Is it just me, or does there seem to be a lot of talk about hair loss in the last few years? Social media, increased awareness of health and wellness, and advancements in hair care products have likely contributed to more discussions on this topic, and curly hair seems to be at the forefront.
When having this discussion with my curly hair clients, my theory is this:
it’s natural to shed hair every day, and since curly people don't comb or wash hair every day, those strands stay tucked and twisted in. So, when they shampoo, it seems like a lot. On the other hand, straight hair may shed more visibly daily due to the strands slipping out easily since they are not as easily entangled. They should also keep in mind that the longer their hair becomes, the more it will look like they are losing. Fifty 2” strands vs 10” strands will look a lot different.
That being said, hair loss is a legitimate concern more many, me included. Here are some things to know~
The hair growth cycle consists of four phases:
The anagen phase is the growing phase which begins new hair growth.
The catagen phase is the transition phase that lasts about 10 days.
The telogen phase is when the follicle rests for two or three months.
The exogen phase is when the hair falls out, also known as shedding.
Hair loss can be caused by various factors beyond natural shedding. Some common causes include hereditary factors, aging, hormonal changes, thyroid issues, the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the case of androgenetic alopecia, childbirth, stress, diet, Covid19, certain medications, friction, and excessive pulling on the hair.
Yes, covid. This can be due to stress or even a fever. Telogen effluvium (a type of temporary hair loss caused by a stressor or change to your body),
While average hair loss is 50-100 hairs a day, some people may experience more due to various factors. The good news is there are several options available for hair loss~
Nutrafol, which contains saw palmetto, is a dietary supplement that some people use to support hair growth.
Oral Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an FDA-approved medication available without a prescription that can promote hair growth.
Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription medication primarily used for male pattern baldness, as it helps block the production of DHT.
Spironolactone is another prescription medication that can be used off-label for hair loss, particularly in women with androgenic alopecia.
In addition to these treatments, maintaining a balanced diet and taking relevant supplements can support overall hair health.
If you have clients who are coming to you talking about hair loss, it's always best to suggest working with a natural path, dietician or medical doctor as a good place to start to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and finding the best treatment for their specific situation.
Have you been experiencing conversations about hair loss in your chair? I would love to hear from you in the comments section regarding any input or information you've discovered or conversations on this delicate subject!
Curlcraft is always dedicated to helping hairstylists help their curly haired clients.