Why Am I Shedding?

Shedding can be very unsettling, especially when you've invested in a topical treatment for hair regrowth. Believe it or not, it can actually be a good sign! When using a hair treatment, shedding in the initial stage can indicate that it's working.

But how does shedding work? To find the answer, it’s important to understand the three stages of hair growth and role of androgens and hormonal fluctuations in hair fall and development.

If you are concerned that your topical hair treatment is resulting in adverse results, its understandable to feel unsettled, but don't worry. Keep reading to learn all about why shedding occurs after the first few uses of a topical and why it's actually a good thing.

The Three Stages of Hair Growth

Hair growth begins under the skin in structures called follicles.

There are three stages of hair growth: anagen (the growing stage), catagen (the transitional state), and telogen (the resting state). At any given time, approximately 85% of healthy hair is in the growing stage, and 15% is in the resting state.

Each strand of hair typically grows for 2 to 6 years and goes into a resting phase for several months. When the hair follicle begins production again, it starts to produce a new hair shaft, which pushes the old one out.

According to the Mayo Clinic:

"People typically lose about 100 hairs a day. This usually doesn't cause noticeable thinning of scalp hair because new hair is growing at the same time. Hair loss occurs when this cycle of hair growth and shedding is disrupted."

The Role of Androgens and Hormonal Fluctuations

Your hair growth cycle relies significantly on your hormones. Increased levels of androgens in hair follicles can lead to a shorter cycle of hair growth and the growth of shorter and thinner hair strands.

If you're dealing with hormonal imbalances, you can also expect a delay in the growth of new hair to replace the strands that are shed. So, what is the hormone responsible for hair loss? The culprit is dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The reason excess androgens, specifically DHT, cause hair loss is no secret. DHT is a more potent form of testosterone, making your hair more vulnerable than ever. That means thinner hair and shorter growth cycles in male and female pattern baldness.

Learn more about how DHT and hormonal fluctuations affect this cycle of hair growth here.

HAIRMETTO® Topical Hair Treatments for Hair Loss

HAIRMETTO sells a range of topical hair treatments for those suffering from hair loss. That includes our Topical Saw Palmetto Serum and Topical Saw Palmetto Oil.

Our Serum is formulated for daytime use. It effectively blocks DHT, soothes scalp inflammation, and stimulates follicles to promote new growth. Plus, it's non-oily, making it perfect for those who who want to style their hair and go!

Meanwhile, our topical hair Oil is an overnight dual-action leave-in. Our Saw Palmetto Topical for hair loss blocks DHT, nourishes your roots, and sustains hair growth. Its dual-action because the Pumpkin Seed oil is high in essential fatty acids and contains phytosterols shown to block the enzyme (5-ar) that is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

Our Ecklonia Cava is completely oil-free and is packed with goodness: biotin, MSM, niacinamide and Vitamin C. Ecklonia Cava is a brown seaweed algae known for its properties to block DHT like the pharmaceutical finasteride. This hair growth booster doubles as styling gel with a flexible hold. l

At HAIRMETTO, we take great pride in crafting hair loss treatment products that benefit your hair, scalp, and the environment. We use only the highest quality ingredients, sourced organic where possible, botanical plant extracts, seaweed extracts and vitamins, each selected for their unique properties to help restore, protect, and repair.

Our ingredients are extracted in a way that retains their medicinal value, ensuring that you receive the full benefits of nature's healing power.

Switching from Minoxidil to HAIRMETTO®

Have you recently switched from Minoxidil for hair growth to HAIRMETTO? Good decision. Minoxidil works as a vasodilator, widening the blood vessels and extending the growth cycle of a hair strand.

On the other hand, saw palmetto oil, pumpkin seed oil and ecklonia cava each work not only to block DHT but also to prevent the enzyme 5α-Reductase from converting excess testosterone into DHT in the first place. Stinging nettle extract and essential oils of rosemary, peppermint and cedarwood work to stimulate circulation, soothe scalp inflammation, and block DHT.

So, perhaps, for the first time, you are using a product that blocks DHT. This may cause a disruption in the cycle of hair growth in some individuals. It can manifest as increased shedding, which can be unsettling, but it also means the hair is responding to the treatment.

Notice what the Mayo Clinic says about those who start Minoxidil for hair growth the first time:

"At first, it may cause you to shed hair. New hair may be shorter and thinner than previous hair. At least six months of treatment is required to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth. You need to keep applying the medication to retain benefits."

Disruption in the Hair Growth Pattern

Starting Minoxidil or HAIRMETTO for the first time may block DHT in your scalp, resulting in disruption in the typical hair growth pattern. It can be more than the usual 100 hairs falling per day.

Don't worry when your hair brush looks fuller than usual. Your hair will grow back as long as you keep using the topical treatment consistently, blocking the DHT that daily works to weaken and thin your strands.

If you are dealing with male and female pattern baldness you may notice further shedding for a short time when transitioning products. The presence of excess DHT has gradually weakened and made your hair follicles even more brittle, causing hair loss.

Once the root is nourished back to health, it is ready to grow healthy hair. The scalp will dispose of the weak, brittle hair. This can be unsettling. However, shedding in this way is a good sign as your scalp is healthier, and the DHT is losing its grip.

Takeaway

Shedding hair can definitely be concerning, especially when you think your new topical treatment will help your hair grow. Don't worry. If you're using HAIRMETTO's treatment, that means it's working!

It's basically a sign that your hair follicles are waking up from their slumber and responding to treatment. It's just a temporary bump in the road to healthier, thicker hair.

Don't forget to stay consistent with your use of HAIRMETTO® Topical scalp treatments for healthy hair!

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