What To Do If You Think You're Shedding Too Much

Between brushing, showering, and even sleeping, we can shed a lot of hair. But what do you do if you're losing too much hair? It can be pretty scary casually running a hand through your hair and coming away with what seems like a clump of stray strands. However, shedding around 50 to 100 strands of hair per day is actually totally normal. And don't forget: If your hair is longer in length, it can seem like you're losing more hair than you really are. This is because not only is it easier to spot stray, 15-inch long strands than five-inch ones, but if you tend to ball up the hair you collect from a brush or your shower drain, it could seem much bigger due to the length of each strand rather than the amount.

If you're still worried that you're shedding too much though, there are some simple changes you can make to help prevent excess hair fall. Karrie Fonte, AVP of Global Education for éprouvage, shared some solutions to common habits that could be leading to increased breakage and hair loss. So you don't surpass the daily quota of 50 to 100 strands, here are six ways to help prevent unnecessary damage and shedding.

1. Sleep On A Silk Pillowcase

If you're sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, it could be causing some sneaky damage. The thicker, moisture-absorbing fibers can cause friction and tugging (and therefore breakage and shedding) while you sleep, along with making hair drier and therefore more susceptible to breakage. Instead, opt for a silk or satin pillowcase that allows hair to slide around more easily and retain moisture.

2. Switch Up How You Tie Your Hair

Elastics can cause a lot of breakage. Especially if you like to tie up your hair while working out or sleeping, opt for an elastic like these ones that won't pinch strands as tightly. And if you can, Fonte suggests rocking a braid instead of a ponytail as it will "significantly reduce the pull at the follicle which may be a cause for unnecessary hair fall."

3. Be Gentle With Wet Hair

When hair is wet, it is in its most fragile state. So towel-drying, brushing, and styling wet hair could lead to more damage, breakage, and shedding. If you towel-dry, blot instead of rub; always use a wide-tooth comb to detangle; and take styling precautions like using a heat protectant, detangling spray, and/or leave-in conditioner to help strengthen strands.

4. Switch Up Your Part

According to Fonte, constantly maintaining the same part can cause hair to become weaker or even recede at the part line. To remedy this, she suggests wearing your hair parted how you please until you have a "bad hair day" where your hair just seems flat, limp, or uncooperative. At this point, switch up your part to reveal more volume and prevent breakage or shedding near your original part.

5. Take It Easy On The Hot Tools

It's no secret that hot tools cause damage. To lessen the effects, always use a heat protectant, don't use the hottest settings, and to prevent excess tension and hair fall, Fonte warns against holding the hair dryer too close to your brush when drying your hair.

6. Use A Treatment

Reapartive Treatment Masque, $18, Ulta; Reviving Scalp Serum, $30, Ulta

To prevent breakage and shedding, and help counteract the effects of any of the habits listed above, using a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week will help keep hair strong and healthy. And if you're really worried about excess hair fall, try a serum that will help protect the scalp so hair can thrive.

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