Is it hair loss or hair shedding?

From your hairbrush to the bathroom floor and everywhere in between; for women hair shedding is a normal part of life. But how much hair loss is normal?

Well, there is in fact a difference between normal hair loss, such as that day-to-day shedding that seems to follow us wherever we go, and more serious conditions that contribute to excessive hair loss. Here, we explain the difference between hair shedding and hair loss, the causes and how you can maintain scalp health to reduce hair fall.

What is hair shedding?

Hair shedding is a natural and normal process in which hair falls out from the scalp. It occurs as part of the hair growth cycle, which has different phases, including the anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting) phases. During the telogen phase, which can last for several weeks to a few months, the hair follicle remains inactive, and the old hair is eventually shed to make way for new hair growth. This shedding process allows the body to replace older, damaged, or naturally completed hair with new strands.

Causes of hair shedding

Like many of the body’s natural processes, the hair growth cycle relies on multiple factors being in sync to function at optimal levels. Age, stress, hormones and vitamin deficiencies can all prompt weakness, damage and excessive shedding.

Poor scalp health also causes hair shedding. The scalp serves as the foundation for healthy hair follicles, providing the essential nutrients and blood flow necessary for hair production. Any underlying scalp conditions, such as dandruff, dermatitis, or psoriasis, can disrupt this delicate balance and lead to hair thinning or shedding. An unhealthy scalp can also contribute to excessive sebum production and clogged hair follicles, hindering new hair growth.

As the scalp ages, collagen naturally depletes, leading to thinning hair and increased vulnerability to external damage. Natural Marine Collagen supplements counteract this process by replenishing the lost collagen levels within the scalp. Beyond stimulating faster hair growth, marine collagen also aids in strengthening hair follicles and preventing breakage, ultimately resulting in healthier-looking and more resilient hair. And if that wasn’t enough, this natural protein enhances moisture retention in the skin cells on the scalp while fostering an optimal environment for nutrient absorption.

Hair shedding vs hair loss

While hair shedding is a natural part of a healthy hair growth cycle, hair loss is abnormal activity and could be a sign of underlying health issues. To put it into perspective, the average person will shed 50 to 100 hairs per day. It’s a cyclical process, so the amount of hair shedding you notice won’t fluctuate greatly, although it does tend to peak post a Spring/Summer growth phase.

Hair loss, on the other hand, refers to a more prolonged and significant reduction of hairs on the scalp. The number of hairs lost each day can be significantly higher than normal hair shedding and result in visibly thinning or bald patches. Hormonal fluctuations, medications, emotional or physical stress, nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure and a medical condition called Androgenetic Alopecia are all causes of serious hair loss.

For some causes, support from a medical professional is the safest way forward. When it comes to managing nutritional and lifestyle factors, as well as prevention of excessive hair shedding or hair loss, addressing the underlying cause is often key to managing or reversing excessive hair shedding. Adding a targeted supplement into your daily routine ensures your scalp is receiving the nutrients it needs. Hairology optimises the environment necessary for hair growth. Hero active, AnaGain™, and a blend of targeted micronutrients maintain healthy hair follicles to revitalise and strengthen from within encouraging stronger, longer and thicker hair.

It can be stressful dealing with hair shedding and feeling like it’s working against your goals of thick and healthy hair. However, understanding that it’s a natural part of the hair growth cycle, and that there are simple yet effective ways to prioritise scalp health for stronger, thicker strands, helps to get your routine on track.