On average, we lose 100-150 strands of hair every day. If it seems like that number is high, compare it to the 100,000 strands we have, with more growing everyday. Knowing the difference between shedding and hair loss is important, as the two have different solutions.
SHEDDING VS BREAKAGE
Hair sheds when it has ended it’s life span of growth. For some women, this happens more often than others. Hair that has shed, will come with a white bulb located at the tip. This bulb is the end point of the hair, that was originally located inside of the scalp. The white bulb is the effect of the lack of melanin production, that typically happens at the end of its life span. No white bulbs? Chances are, the hair has broken from a peice of live hair still on the scalp. Often times, breakage appears to be shorter than hair that has shed from the root.
AVOIDANCE
Shedding its a natural progression. Breakage is not. The better you care for your hair, the longer you will reap the rewards of healthy strands Excessive shedding and breakage can be caused by many factors.
1.) Tight hair styles
Hair is its healthiest when it is not wrapped tightly inside of a clip. If you must keep your hair up, use a metal-free soft hair tie. Avoid tight styles. Softer looks are healthier for your hair. Avoid styes that force you hair into a clip several times (buns etc). The less your hair is wrapped into the clip, the better. If you like a bun, try a simple bun wrap.
2.) Sleep patterns
How you sleep will help your hair remain healthy. If you must sleep with your hair up, use a scarf to wrap around your hair line to avoid breakage when moving around on a pillow.
3.) Your wash routine
Washing your hair more than 2-3 times per week is not necessary, and can lead to excessive breakage, and hair loss. Use a water-free shampoo. Yes, they exist. No, we are not talking about dry shampoo. Shampoos that have high levels of water, mean you are washing your hair with cheap fillers, with little active ingredients. Using a waterless shampoo will provide you with benefits that are delivered from every end of the bottle. Eufora is one of our favorite lines, as it is water free. It holds a combination of active ingredients and aloe vera. So even the “fillers” are helping revive your hair’s moisture levels. Water is drying and can be heavy. Washing should be done only to cleanse the hair of impurities, not to strip the hair of its own strength. Washing too much does just that. Avoid hot water, as it relaxes the hair from the root. Get a good micro-fiber towel. Traditional towels will break your hair.
4.) How the hell am I supposed to limit my washed to 2x per week?
A GOOD dry shampoo will soak up oil build up, and rid your hair of impurities. If you’ve chosen the right brand, your hair should literally look salon-fresh from the root. We love BATISTE’s line of dry shampoos. A few lines of product sprayed at the root, and shaken with your fingers leaves your hair soft, oil free and clean (enough). This product can be layered over the course of a few days without feeling heavy and dirty.
5.) Get a good comb or brush
Tight bristle brushes tug at your hair from the end, causing stress. Use a wide tooth comb. or soft boar bristle brush to help increase your hair’s life span. Avoid brushing after you have washed. Warm water opens the hair shaft, making for easier breakage and hair loss.
Increased water and a good diet will help in aid your hair to be it’s healthiest. Avoid trendy hair care products or hot tools. Your hair relies on habit. Sometimes it can take upward of 150 days to see a difference. Do not give up. With better habits, healthy hair is on its way.