
