Why Does My Hair Shed So Much?

Shedding hair is often thought of as a hair emergency, but it’s a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Everyone sheds about 100 hairs every day, but if you feel that you’re losing an abnormal amount of hair, it could be cause for concern. In this article, we'll tell you why your hair could shed more than usual and how you can stop it.

This is Why Your Hair Sheds So Much

Determining the exact cause of excessive hair shedding can be difficult, as there are many potential factors in play. And there's always the fact that hair shedding is normal to a point. In most cases, though, excessive hair shedding is caused by one (or more) of the following: poor nutrition, stress, genetics, hormonal changes, or an underlying medical condition.

Your Diet is Lacking

If you’re not eating a balanced diet, your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to support healthy hair growth. A lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to hair shedding and other hair problems, such as dryness, brittleness, and slow growth. 

To get the nutrients your hair needs, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. You may also want to take a multivitamin or other supplements specifically formulated for hair health. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements, as they may interact with medications you’re taking or cause bothersome side effects.

You're Stressing Out

Chronic stress can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, in which hair follicles go into resting mode, resulting in more shed hair. This hair loss type is usually temporary and will stop once the stressful event has passed, or you’ve found ways to manage your stress more effectively.

There are many ways to manage and reduce stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and getting adequate sleep. You may also want to consider talking to a therapist who can help you find healthy coping mechanisms for the stressors in your life.

Your Genes Are to Blame

Hair shedding can be hereditary. If your parents or other relatives have a history of hair loss, you may be more likely to experience it yourself. In many cases, this type of hair loss is permanent.

There are treatments available for genetic hair loss, but they don’t work for everyone. If you’re concerned about hair shedding that may be due to genetics, talk to a dermatologist about your treatment options.

Your Hormones are to Blame

Both men and women may experience hair loss due to hormonal changes. In men, this is usually due to an excess of the hormone testosterone, which can lead to a condition called male pattern baldness. In women, hair loss is often due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause.

Hormonal changes can also lead to hair shedding during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This is due to the fact that pregnant women have higher levels of estrogen, which prolongs the hair growth phase. After giving birth, estrogen levels drop sharply, which can lead to increased hair shedding.

You Have a Hair Loss Condition

There are many medical conditions that can cause hair loss, such as thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, fungal infections, and anemia. If you’re concerned about excessive hair shedding, talk to your doctor about the possibility of an underlying condition.

We hope that you found this article to be helpful and that it has given you some insight into why your hair may be shedding more than usual. Good luck!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.