Hair shedding increased by 75% HELP

[soldierssong]

Hello everyone, It's been a minute since I've been on here, I missed y'all. :)
I moved across the country, to an area that is known for their hard and bad water( oh boy)
I did a big chop two months ago to get all residue damage out of my hair, and then still am continuing my regular schedule of conditioning, oiling, showering 2-3 times a week, etc. Nothing has changed about my diet or anything, with the exception of longer shifts at work.
But I have seen a dramatic increase of shedding. My partner also sheds a lot. I havent seen a whole lot of thickness loss, but at this rate I'm sure too soon.
I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for tips, ingredients, etc for helping with this!!

[xoAshley]

Are you chelating regularly to keep minerals from building back up on your hair? I know all about hard water woes!! Thankfully I didn’t experience hair loss but boy have I had more than my fair share of breakage.

[foreveryours]

In addition to chelating, you might try rinsing your hair with distilled water after you've rinsed everything out with your tap's water. My water is not so good here too (high TDS) and I've found this extra step very helpful to me as I actually track my hair loss from this and other issues I've experienced. I use a half gallon dH2O each wash divided into three successive rinses to increase extraction efficiency.

Complicating the picture is that many humans experience a "normal" seasonal shed at this time of year (why I have no idea if you look at other mammals) but everybody's clocks are different. At the moment it appears I'm a winter person. And stress is certainly another factor for you, and perhaps your partner, as well. Hope you can sort it all out. If not alarming, it can certainly be frustrating. Good luck!

[ZoeZ]

I had a severe shed last September, where I had not had any appreciable shedding prior to that in all my life ( and I'm 65). I had moved three months before that, and believe that is why the shed.

I have no answers, but want to say this will most likely resolve itself. My shed lasted well into December, and thinned quite a bit, but now I have regular growth and am back to normal.

Very scary, but unless there's a serious medical reason, it will most likely resolve itself. It's just very scary to live through.

[Jane99]

Vinegar rinses can also help to remove mineral deposits on your hair. You want to dilute your vinegar rinse quite a bit so it’s not so acidic that it negatively impacts your hair.
I was shedding quite a bit for the last few months but my shed is slowing down again finally. I attribute it to seasonal change but it could have been from stress or a recent illness I had. I was losing tons of hair in the shower. This happened to me last year too. I think it’s normal to have it fluctuate for a period of time

[lapushka]

First thing before you start thinking of any other thing especially with an alarming (sudden) amount of hair loss, is a health check, by that I mean blood panel. It makes sense especially in these circumstances. 75% increase? Really that much, that should be checked out.

[Ylva]

First thing before you start thinking of any other thing especially with an alarming (sudden) amount of hair loss, is a health check, by that I mean blood panel. It makes sense especially in these circumstances. 75% increase? Really that much, that should be checked out.

A 75% increase doesn't sound that big to me - but naturally, I'm not saying it shouldn't be taken seriously! So I second the bloodwork. But to put things into perspective, when I had my TE shed, my shedding was up 300-500%!

[SleepyTangles]

Hello everyone, It's been a minute since I've been on here, I missed y'all. :)
I moved across the country, to an area that is known for their hard and bad water( oh boy)
I did a big chop two months ago to get all residue damage out of my hair, and then still am continuing my regular schedule of conditioning, oiling, showering 2-3 times a week, etc. Nothing has changed about my diet or anything, with the exception of longer shifts at work.
But I have seen a dramatic increase of shedding. My partner also sheds a lot. I havent seen a whole lot of thickness loss, but at this rate I'm sure too soon.
I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for tips, ingredients, etc for helping with this!!

This is shedding season for many people, so it may not be a big issue. What's key is that your thickness isn't decreasing dramatically.
How about keeping a ponytail circumference diary and see how it goes?

I know my usual thickness range is around 8,5 cm (with 8 cm being the thinnest and 9 cm being the thickest). I tend to monitor my ponytail circumference and it works wonder for my hair-related worries.
I usually measure every two months or so, but you can definitively measure more often if you want.

[foreveryours]

All the new hairs growing in to replace your sheds right now will take years to reach a length they all can be drawin into a ponytail

[soldierssong]

Are you chelating regularly to keep minerals from building back up on your hair? I know all about hard water woes!! Thankfully I didn’t experience hair loss but boy have I had more than my fair share of breakage.

I don't know what chelating is...

[aloewurly]

I don't know what chelating is...

It's washing with a specially formulated shampoo to remove minerals from hard water that may have "sticked" to your hair. Nothing fancy! Note that you do need a shampoo that's for chelating, since they need specific ingredients to bind to those minerals and let them be rinsed out.

[soldierssong]

It's washing with a specially formulated shampoo to remove minerals from hard water that may have "sticked" to your hair. Nothing fancy! Note that you do need a shampoo that's for chelating, since they need specific ingredients to bind to those minerals and let them be rinsed out.

Ahh, yeah, that makes sense.... I'll have to do some research on some good ones.

[paulownia]

Ahh, yeah, that makes sense.... I'll have to do some research on some good ones.
A chelating shampoo should contain Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA. Check the ingredient list;)

[Jools69]

Hello everyone, It's been a minute since I've been on here, I missed y'all. :)
I moved across the country, to an area that is known for their hard and bad water( oh boy)
I did a big chop two months ago to get all residue damage out of my hair, and then still am continuing my regular schedule of conditioning, oiling, showering 2-3 times a week, etc. Nothing has changed about my diet or anything, with the exception of longer shifts at work.
But I have seen a dramatic increase of shedding. My partner also sheds a lot. I havent seen a whole lot of thickness loss, but at this rate I'm sure too soon.
I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for tips, ingredients, etc for helping with this!!
It might be a combination of factors causing the shedding: stress with moving and increased work hours, difference in water, or the normal seasonal shedding that can occur at the end of summer/early autumn. If you think it’s the water, some people fit filters to their shower to filter out the impurities. If stress, try to find something that helps you relax or relieve it - I find exercising helps me. Seasonal shedding can’t be helped, as it part of the normal hair growth cycle of growing, resting then shedding.

If you feel none of these are contributing to the shedding, then speak to your doctor.


In addition to chelating, you might try rinsing your hair with distilled water after you've rinsed everything out with your tap's water. My water is not so good here too (high TDS) and I've found this extra step very helpful to me as I actually track my hair loss from this and other issues I've experienced. I use a half gallon dH2O each wash divided into three successive rinses to increase extraction efficiency.

Complicating the picture is that many humans experience a "normal" seasonal shed at this time of year (why I have no idea if you look at other mammals) but everybody's clocks are different. At the moment it appears I'm a winter person. And stress is certainly another factor for you, and perhaps your partner, as well. Hope you can sort it all out. If not alarming, it can certainly be frustrating. Good luck!
From what I’ve read, scientists believe that the hair on our head helps to insulate the scalp and protect the brain from the heat and uv rays from the sun. Protection we don’t need during winter, as we need less hair to help us absorb vitamin D.

Logically, we would think hair is for warmth, but looking at populations in the saharan desert, they cover themselves up for protection and to keep cool.

[foreveryours]

From what I’ve read, scientists believe that the hair on our head helps to insulate the scalp and protect the brain from the heat and uv rays from the sun. Protection we don’t need during winter, as we need less hair to help us absorb vitamin D.

Logically, we would think hair is for warmth, but looking at populations in the saharan desert, they cover themselves up for protection and to keep cool.

I don't know whether I really believe that. Seasonal scalp shedding hopefully doesn't expose much new skin area to the sun, which is what allows your body to produce vitamin D. I haven't noticed any annual bald patches anyway :p

[xoAshley]

Ahh, yeah, that makes sense.... I'll have to do some research on some good ones.

Malibu C Hardwater Wellness Shampoo & Conditioner is the best I’ve tried!! It does it’s job without drying my hair out too much. My hair feels squeaky clean but soft afterwards. Depending on how often you wash, you can use it weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. just give it a go and find what works for you!

[Ylva]

From what I’ve read, scientists believe that the hair on our head helps to insulate the scalp and protect the brain from the heat and uv rays from the sun. Protection we don’t need during winter, as we need less hair to help us absorb vitamin D.

Logically, we would think hair is for warmth, but looking at populations in the saharan desert, they cover themselves up for protection and to keep cool.

I don't know whether I really believe that. Seasonal scalp shedding hopefully doesn't expose much new skin area to the sun, which is what allows your body to produce vitamin D. I haven't noticed any annual bald patches anyway :p

It is true that the purpose of hair is to protect the head from UV radiation, but if you look at the specific adaptations of different climates, closer to the equator, you will find hair that specifically protects the top of the head from UV radiation, while people of, for example, European descent, tend to have hair that protects the neck, meaning the UV rays often come from a lower angle.

I'm more inclined to think that seasonal shedding is just a resource trade-off. As winter approaches, energy is allocated into more important matters. This, however, doesn't mean that we wouldn't benefit from a little bit of extra vit. D, but I don't think it plays a part here.

[foreveryours]

It is true that the purpose of hair is to protect the head from UV radiation, but if you look at the specific adaptations of different climates, closer to the equator, you will find hair that specifically protects the top of the head from UV radiation, while people of, for example, European descent, tend to have hair that protects the neck, meaning the UV rays often come from a lower angle.

I'm more inclined to think that seasonal shedding is just a resource trade-off. As winter approaches, energy is allocated into more important matters. This, however, doesn't mean that we wouldn't benefit from a little bit of extra vit. D, but I don't think it plays a part here.

So ... if you keep moving to wherever it's warm, you'll grow more hair and not lose any? Do residents in places where year-round climate conditions hardly change, for example at high elevations along the equator, have thick bushy heads? :p

[Ylva]

So ... if you keep moving to wherever it's warm, you'll grow more hair and not lose any? Do residents in places where year-round climate conditions hardly change, for example at high elevations along the equator, have thick bushy heads? :p

I'd imagine that all the stress caused by constant moving would cause a shed in its own right. :) Naturally, it doesn't change the way your entire head of hair looks, but yes, people at higher altitudes and in a lot of warmer areas tend to have thicker hair on average, as far as I've gathered. That, however, is not due to a lack of seasonal shedding. Shedding in itself doesn't necessarily change all that much. When I had my TE shed, no one other than me could tell I'd even lost hair, even though I lost a lot of it.

[Kathie]

It is true that the purpose of hair is to protect the head from UV radiation, but if you look at the specific adaptations of different climates, closer to the equator, you will find hair that specifically protects the top of the head from UV radiation, while people of, for example, European descent, tend to have hair that protects the neck, meaning the UV rays often come from a lower angle.

I'm more inclined to think that seasonal shedding is just a resource trade-off. As winter approaches, energy is allocated into more important matters. This, however, doesn't mean that we wouldn't benefit from a little bit of extra vit. D, but I don't think it plays a part here.

I think the language is a bit strong here. There may be theories that this is the case. But they are just that- theories.

Personally I think that hair may indeed offer some protection from UV but whether that is its only purpose is debatable.

Im also not sure if the hair distribution patterns you are describing are due to UV protection from hair. An alternative explanation is that in hotter climates (i.e., closer to the equator) its more comfortable to wear ones hair off the neck and shoulders.... so its warn up. Or more on top of their head.

If you are saying that its actually density of hair follicles that differ then I would be interested to hear where you found this?

[foreveryours]

I'd imagine that all the stress caused by constant moving would cause a shed in its own right. :) Naturally, it doesn't change the way your entire head of hair looks, but yes, people at higher altitudes and in a lot of warmer areas tend to have thicker hair on average, as far as I've gathered. That, however, is not due to a lack of seasonal shedding. Shedding in itself doesn't necessarily change all that much. When I had my TE shed, no one other than me could tell I'd even lost hair, even though I lost a lot of it.

That to me argues that seasonal shedding has little to do with UV protection since coverage doesn't change appreciably as you note. And your shed was more extreme than seasonal. You'd never guess though :p I'm very interested in shedding and within the next 6 months or so I'll get to see whether my recollections of my own seasonal pattern are true, or not. I recall winters as being my season, which always struck me as odd. So far, summer's been clear, but memory is notoriously unreliable.

[Ylva]

I think the language is a bit strong here. There may be theories that this is the case. But they are just that- theories.

Personally I think that hair may indeed offer some protection from UV but whether that is its only purpose is debatable.

Im also not sure if the hair distribution patterns you are describing are due to UV protection from hair. An alternative explanation is that in hotter climates (i.e., closer to the equator) its more comfortable to wear ones hair off the neck and shoulders.... so its warn up. Or more on top of their head.

If you are saying that its actually density of hair follicles that differ then I would be interested to hear where you found this?

That which I presented is, according to my knowledge, the current dominant theory (theory being the highest status anything can gain in science). Naturally, there are a bunch of other hypotheses which may be argued for and against, but I am personally leaning towards the explanation I provided earlier. 'Comfort' as the cause of this adaptation is unlikely in my eyes because, in the grand scheme of things, it is relatively meaningless.

There may be other benefits to hair but whether that is the cause of the adaptation itself is a different matter entirely.

Regarding hair distribution patterns and UV protection, I am relying on information provided by my evolutionary psychology professor.


That to me argues that seasonal shedding has little to do with UV protection since coverage doesn't change appreciably as you note. And your shed was more extreme than seasonal. You'd never guess though :p I'm very interested in shedding and within the next 6 months or so I'll get to see whether my recollections of my own seasonal pattern are true, or not. I recall winters as being my season, which always struck me as odd. So far, summer's been clear, but memory is notoriously unreliable.

It wasn't I who argued in favour of seasonal shedding occurring due to UV reasons, though?

[Kathie]

That which I presented is, according to my knowledge, the current dominant theory (theory being the highest status anything can gain in science). Naturally, there are a bunch of other hypotheses which may be argued for and against, but I am personally leaning towards the explanation I provided earlier. 'Comfort' as the cause of this adaptation is unlikely in my eyes because, in the grand scheme of things, it is relatively meaningless.

There may be other benefits to hair but whether that is the cause of the adaptation itself is a different matter entirely.

Regarding hair distribution patterns and UV protection, I am relying on information provided by my evolutionary psychology professor.



It wasn't I who argued in favour of seasonal shedding occurring due to UV reasons, though?

I think empirical evidence is a step up from a theory in science. Unfortunately what we are talking about can not be subjected to this rigour.

If the primary function of hair is to protected us from UV then why dont we have a thick layer of it on other places that have a high level of exposure to the sun- like the bridge of our noses, our hands, upper chest, shoulders?

I also heard an evolutionary theory about hair in undergrad: We spent part of our evolutionary history as water dwelling creatures. We grow long hair so that our offspring can hold onto this as we swim about. They even went on to argue that the grip reflex in infants supports this.
Personally this theory makes me smile when I think about it.

Anyways... I don't doubt that hair offers some UV protection. I'm just sceptical that this is its only purpose.

Another theory is that it could simply act as a signal for reproductive fitness- health. Much like a peacocks tail. Gosh- how much energy / physical resources does it take for a peacock to produce that! What purpose does it serve beyond signalling beauty and health? Maybe our hair is like that? No real purpose beyond signalling our health. This does seem to fit with stress induced shedding.

[EdG]

soldierssong - Short-term increases in shedding may be caused by hair that has naturally shed from the scalp, but is being held in place by lint or waxy sebum. Remove those and surprising amounts of hair can come out.

This is why I don't worry about short-term increases in shedding.
Ed

[Ylva]

I think empirical evidence is a step up from a theory in science. Unfortunately what we are talking about can not be subjected to this rigour.

If the primary function of hair is to protected us from UV then why dont we have a thick layer of it on other places that have a high level of exposure to the sun- like the bridge of our noses, our hands, upper chest, shoulders?

I also heard an evolutionary theory about hair in undergrad: We spent part of our evolutionary history as water dwelling creatures. We grow long hair so that our offspring can hold onto this as we swim about. They even went on to argue that the grip reflex in infants supports this.
Personally this theory makes me smile when I think about it.

Anyways... I don't doubt that hair offers some UV protection. I'm just sceptical that this is its only purpose.

Another theory is that it could simply act as a signal for reproductive fitness- health. Much like a peacocks tail. Gosh- how much energy / physical resources does it take for a peacock to produce that! What purpose does it serve beyond signalling beauty and health? Maybe our hair is like that? No real purpose beyond signalling our health. This does seem to fit with stress induced shedding.

First comes a hypothesis, which is then supported by empirical evidence. If there is enough of that, it becomes a theory, but beyond that would have to come 'fact', which is something science doesn't know.

I could probably provide some sources on the UV protection provided by the hair but I'll need to go through my evolutionary psychology files and I don't even know where to begin searching. But when I come across it again, I'll try my hardest to remember this thread.

Regarding peacock's tail, you're talking about ornamentation, and it is true that most of them don't provide any benefit beyond courtship. Some of them, like the peacock's tail, for example, actually disturb movement etc., but because the pros outweigh the cons (aka the reproductive benefits are greater than the disturbances it creates; males do not get caught by predators before they have time to procreate), the trait has evolved. That could certainly be a side effect of hair, but I don't believe it is the reason why the trait evolved. We could've just kept all fur then - it could look lovely and glossy all over!

[Kathie]

First comes a hypothesis, which is then supported by empirical evidence. If there is enough of that, it becomes a theory, but beyond that would have to come 'fact', which is something science doesn't know.

I could probably provide some sources on the UV protection provided by the hair but I'll need to go through my evolutionary psychology files and I don't even know where to begin searching. But when I come across it again, I'll try my hardest to remember this thread.

Regarding peacock's tail, you're talking about ornamentation, and it is true that most of them don't provide any benefit beyond courtship. Some of them, like the peacock's tail, for example, actually disturb movement etc., but because the pros outweigh the cons (aka the reproductive benefits are greater than the disturbances it creates; males do not get caught by predators before they have time to procreate), the trait has evolved. That could certainly be a side effect of hair, but I don't believe it is the reason why the trait evolved. We could've just kept all fur then - it could look lovely and glossy all over!

That's not entirely correct as exemplified by your own suggestion that we have hair because it offers UV protection.

This statement/thoery lacks any empirical evidence. Its just a stand alone theory. As is all evolutionary hypothesises... we cant test them. We can only my theories based on what we see. In the same token because it can't be tested it can't be proven wrong. So maybe its true.

On this forum, especially, I think you will find that some people believe that a creator gave us our hair. As like your theory on hair on our head being their for UV protection, this can not be proven correct or incorrect. So maybe its true.

I like a good theory! It gets us thinking. But I think there needs to be caution in understanding that it is just a theory.


Haha... I like the glossy coat idea. The more hair the better. But did we ever actually ever have a full body of fur?.... :p

[Ylva]

That's not entirely correct as exemplified by your own suggestion that we have hair because it offers UV protection.

This statement/thoery lacks any empirical evidence. Its just a stand alone theory. As is all evolutionary hypothesises... we cant test them. We can only my theories based on what we see. In the same token because it can't be tested it can't be proven wrong. So maybe its true.

On this forum, especially, I think you will find that some people believe that a creator gave us our hair. As like your theory on hair on our head being their for UV protection, this can not be proven correct or incorrect. So maybe its true.

I like a good theory! It gets us thinking. But I think there needs to be caution in understanding that it is just a theory.


Haha... I like the glossy coat idea. The more hair the better. But did we ever actually ever have a full body of fur?.... :p

I think you've got some terminology mixed up. A hypothesis is what you begin testing for empirical evidence, and once you have it, it becomes a theory. Nothing is "just a theory", because in order to become a theory, it must have a good amount of empirical evidence. The theory of evolution, for example, is no longer the hypothesis of evolution because we've been able to test it in so many ways at this point. I am not here to argue evolution, though. My point is that 'theory' is not a low title of any sort - it's the highest position that anything can hold in science. That, however, doesn't mean it cannot be proven wrong. It just means it's the widely accepted idea on the subject at this time.

As I said, once I find my files about the role of hair as UV protection, I will come back to this thread with more information on it, but at this moment, I have too much other stuff to go through to even start looking for the correct files.

And to answer your final question: not as homo sapiens sapiens, but some of our ancestors certainly did.

[Kathie]

I think you've got some terminology mixed up. A hypothesis is what you begin testing for empirical evidence, and once you have it, it becomes a theory. Nothing is "just a theory", because in order to become a theory, it must have a good amount of empirical evidence. The theory of evolution, for example, is no longer the hypothesis of evolution because we've been able to test it in so many ways at this point. I am not here to argue evolution, though. My point is that 'theory' is not a low title of any sort - it's the highest position that anything can hold in science. That, however, doesn't mean it cannot be proven wrong. It just means it's the widely accepted idea on the subject at this time.

As I said, once I find my files about the role of hair as UV protection, I will come back to this thread with more information on it, but at this moment, I have too much other stuff to go through to even start looking for the correct files.

And to answer your final question: not as homo sapiens sapiens, but some of our ancestors certainly did.

Coming from a hard science background I would tend to use the phrase "empirically tested" to meant that it has been experimentally tested. I see that you are extending this to mean simple observations that do not come from an experiment. By experiment I mean a study where you hold all variables constant except for the one you are testing. You manipulate this variable and see if your hypothesis regarding its affect is supported or not. There is no way we can do this with evolutionary theories. At the most I would consider observations that support evolutionary theories quasi experiments.

I agree that some theories have a lot of credence. But ones were the only evidence is simple observation don't rate as highly for me. Not all theories are created equal. When it comes to theories supported by simple observation, I would be cautious. These theories are like story time to me... you can find evidence for, evidence against, and you can discuss it backwards and forwards as long as you like. But you will always find evidence to the contrary... in either direction. Meanwhile theories backed by scientific manipulation at least have a firmer foundation to stand on especially if the experiment is of high quality and has been replicated.

With regards to our ancestors- the fossil record is incomplete. Some of the skulls that have been argued to be evidence for shared ancestors are fragments and have been reconstructed. Have they been reconstructed correctly? Was there a bias when they were being reconstructed to support evolutionary theory? Questions questions questions. Without firm answers.

(PS- Im neither for nor against evolutionary theories... because I haven't seen any research that really pulls me in one way or another).

[lapushka]

soldierssong, how's it going right now? Any changes.

Normally sheds tend to happen about 3 months after a majorly stressful event, so: there's that to consider; if you have anything that applies.

Otherwise, please go see a doctor about it if you are that worried.

Don't wait for it to pass especially not if it continues to get worse. :flower: