WHAT IS SHEDDING?
Shedding is when hair naturally falls out directly from the root. This is something that happens to us all at certain times in the hair’s cycle, especially for those of us with curls, since we don’t usually wash our hair as frequently as straight haired people.
IS YOUR SHED HAIR RATE NORMAL?
When you have curly hair, there are a few things to consider when it comes to noticing shedding. First off, we wash our hair less frequently than those with straight hair which means when it does come to wash day you will notice a larger amount of shedding. This is just shed hair that has been caught in the hair ever since your last wash or detangle.
Remember, the average person sheds 50-100 hairs a day! So you will usually be seeing what a week’s worth of shedding looks like.
HOW CAN I TELL IF IT’S SHEDDING OR BREAKAGE?
Check to see if the hair fallen out is shed hair or breakage. Look at the length of the hair, feeling the root of it. If you feel the bulb at the end, then it is a shed hair. If the hair has no bulb, feels a little rough and is a short piece of hair that is breakage. I suggest giving your hair a treatment and trimming if you notice a lot of breakage.
OTHER REASONS FOR SHEDDING
There are some other factors that can cause shedding. Your general health can affect your hair’s condition, so make sure that you are taking vitamins, drinking water and eating a healthy diet. If you notice a lot of shedding along with less energy and just bad health in general definitely speak to your doctor as you may be lacking in something.
ARE YOU TRANSITIONING?
When I transitioned I noticed my shed hair a lot more. This can simply be due to the fact that you are now paying more attention to your hair’s every move! It could also be the change-up in your new routine and products which are affecting the scalp.
YOUR SCALP HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT
If your roots are blocked with product build-up or dandruff, this can be causing your hair to fall out at a faster rate.
Keep an eye on your scalp’s health; do regular scalp massages and make sure to cleanse the scalp well. I like to use cleansers that contain peppermint oil or tea tree oil due to their amazing clarifying benefits.
HOW TO PREVENT SHEDDING
Here are some ways you can help to prevent further shedding.
1. Reduce your stress: Stress causes hair loss so try to fit in some relaxation time it will be good not only for your hair but for your overall health.
2. Massage your scalp: Weekly scalp massages are amazing for promoting growth by stimulating the hair follicles. This is a great time to relax by using essential oils like argan oil, olive oil and coconut oil.
3. Natural remedies: Hair rinses are great for stimulating the scalp and increasing hair growth. One recommended for this is a green tea hair rinse. Garlic is an anti-inflammatory herb that some people use to rub on the scalp to help with growth and reducing shedding.
MY PERSONAL HISTORY WITH CURLY HAIR SHEDDING
Has there been a time when shedding was a major worry to you? If you have any questions about curly hair shedding, let us know in the comments below!
