Shedding hair is natural, as it is a part of the body’s renewal cycle. The American Academy of Dermatology even states it is perfectly normal to lose anywhere from 50-100 hairs every day! However, should you begin to lose more than this, the part in your hair begins to widen, or you start to notice bald spots, you may be experiencing abnormal hair loss. Generally speaking, shedding more than 125 hairs per day indicates it may be time to see a dermatologist— as seeking medical help can help to put your mind at ease.
Hair Loss In Women
Did you know there are roughly 100,000 hair follicles, or more, on each person’s scalp? Some reasons you may begin to shed from those follicles include stress, certain types of medication, or medical conditions. Being educated on your hair’s cycle and possible causes is a great first step in understanding your unique journey. Here at Blue Ridge Dermatology, we are supplying you with a full guide of information regarding the causes, treatment, and prevention of hair loss.
The Cycles Of Hair Growth
To understand the reasons behind the possible causes of hair loss, it is first important to understand the cycles of hair growth. Your hair goes through four phases:
1. The Growing Phase: Anagen
The anagen phase is the first and longest hair growth phase, lasting roughly three to five years for the hairs on your head. During this phase, cells in the root of the hair rapidly divide. This division adds hair to the shaft, and your hair follicles push out hairs that will continue to grow until cut or until the end of the hair’s life cycle, and it falls out. One hair generally grows about one centimeter, or half an inch, every 28 days.
2. The Transition Phase: Catagen
Once the anagen phase comes to an end, the catagen phase begins. Also known as the transition phase, this lasts about ten days and is when hair follicles shrink, hair growth begins to slow, and club hair is formed. According to Healthline, club hairs are an end product of final hair growth, as they have stopped actively growing from their base.
3. The Resting Phase: Telogen
The telogen phase is also called the resting phase due to the fact your hair doesn’t grow during this stage but doesn’t usually fall out either. The telogen phase is responsible for new hairs forming in the follicles that release hairs during the catagen phase.
4. The Shedding Phase: Exogen
The exogen phase usually lasts anywhere from two to five months and is the final phase in the hair cycle. The shedding phase is quite literally when hair is shed from the scalp. Losing 50 to 100 hairs per day during the exogen phase is considered normal.
Why Is My Hair Falling Out?
Hair loss can be the result of several different factors and conditions. Some hair loss causes may be entirely out of an individual\’s control, while others can result from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Hair loss can typically be related to one or more of the following:
- Hormonal changes
- Medical conditions
- Family history
- Poor nutrition
- Medication and supplements
- Stressful events
- Hairstyle treatments
How Can I Prevent Hair Loss?
Now that you understand the hair cycle phases, you may be asking yourself, how can I prevent abnormal hair loss? As mentioned before, some hair loss is beyond your control, but there are certain things you can do to promote healthy hair, including:
- Good nutrition, focusing on the consumption of healthy proteins
- Essential vitamin intake, including vitamin D, vitamin C, and iron
- Reducing levels of stress
- Proper hair cair
- Avoid harsh treatments such as bleaching and dying
Other underlying conditions, such as alopecia, can cause hair loss that needs a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional.
If you begin to experience hair loss which includes bald spots, patchiness, thinning, or clumps falling out, it may be time for you to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Hair loss can be worrisome, and navigating it can even be an emotional stressor. If you are interested in making a treatment plan, call our office today at 919-781-1050.
