Are you worried you could you be losing hair? Almost every day I hear a client worry about their hair shedding. “I’m losing more than usual… I think my hair is thinning.” If this is you, you are not alone! There are so many factors that contribute to hair loss (whether normal or excessive). Consider this blog post your informed journey into the science of hair health. I’m here to help you navigate the fine line between ordinary hair loss and distress signals your strands may be sending you.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle:

To comprehend the ebb and flow of our hair, let’s talk hair growth. Hair goes through a cycle of growth that has four stages. Each strand goes through these stages individually: Anagen (the growth phase), Catagen (the transitional phase), Telogen (the resting phase), and Exogen (the shedding phase).

The Anagen phase, the longest of the group, lasts 3-5 years. This phase sees hair actively growing— around 1/4 to 1/2 inch average every month (3-6 inches per year) for healthy hair. Typically, your hair will grow faster in the summer and slower in the winter.

Next, the Catagen phase signals a transition, to stop blood supply to the active hair follicles, ending active hair growth. This phase typically lasts around 10 days and it’s estimated that 3% of all hairs on your head are in this phase at any given time.

The third phase, the Telogen phase, involves a well-deserved rest before the cycle restarts. This phase lasts around 3 months and 10-15% of the hair on your head are likely in this phase at any given moment. At this time, the strands are still in their follicles, but are not actively growing.

Finally, we have the Exogen phase. In this phase, those hairs shed or fall out making room for new healthy hair, and the cycle starts all over again.

“How much hair should I be losing?”

A healthy scalp loses an average of 80-100 hairs every single day. Now, if you have curly hair, these strands easily get trapped in the coils. Similarly, if you don’t wash/brush your hair very often, several days worth of hair fall out (300+ hairs) will make their way out when you do wash or brush it, making it feel like you’re losing way more! Personally, I wash my hair once or twice a week, and definitely have a decent amount of hair fallout in the shower. However, I know not to be concerned! Anyway, stressing about your hair is counterintuitive because— stress is actually a contributing factor in excessive hair loss! So, the less you worry, the happier your hair will be.

When should there be a cause for concern? If your hair comes out in clumps rather than strands; if you notice sudden bald patches or if your scalp has any recent flare ups, it’s always a good idea to speak to a doctor.

Common Causes of Abnormal Hair Loss:

Hormonal Imbalance
For women, hormones are always changing, but occasionally, more severe hormone imbalances are present. These imbalances are notorious for causing excessive hair shedding. Life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause greatly affect hair. Additionally, auto-immune disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid conditions are big factors in losing more hair than the average human. In birth assigned males, male pattern baldness is caused by an overabundance of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Medications and Treatments
While medications and treatments work wonders for various health concerns, some may inadvertently influence our hair growth. Certain prescriptions/treatments, such as anesthesia, or those for cancer, arthritis, thyroid conditions, blood pressure, and birth control often trigger hair loss as a side effect.

In the realm of medications, your body health should always come first. If you're experiencing unexpected hair loss while on a treatment plan, consulting your healthcare professional is highly recommended. They can provide insights into potential alternatives or supplementary measures to counteract adverse effects.

Major Events/Traumas
It is important to know your hair loss due to a major health event will not likely occur immediately. The negative effects of a shock to the system can take several weeks to show. So think back to what might have happened 3 months ago when you are seeing more hair loss than usual.

If you have undergone any recent surgeries, or had a sudden high fever (especially due to covid), this is akin to a seismic event for your body, and your hair follicles may be affected. The stress of these events can induce a temporary shock to the hair cycle, causing increased shedding. While it might be disconcerting in the short term, rest assured, it's most often only a temporary phase, and your locks will likely regain their former glory with time (in my observations, 3-6 months).

Ways to Reduce Excessive Hair Loss

1. Stress Management

Chronic stress is another culprit of hair loss, and even more-so when someone copes with stress by tugging at, or chewing on their hair or picking at their hair/scalp.

Managing stress isn't just good for the soul; it's a haircare essential. From meditation and yoga to simple lifestyle changes, adopting stress-reducing strategies can go a long way in preserving your precious strands.

2. Nutrition

Nutrient-rich foods nourish hair follicles, promoting healthy growth and minimizing the risk of excessive shedding. Nutrients essential for hair health and growth include: iron, zinc, vitamins A and E, and a well-rounded diet to ensure your hair gets the nutrients it needs. Consider it your internal beauty regimen.

Biotin or a Hair/Skin/Nails vitamin can also help to encourage hair growth, and stay strong and healthy. I have seen great success with these supplements for overall healthier hair.

3. Professionally Prescribed Hair Products

If you have concerns about hair thinning, there are product regimens designed specifically for thinning hair. These products contain ingredients that promote a healthy scalp and increase blood flow to the follicles, maximizing the Anagen phase.

One product line I recommend to clients with thinning hair is RPM Thickening Treatment regimen which includes Shampoo, Conditioner, and Scalp Revitalizing Spray. You can purchase the shampoo/condioner here and the scalp spray here.

RPM's Thickening line was developed to help actively prevent hair loss while promoting hair growth and fullness!⁠ How? Well, CBD has adaptogenic properties to help the scalp naturally adjust the level of oil and sebum production which often contains DHT (the hormone that causes hair loss in males). CBD also contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a known DHT inhibitor; and all 3 main omega fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, & 9) that flush away unwanted toxins or build up.⁠ The Omegas and the powerful antioxidant Resveratrol, another active ingredient in RPM's line, improve circulation and blood flow in the scalp providing your follicles with more oxygen to produce healthy hair.⁠ All the while, RPM's Proprietary Amino Acid Complex helps to strengthen the hair and create more volume and fullness.⁠ This combination creates a healthy scalp environment that actively prevents hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth and volume! ⁠

On top of this, protecting your hair from environmental distress is also helpful. Pollution, free radicals, and harsh climates can strip hair of nutrients and cause it to become dry, brittle, and dull. A protective barrier like a leave in conditioner with UV protection can be helpful to maintain strong and healthy hair through all the seasons. Consider trying Current leave in conditioner which can be found here.

So if you have been concerned about your hair thinning, I hope now you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, most of us will experience thinning hair at some point in our lives for various reasons. But now you are armed with the knowledge and tools to take action! Gone are the days of worry! Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more education from yours truly!