Hair Shedding
Hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, which consists of three phases: Anagen (growth phase), Catagen (transition phase), and Telogen (resting phase).
- In the Anagen phase, hair follicles produce new hairs. This phase can last for 2-7 years, with the hair growing about one centimeter per month.
- The Catagen phase is a short, transitional period that lasts around 2-3 weeks. During this phase, hair growth stops, and the outer root sheath shrinks and attaches to the root of the hair, forming a club hair.
- The Telogen phase is a resting period when hairs begin to shed. This phase lasts for about three months, and around 10-15% of all hairs are in this phase at any one point.
After the Telogen phase, the hair growth cycle restarts with the Anagen phase. On a healthy scalp, most hairs (about 85-90%) are in the growth phase at any one time.
According to medical professionals, it’s normal to shed 50-100 hairs per day. However, excessive shedding, known as Telogen effluvium, could be triggered by significant stress, childbirth, malnutrition, or illness. This condition is usually temporary, and hair generally grows back within a few months once the cause is addressed.
Hair Loss
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a different condition and refers to a noticeable thinning or baldness pattern. The most common form of hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia or pattern baldness, which affects both men and women. It’s characterized by a receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown.
Hair loss can also be caused by a variety of factors such as:
- Medications and treatments like chemotherapy
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems
- Certain diseases like ringworm and infections
- Genetic factors
- Stressful events or trauma
- Hairstyles that pull tightly on the hair
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin C deficiency
Unlike hair shedding, hair loss requires treatment to regrow hair.
Hair Shedding Vs Hair Loss: The Difference
The primary difference between hair shedding and hair loss lies in their causes and treatments. Hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle and doesn’t require treatment. On the other hand, hair loss is a condition that results from various factors and requires treatment.
Roshan Vara, a renowned hair transplant surgeon, suggests that pattern baldness or alopecia is not a phase but a progressive condition that continues without treatment. Therefore, if you notice thinning hair, bald patches, or a receding hairline, it’s essential to seek professional help.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
Hair loss treatments range from medications like Minoxidil to surgical procedures like hair transplants.
Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is a topical treatment that promotes hair growth by extending the growth phase of hair follicles. Finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia, is a prescription pill that prevents the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can cause hair follicles to shrink.
Hair transplant surgery, including FUE and FUT, involves moving hair from a dense area (donor site) to an area with thinning or no hair (recipient area).
How to Tell Hair Shedding and Hair Loss Apart
Telling hair shedding and hair loss apart can be tricky. However, if you’re losing more than 100 hairs a day or notice thinning patches or a receding hairline, it’s more likely to be hair loss.
Conclusion
While hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, hair loss is a condition that requires treatment. Understanding the difference between these two can help you determine when to seek professional help.
Remember, if you’re experiencing hair loss, you’re not alone. According to a study, around 50% of men and women will experience some form of hair loss by 2025. With advancements in medical treatments and hair transplant techniques, there’s a range of effective solutions available.
