Normal Hair Loss : excessive hair loss

hair loss shedding

We all have normal hair loss every day. While it may seem excessive at times, it is perfectly normal to lose from 50 to over 100 hairs per day in the course of our hair's natural cycle. This cycle is made up of three stages.

The anagen phase is the growth phase of your hair. It can last anywhere from two to six years. About 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any given time. Everyone's cycle lasts a different amount of time. Those with shorter growth cycles will find they can only grow their hair so long, while those with longer cycles will be able to grow their hair longer.

The catagen phase lasts only a few weeks. This is a transition phase the hair goes through between the growth and resting phases.

The telogen phase is when your hair is resting. It will stay in this phase for three to four months. About 10% of your hair is in this stage at any given time. When the hair is ready to fall out, it loosens and falls out through your normal activities and grooming routines like shampooing and brushing. This is the normal shedding that we all experience to some degree. It is normal for some people to lose more hair per day than others, depending on how many hair follicles they have and how long or short their growth cycle is. New hair begins to grow after the old hair falls out.

There are some things that will make your normal hair loss seem excessive. This can be caused by stress, poor dietary habits, hormonal changes, illness and being on certain medications. For example, about three months after having a baby, most women notice an increase in their hair loss. This is due to pregnancy hormones keeping hair in the resting phase longer than normal. As her hormones return to her normal, pre-pregnancy state, her hair loss catches up to where it should have been. Medications like antidepressants, birth control pills and chemotherapy can make hair loss appear excessive. Thyroid imbalances may affect it as well.

Another thing that can cause you to lose hair is to wear it in tight styles all the time like cornrows or pigtails. If you wear these tight hairstyles for too long, your scalp will develop scarring and your hair won't grow back properly. Permanents and hot oil treatments may also scar your hair follicles which can ultimately result in hair loss.

Improving your diet to include healthy, unprocessed foods can help your hair stay healthy and strong. Processed foods and junk food do not contain the nutrients you need for a healthy scalp and hair growth. If you avoid over processing your hair through the use of permanents, styling tools and such, your hair will eventually recover from damage it has sustained from heat and chemicals.

Aging can also affect your normal hair loss. Genetics definitely play a part on how many follicles will remain in a resting phase after a hair is shed and how many will go back to the growth cycle. Hormonal changes as we age also can affect the hair follicles, causing them to have shorter growth phases over time until those follicles no longer function.

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