Originally posted at https://www.today.com/shop/hair-loss-versus-shedding-rcna177054
Plus, why you might be experiencing each one.
By Emma Stessman
When you notice a clump of hair in your brush or a few more strands than usual going down the drain on a wash day, it’s natural to feel a little concerned.
But the truth is, we’re all losing hair every day. “All the hair on our body has a life cycle. The hair on our scalp is the longest lifecycle — the hair grows pretty long and then it’s shed and you grow new hair,” says Dr. Joyce Davis, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City.
In general, you lose about 100 hairs a day, Davis says. So in some cases, the strands that you’re shedding could just be part of your hair’s normal growth and loss cycle. But if there seems to be more than usual, it could be a sign of something more serious. Below, we spoke to dermatologists about how to tell the difference.
What is hair shedding?
Hair shedding can refer to the normal loss that comes from your hair’s natural growth cycle. Your hair goes through different phases, explains Dr. Christine M. Shaver, a board-certified dermatologist at Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York City: Anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and finally, telogen (shedding). Meaning, that you’re regularly growing and shedding hair.
The term can also refer to the temporary loss, known as telogen effluvium. “A true telogen effluvium is non-scarring, non-permanent hair loss,” Dr. Robert Finney, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City previously told us. “And it’s usually something that occurs for a finite amount of time, whether it be six weeks or several months.”
Telogen effluvium typically lasts two to three months, Shaver says. It can be brought on by a number of factors, including stress, medication changes, illness, pregnancy or even the changing of the seasons.
What is hair loss?
In the case of hair thinning or loss, which is most commonly caused by genetics (androgenetic alopecia), hair becomes shorter and thinner with each hair cycle. This is called miniaturization, Shaver explains.
If left untreated, this type of hair loss can become permanent. Other common types of hair loss include scarring alopecia, alopecia areata and traction alopecia.
How can you tell if it’s hair shedding or hair loss?
While it’s normal to shed around 100 hair per day, Shaver explains, “hair loss in excess of about 150 hairs per day raises concern that stress may be causing an abnormal amount of shedding.”
To get a general idea, you can count the hairs that you find in the shower or falling off of your head on a given day, Davis says. If the number exceeds 150, it may be time to see a specialist.
Speaking of, no matter how much hair you’re losing, if you are concerned, both experts agree that the best course of action is to check with your dermatologist, as they can run tests and determine the potential causes and severity of any loss or shedding.
From there, they can also help you find the best possible treatment. Though, for anyone interested in getting a head start at treating their excess shedding or thinning at home, we’re sharing some of the hair loss solutions that experts recommend.
Henry also recommended this formula, which contains diaminopyrimidine oxide, ginkgo biloba and biotin, as an option without Minoxidil. It’s designed to be for both men and women, and the brand says that it won’t leave hair feeling greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress cause hair loss?
Stress, illness, pregnancy and other factors can cause telogen effluvium (stress shed), Shaver says. “The treatment is alleviation of the stress, and the process will self-resolve with time.”
What are the different types of hair loss?
We spoke to experts about the differences between hair loss and shedding. From there, we pulled previously expert recommendations for the best products for thinning hair.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Joyce Davis, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. She practices medical as well as cosmetic dermatology and she has a special interest in treating hair loss.
- Dr. Christine M. Shaver, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York City. She is also a Mohs micrographic surgeon.
- Dr. Robert Finney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is an expert in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Leah Jacob, MD, is an assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University. She treats a spectrum of skin diseases in both kids and adults.
- Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is the director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice and an associate professor of dermatology.
- Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is the founder and CEO of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan
Originally posted at https://www.today.com/shop/hair-loss-versus-shedding-rcna177054
