Shedding or Breakage

Source: Google

More often than not I find people use ‘breakage’ and ‘shedding’ interchangeably to refer to hair falling out of the head generally. This is wrong because these terms mean different things and cannot be used interchangeably. Knowing the difference helps a lot because it helps the different individuals know exactly what they are dealing with and how to fix on control it

Source: Google

What is shedding? Shed hair is hair that has gone through and reached the end of the hair growth cycle. Shed hair falls out naturally from the scalp to make room for new hair and the beginning of a new growth cycle. It is characterized by a tiny white bulb on the end (root). Shed hair is generally long. Shedding is a sign if a healthy functioning scalp, however, if you notice you are shedding a lot more than normal, it could be a medical problem or hormonal imbalance. There are certain times when shedding naturally increases. Some instances are’ during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause; during the use of birth control pills; a sudden change in diet and anemia. And the shedding will reduce when hormone levels return to normal.

Source: Google

What is breakage? Breakage is unnatural and is a sign of weakened and unhealthy strands. It is mostly as a result of and imbalance and hair damage. Hair can be damaged by, heat, straightening and coloring chemicals and mishandling of hair. Breakage is also caused by lack of moisture in the hair strand. A lack of moisture means that the hair loses elasticity, and becomes more brittle. Other types of breakage may be attributed to a protein overload.

Combatting Shedding

Unless you have a medical condition, shedding is normal, and you shouldn’t get worried too much about it. However if the shedding gets out of hand or if you are losing more than a 100 strands a day then you should seek professional help.

Some people have said that garlic in the form of shampoos or garlic scalp rubs have significantly reduced their shedding.

Others have also attributed their reduced shedding to onion juice.

Black tea rinses can also be used because they have DHT blockers. DHT is a hormone which can cause an increase in shedding.

Source: Google. Growth cycle

Dealing With Breakage

You cannot not have breakage entirely but you can work on minimizing the amount of broken strands in your comb to as little as 5 strands.

• Be very gentle with your hair. Comb hair from ends to roots to ease tangling to avoid unnecessary breaking.

• Keep your nails neat and filed smooth so that the hair doesn’t get caught in your nails and snap.

• Keep your hair moisturized daily.

• Reduce heat

• Keep your hair protected especially at night in a satin bonnet.

 

Source: Google. Excessive Breakage 

 Now that you know the difference? What are you dealing with? Was this post helpful?
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