new thread
I've been reading this board for a while but haven't posted yet. I've been growing my hair for about 15 months but have noticed that over the past 2 months I have been losing a lot of hair. I have to clean my shower drain about every 4 or 5 days.
Hair loss does not run in my family and I have really thick hair, but my best friend is losing his hair rapidly and now it's got me thinking. A couple months ago I would only lose maybe 5-10 hairs in the shower, but now it seems closer to at least 30+. And seeing as how I never had to clean my shower drain before, I'm kind of worried. I'm talking huge clumps of hair. Oh, btw I'm 22 and my hair is just past my shoulders. I've read that it's possible to lose upwards of 100 hairs a day and that not being anything for concern, but what's been happening over the last 2 months has been such a drastic change from the rest of my life that it has me concerned.
Am I just going through some kind of shedding phase? Should I try a different shampoo and conditioner? I've always been under a lot of stress, but could that have anything to do with it?
Sorry for making this so long, but if anyone could give me any feedback or ease my concerns, that would be much appreciated.
A lot of things can cause increased hair shedding. Here are a few questions to consider. 1)Has the weather been warmer (or unusually hot) for the past 2 months?
2)Have you changed your diet in the past 2 months? Changing your diet could mean eating more or less food or eating more junk food. Are you eating less protein than you were 2 months ago?
3)Have you started smoking (or smoking more if you already smoke) in the past 2 months? 4)Have you had the flu or other illness, or injuries in the past 2 months? 5)Are you drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep? These are some of the factors that can affect hair growth and shedding. The bottom line is that to have the healthiest hair you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Absalom
5)Are you drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep?
I can relate to these two points. The UK is normally pretty dreary weather-wise, but the past couple of months have been very hot. I have been thinking about my daily water consumption for a while now, I tend to be thirsty quite often but never actually get a drink. I just assumed that the recent hot weather was making me thirsty more.
The problem is, I've only been keeping an eye on hair loss for 2 months, so I have no basis on which to compare hair loss before and after the hot weather.
And another thing - between July 15 and September 1 2003, I lost 30lbs through dieting and exercise, which is pretty drastic really. In the year since then, I have gained about 8lbs. Do you think this weight loss could still be having an effect? I cut down more on carbs than protein I think.
Matt.
The weight loss from a year ago would be unlikely to cause increased shedding now. The current heat wave is much more likely to be the cause. You will probably have to wait for maybe 1 or 2 months after the heat wave ends to determine this for sure. Absalom
Those are some interesting points. I live a very clean lifestyle, don't smoke or drink or do any drugs. Perhaps it is my diet that is causing the hair loss. I never eat fast food or junk food, but I'm guessing I do not eat enough overall. Over the past 2 months or so I believe I accidently lost about 10 pounds. I was 5'9" 150lbs, now I'm closer to 137-140lbs. Busy running around I guess I don't have enough time to eat. I'll try upping my protein and overall nutrients. Thanks for the replies.
i had locks (dreadlocks) for quite a while. when i cut them out, about two years ago, my hair was extremely thin on top. that was one of the reason i ended up cutting the locks out.
i started using aveda scalp benefits shampoo and conditioner and i can tell a huge difference in the thickness. the lady who colors my hair now told me to use it cause it cleans all the impurities from your scalp and helps to grow your hair healthier and thicker.
you may want to give that a try. it's kinda pricey but i think it's totally worth it, i think they are 12 bucks each.
good luck!
dustin
There are several possible reasons for your hair loss, it could be diet related, stress/hormone related. It could also be your water supply if something has changed in it, like if it has become harder. There is a range of hair products for thinning hair called nioxin, its pretty expensive but it is good. It is able to remove DHT (dihydrotestosterone) from your scalp which is responsible for some peoples hair loss, like pattern baldness or just baldness in general (unless your having chemotherapy.. i dont think it would work then). It is normal to loose anywhere between 50-150 hairs per day, but I dont know for sure if this related to just head hair or commulative body hair, people tend to throw these figures around on the board but I have yet to see a scientific study online to back this up (im not saying there isnt one, i just saying I cant be bothered looking) : )
