Every woman feels the heartache when hair strands collect in the brush, the shower or worse, the vacuum.
But if you’ve started asking, “Why is my hair shedding more than usual?” it’s time to dig a little deeper and find out what might be going on.
There’s a lot of potential reasons hair shedding happens — some require nothing more than patience, some deserve a closer look — and determining what’s going on can spare you a lot of unnecessary anxiety.
From postpartum changes, seasonal shedding, or even something a little more serious, like a nutritional deficiency, this guide will help you understand why it’s happening and what you can do about it.
Continue reading to learn how to get to the bottom of the problem and regain confidence in your hair.
Why Is My Hair Shedding More Than Usual?
Hair shedding is normal — our strands undergo a life cycle of growth, rest and fallout.
But it is a cause for concern when you see an inordinate amount of hair falling out or if it’s happening all of a sudden.
This type of shedding is typically associated with multiple underlying factors that interfere with your hair’s growth cycle.
Many people are unaware of the role stress plays in their hair.
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When you’re under emotional or physical stress, your body can shift more hair into the resting phase, resulting in noticeable fallout in a condition called telogen effluvium.
Hormonal changes are another major factor, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum and menopause.
When there is a sudden increase or a sudden drop in hormone levels, it can disrupt your hair’s cycle and cause unnecessary shedding.
Then there’s diet and nutrition.
Deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, or protein can weaken hair roots, making the strands more likely to fall out.
Seasonal shedding could be a factor too — some people naturally lose more hair during the fall because of changes in exposure to sunlight.
But sometimes medical conditions like thyroid problems or infections of the scalp can be to blame for the excess shedding.
Understanding the cause is your first step to finding the right solution.
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How to Minimize Hair Shedding and Support Growth
Once you’ve figured out what’s making your hair shed, you can take steps to address it.
If you suspect it is stress-induced shedding, focus on stress management.
Practices such as yoga, meditation or even just putting the emphasis back on rest can help regulate your body’s stress response and bring balance back.
If hormones are the problem, talk to your health care provider.
They’ll help you decide on treatments that specifically address hormonal imbalances and get your hair back to its normal cycle.
For shedding caused by nutrition, check your diet.
Be sure to eat plenty of leafy greens, lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods.
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Supplements like biotin or collagen could also help, but check with a doctor first.
A clean, well moisturized scalp is also important for scalp health.
Gentle shampoos and conditioners that help hair stay healthy without stripping moisture.
Finally, if you think a medical condition is at the root of the issue, get a professional diagnosis.
More often than not, addressing the underlying problem helps you solve excessive shedding.
What Are Common Myths About Hair Shedding?
Misinformation is rampant when it comes to hair loss.
Let’s set the record straight on a few myths that may have you unnecessarily anxious.
- “Hair shedding means permanent hair loss.”
Not true.
Most shedding is temporary and reversible with proper care and treatment.
Hair loss, by contrast, is characterized by follicle damage that’s not always reversible.
- “Washing your hair too often causes shedding.”
Frequent washing does not spur shedding.
What you’re noticing in the shower are hairs that have already gone through a cycle and were due to shed.
- “Brushing your hair less will stop shedding.”
Daunting as it seems, not brushing does not stop shedding, it just postpones it.
Hair that would normally shed may tangle instead and feel more noticeable in clumps when you do brush.
How Do You Know If Shedding Is a Sign of Something Serious?
While hair loss can be alarming, what are signs it’s time to consult a professional?
If your shedding is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness or scalp pain, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist.
Here are some frequently asked questions about hair shedding:
- Is hair shedding normal after pregnancy?
Yes, postpartum shedding is totally normal from hormonal shifts.
And it usually goes away within six months to a year after giving birth.
- Can medications cause hair shedding?
Some drugs, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications and chemotherapy, can cause shedding.
If you think this is the case, discuss it with your doctor.
- How much hair shedding is normal?
You should expect to lose 50–100 hairs a day; if it’s more than that for a sustained period of time, that may need investigation.
By understanding the causes and busting common myths, you can take control of your hair health and address shedding with confidence.
With a little patience and care, you’ll see improvement—and hopefully, far fewer strands left behind in your brush!
