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Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: Understanding the Difference

Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: Understanding the Difference

How many times have you looked down at your shower drain or at your hairbrush and discovered that you had lost more hair than you’d expected? 

Have you ever wondered: “Why is my hair looking thinner or why am I losing hair?” There are several different reasons why you could be experiencing hair loss and shedding. 

You're not alone. At Revela, we've experienced it too. We're here to share some facts that will help you determine the difference between hair shedding and hair loss. Let’s dive in.

Why Does Hair Loss Occur?

Hair loss happens when something, either externally or internally, prevents your hair from growing and being healthy. The official medical term for this condition is called alopecia

You might even ask yourself: Is hair loss part of my family tree? Genetics could be responsible for hair loss in both men and women. At least a quarter of women by age 50 will experience thinning hair, while men can experience hair loss at an even earlier age. 

Another factor that can cause hair loss is diet. Specific vitamins are needed for hair growth. If you are deficient in several vitamins, it will disrupt hair growth which may lead to hair loss. Additionally, if you are taking any medications, they may have side effects that may result in hair loss or thinning hair.  

Ultimately, if you are looking to reduce your hair loss, you will have to get to the root of what is happening. Visiting your doctor or dermatologist may shed some light on why your hair loss is occurring. Determining your diagnosis will help find the most effective solution to slow down and even reverse your hair loss.

Why Does Hair Shedding Occur?

Many of us do not consider the stress we put on our bodies. Excessive stressors are often responsible for causing hair shedding. 

Are you under significant stress? Next time you catch yourself stressing, try to take a minute and breathe. How about going for a short walk, doing yoga, or practicing meditation? Or just hug your furry friend. Doing activities that can help you relax and decompress are perfect for reducing stress.

It’s also important to remember that hair shedding does not always happen right away; it can take place a few months after a stressful event. The good news is once the stressor is removed, you might start to see your hair recover within six to nine months. 

However, if you find that these remedies are not helping you decompress, you might consider speaking with a therapist

Pulling hair when styling or overprocessing with harsh hair care products can also contribute to hair shedding. Instead, try giving your hair a little TLC when styling, and be sure to use hair care products free of toxins and chemicals

Alternatively, hormones could be to blame for hair shedding. While becoming a new mom is exciting, the chemical changes occurring in your body can cause hormonal imbalances that can lead to hair shedding.  

How Can I Tell If It Is Hair Loss or Hair Shedding?

To recap, let’s discuss the difference between hair loss and hair shedding. First, it’s important to remember that hair shedding is normal. However, if it is occurring in excess, it might be time to take steps to support your hair. Hair loss, in contrast, usually happens due to an external factor. 

A quick and easy way to tell if you are experiencing excessive hair loss or hair shedding: 

A quick and easy way to tell if you are experiencing excessive hair loss is to run your fingers through clean, dry hair. Give your hair a little tug at the end. Try this a few times. Out of 100 strands, no more than 10 should be pulled out. This may be a sign that hair loss or hair shedding is occurring. 

Checking to see if there is an abundance of hair left behind in the shower or if your hairbrush is full are other common ways to tell if you are experiencing hair loss or hair shedding.  

Revela Creates Products That Support Healthier Hair

Luckily, there are steps that you can take to promote healthier hair. For instance, when possible, try to let your hair dry naturally. It will save the wear and tear on your hair from the heat of the hairdryer and, at the same time, avoid breakage. If you do need to use the hairdryer, set it on the lowest heat.

We all want our luscious locks to stay strong and healthy for as long as possible — that’s where we can help. 

The Revela Hair Revival Serum is the first clinically tested solution for women experiencing hair loss. It directly targets hair follicles to promote a healthy scalp. The serum is free of hormones, toxins, parabens, and gluten, and is cruelty-free. Try Revela's Hair Revival Serum to see fuller, thicker-looking hair in as little as 6 weeks.


Sources:

Do you have hair loss or hair shedding? | AAD

Hereditary hair loss | Health Navigator  

Causes and Treatments for Hair Loss | Medical News Today 

Treatment for stress | Mind  

Stress and hair loss: Are they related? | Mayo Clinic

8 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Shampoo and Conditioner | Genesis College

Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles | NCBI 

Profile photo for Avinash Boppana

Reviewed by: Avinash Boppana, BS

Avinash is a computer scientist. He completed his BS from Princeton University, concentrating in Statistics & Machine Learning. He has deep experience in computational research, working for reputable institutions, including Harvard Medical School, the Flatiron Institute, and the NIH.

Written by: Revela Editorial Team

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