What You Should Know About Hair Shedding

What is the Hair Shedding Cycle and when does it happen?

The hair growth cycle consists of four phases:

1) Anagen (growing phase)

2) Catagen (transition phase)

3) Telogen (resting phase)

4) Exogen (shedding phase).

We all lose hair on a daily basis, but have you ever wondered why this happens? Understanding the hair shedding cycle can help us better comprehend the natural process of hair growth and loss. In this blog post, we will explore the hair shedding cycle and when it typically occurs.

The hair shedding cycle consists of three main phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each phase plays a crucial role in the growth and renewal of our hair. The last phase is the shedding phase, exogen.

1. Anagen Phase:

The anagen phase is the active growth phase of the hair follicle. During this phase, cells in the hair bulb rapidly divide, pushing the hair shaft upwards. On average, this phase lasts between two to six years, but it can vary depending on genetics and other factors. Approximately 85-90% of our hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.

2. Catagen Phase:

Following the anagen phase, the hair follicle enters the catagen phase, also known as the transitional phase. This phase lasts for about two weeks and marks the end of active hair growth. During catagen, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply. Only about 1-2% of our hair is in the catagen phase at any given time.

3. Telogen Phase:

The telogen phase is the resting phase of the hair follicle. It typically lasts for around three months, during which the hair follicle remains dormant. At the end of the telogen phase, a new hair begins to grow, pushing the old hair out. Approximately 10-15% of our hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.

Hair shedding, also known as hair loss or hair fall, primarily occurs during the telogen phase. When a hair follicle enters the telogen phase, the old hair is shed to make way for new hair growth. On average, we lose about 50-100 hairs per day. However, this number can vary depending on various factors, such as age, genetics, hormonal changes, and overall health.

It is important to note that not all hair loss is a cause for concern. Shedding a few hairs daily is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. However, if you notice excessive hair loss or significant changes in your hair density, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

To maintain healthy hair and minimize excessive shedding, it is essential to take good care of your scalp and hair. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excessive heat or chemical treatments, using gentle hair care products, and managing stress levels.

In conclusion, the hair shedding cycle is a natural process that occurs in three main phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Understanding this cycle can help us differentiate between normal hair shedding and potential hair loss issues. By taking proper care of our hair and scalp, we can promote healthy hair growth and minimize excessive shedding.

Hair Loss in Women

What You Need To Know

We don't want to think about it or talk about it but we might end up seeing it one day in the mirror, our hair thinning, receding hair line, bald spots, hair loss.... our heart sinks, we panic and try to figure out what went wrong?

My story, the truth, honestly.... At a young age, growing up, my hair was always in a healthy condition until years later when I started to color it every month, in my 30’s. My hair started getting dry and brittle although it was still thick and healthy looking.

A few years after that my hair looked thinner and the parting on my head was wider, it looked worse because I was tinting my hair a darker color, medium brown. My hair felt so soft and looked so shiny but it was not healthy, it was thinning and I was losing more hair, often.

I experimented with natural hair colors, semi-permanent hair tints and I still had these issues, in fact one day after I colored my hair a few hours later I noticed my eyes looked swollen and I also had a headache after using a semi-permanent hair tint which advertised as being good for your hair and not harsh.

As a graduate from cosmetology/beauty school in Europe, I also have a hairstyle Award from France for performing fast styling and doing a great job with perms. One thing that I learned is that it's Not good to try and change the structure of your natural hair with chemicals and If you leave chemicals on for too long, like perms, you can lose your hair, all of it, at once!(That happened to a Lady at a Salon years ago) Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?

Perms work by damaging your hair follicles so they can't hold their natural shape. So, patience is better, meaning, if you want to curl your hair just use curlers or a curling iron (on low-medium), not chemicals.

Straightening your hair with chemicals isn't healthy for your hair either, it's a vicious cycle which leaves your hair more vulnerable to breakage and damage because it uses strong chemicals.

Watch out for are hair extensions, don't use them often or you will weaken the roots of your hair because they tug on the hair roots which can lead to traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a condition caused when too much tension is regularly placed on the hair roots, pulling out the hairs and damaging the follicles permanently. OUCH!

Another thing that should not be done often is tightening your hair back tightly, you will end up losing hair from all the tension you are putting on your roots, I’ve seen this many times. Hair loss starts below the scalp and on the scalp and hair damage usually happens to your hair from chemicals, heat and the weather/sun.

There are many reasons why hair loss in women happens, here are the main ones below.

* You use chemicals on your scalp/head. For example - hair color, perm.

* Clogged/blocked hair follicles. For example - hair spray, hair oils(don't leave oils on your scalp for too long) and not washing your scalp enough which causes build-up.

* Diet, lack of vitamins- zinc, biotin, etc.

* Genetics (sometimes it's in your genes)

* Health issues- thyroid problems, anemia or an autoimmune disorder. (see a doctor/specialist)

Temporary hair loss can also occur after giving birth.

Scalp Detox and Hair Clarifying is crucial for a healthy scalp and hair, it should be done at least monthly depending on your scalp and hair issues. You can Find the Best Vinegar Shampoos and Detox Hair & Scalp mask at Morrocco Method

Scalp massages can benefit to awaken and stimulate hair follicles by using peppermint oil, rosemary oil and lavender oil, 3 drops each mixed with half a cup castor oil and one cup aloe vera, leave on head for 30 minutes and then massage scalp for 2 minutes before washing hair. Massaging your head in the morning for 1-2 minutes is also beneficial.