In this post, you will learn about shedding – what’s normal for curls, possible causes, and tactics to prevent it.
I want to overshare the details about my curly hair journey with you! Yes, that’s right! I want you to know everything because I want you to have someone you can relate to. It’s OK to have questions and it’s OK to go through certain things while you transition to natural curly hair. So get comfortable and read away, friend!
Why Do I lose so much of my Curly Hair?
Assuming you have healthy curls and that you do not have any underlying health conditions, it’s common to shed. So phew! You can relax now. I remember washing my hair and after detangling it, I’d have so much hair in the comb that I thought I was going bald and that something was wrong. I also remember taking pictures of the amount of hair that fell out every wash day so I could compare. I was truly concerned and wanted to see if it was getting better or worse. I noticed that the amount of hair that’d fall out would vary and soon I realized it depended on so many different variables. So first thing here is, as long as you are not seeing drastic changes in your hair and your hair is not thinning or you notice other symptoms, your hair should be perfectly fine! This process is called “shedding” and it is different from your hair falling out, because in this process, you will shed but new hairs will grow. Whereas when your hair is falling out, you are losing hair, quite literally balding.
I understand this can be a bit more shocking for those of us who have undergone chemical treatments before. Because straight hair does not seem to shed as much as curly hair. However, that’s just a perception and that is not quite true. In reality, it is normal to shed between 50-100 hairs a day. The number may vary but obviously, it is quite impossible to even count it. So, unless you notice excessive hair shedding, you should be fine because since we do not typically wash our curls every day (or detangle them every day) our strands aren’t able to shed because they are held in by our curls. So naturally, once we wash it and detangle it, the perception is that we are shedding way too much.
So again, unless you believe you are experiencing extreme shedding, you should not worry about it as much but let’s explore tactics to avoid losing so much hair on your wash day.
How to Stop Curly Hair from Falling Out
First thing to understand here is that shedding is different from losing your hair. And in this specific post we are addressing shedding. So the million-dollar question is, how can I prevent my curly hair from shedding? – Sorry, friend! That is not quite possible! The shedding process is a natural process, in which some of our hair is shed and in turn new hairs grow. However, if you notice your hair falling out and no new hairs growing, hair thinning, and/or bald patches on your scalp, please look for a trusted professional as soon as possible.
Even though hair shedding is a natural process, it can be influenced by various factors such as your nutrition, stress and even breastfeeding.
Nutrition
Try and maintain a healthy diet, preferably rich in iron and proteins. Also, hydrate! Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Think of your hair like a big thirsty plant.
Hairstyles
Even though I became a big fan of certain hairstyles, I usually stay away from tying my hair too tight. I generally wear my hair parted to the sides and do not wear any hair clips, tight ponytails, or braids. Also, if wear my hair in a ponytail I use scrunchies instead of hair ties. And finally, I do not use any hot tools (but you already know that if you read my previous posts). But if you use hot tools, consider using a thermal protector and starting a hair care schedule. Don’t know what a hair care schedule is? Not to worry! I got you covered – Curly Hair Tips – Grow your Natural Hair with a Simple Hair Care Schedule
Haircare
I know this might sound a little repetitive but here I say it again: make sure to follow a hair care schedule. In addition, make sure you clarify regularly, exfoliate, and hydrate your scalp. Stay away from hot water and make sure to rinse off shampoo and avoid applying conditioner to your scalp.
So yes, hair shedding, even though a natural process, can be influenced by different factors such as poor nutrition and stress – I focus on these two aspects because I was influenced by it before and can share my experience as I will always do. My advice to you today is to maintain a healthy diet, drink lots of water, and invest your time to develop and maintain a good hair care schedule. If you feel that something is not normal, consult a trusted professional as soon as possible.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below.
With love,
Eve
