Hair shedding is a normal part of the life cycle of our hair and nothing to worry about… usually. But when hair shedding becomes excessive, it can be a sign of illness or hair loss leading to baldness.
So how do you decide if your hair loss is just normal shedding or a sign of something much more serious? How do you know when it’s time to consult a hair loss specialist?
Should I be worried about hair shedding?
If it is just hair shedding, you have nothing to worry about. The average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs a day, every day.
Normal shedding is part of a normal hair process called telogen effluvium. Basically, your hair grows, then transitions to resting, and then sheds so you can start the process all over again.
As a benchmark, doctors say you should expect to shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day, but that is not always a good measurement. Doctors explained to Martha Stewart magazine that if you are a person who normally loses 50 hairs a day and that suddenly doubles to 100 then – despite being within the normal range – you may have an excessive shedding problem.
Rather than counts hairs (or stress over hair in the brush or the drain), stylist Megan Taylor recommends focusing on changes in your hair loss. If your hair loss changes dramatically, or you start seeing patches or bald spots, then it’s time to see a doctor.
How Long Does the Hair Shedding Phase Last?
At any given time, about 90 percent of your hair should be in the growth phase, according to the Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Department. Then it transitions into resting and finally falling out. The hair shedding phase usually lasts about three months.
While some hair shedding is normal, some of it is brought on by trauma or dramatic life changes. The birth of a child, a serious illness, or even weight loss can trigger hair loss – usually about 3 months after the event. If your increased hair loss continues for more than three months, it’s time to see a doctor.
Why Is My Hair Shedding So Much?
If you feel like your hair is shedding more than usual (or if you start seeing patches), you might be wondering why. Hair loss can be genetic in both men and women… or it could be reactive hair loss due to stress, an extreme change in your body, illness, or even medication.
If you’re concerned that your hair shedding is excessive or a sign of hair loss, it’s time to call the team BayMed Hair for a consultation and evaluation.
BayMed Hair Can Aid You In Reversing Shedding and Hair Loss
When you are worried that your hair loss is abnormal, it can cause stress and that can cause more hair loss. Instead of worrying about it, call BayMed Hair and ask. Book a consultation today to put your mind at ease and start getting treatment to reverse or restore your hair loss.
