Re: How do you know if it is normal shedding or ..
I also have been experiencing excessive shedding. Also in So Cal.
I first looked closely at the hairs to determine if it’s shedding or breakage. For me it was a little of both.
I decided that it was sooooo much hair that I needed to investigate closely. This is where keeping a hair journal consistently would have come in handy.
Next I analyzed my regime to see if there are any techniques that are causing shedding (rough combing, too much heat etc.) Nope.
I had been forgoing the protein for about 6 weeks so I added the weekly Aubrey GPB treatment back into my regime.
Also, I had recently tried to experiment with a few things (the stinky challenge) so I stopped immediately and cut back to my previous regime.
Next I looked at my current products, I had heard from Jade21 that there was a new formulation of the Miss Clairol Rehydrate Conditioner that I use for CO washes was causing others to have excessive shedding. Although it’s my favorite cheapie conditioner I had to eliminate it until I could determine the root of my shedding (no pun intended)
3 weeks later, so now I’ve eliminated anything that I thought might be causing my shedding externally. And I still have shedding, but the breakage was resolved.
I prefer not to do the hard proteins but I broke out the Aphogee anyway. 2 weeks ago. The shedding continues, hair feels strong and a little rough. So moisture moisture moisture.
I’ve looked at my stress level, it’s pretty normal though I could use more sleep.
My diet, it’s fine although I could use more protein, I’m working on that.
Water intake, inconsistent but pretty hydrated sometimes up to 4-6 liters a day.
Supplements, I could be more consistent. I’m working on that too.
So I’m beginning to think after eliminating as many external and internal causes of shedding or at least factors that can contribute to shedding that it’s just my “season to shed.”
However, there is one additional factor that I only recently realized that I didn’t take into account. I’ve been working out at least 3 times a week and watching my diet and losing weight. Weight loss often contributes to hair loss!
Upon further research, I’ve learned that if you’re losing weight and experiencing hair loss (which is quite normal) you should:
Take 5mg biotin per day, 10-20mg iron per day (they suggest a supplement called Ferro Food.), and a few sprinkles of kelp granules per day. (*caution too much iron can be toxic so consult your Dr.) I’m going to start incorporating this results are supposed to be immediate (less than 2 weeks or so) if weight loss is the cause of shedding. I’ll report back.