How to Stop Excessively Shedding Natural Hair

Excessive shedding of natural hair can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but there are several steps you can take to address it. Here are some tips to help you stop excessively shedding natural hair:

1. Evaluate your hair care routine: Examine your hair care practices to identify any potential causes of excessive shedding. Are you using harsh chemicals, heat styling tools, or tight hairstyles? These factors can contribute to hair shedding. Consider making changes to your routine to minimize damage and stress on your hair.

2. Be gentle when handling your hair: Treat your hair with care to avoid unnecessary breakage and shedding. Avoid aggressive brushing or combing, and use wide-toothed combs or your fingers to detangle your hair gently. When drying your hair, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to blot out excess moisture instead of rubbing vigorously with a regular towel.

3. Avoid heat styling: Excessive use of heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can weaken the hair shaft and lead to shedding. Whenever possible, embrace your natural texture and limit the use of heat styling tools. If you do use heat, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature as low as possible.

4. Opt for protective hairstyles: Protective hairstyles, such as braids, twists, buns, or updos, can help minimize manipulation and protect your hair from breakage. However, ensure that the style is not too tight, as this can cause traction alopecia and lead to shedding along the hairline.

5. Moisturize your hair regularly: Dry, brittle hair is more prone to shedding. Keep your hair well moisturized by using a leave-in conditioner, hydrating hair masks, or natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil. This helps improve the overall health of your hair and reduce shedding.

6. Eat a balanced diet: Good nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining healthy hair. Ensure you're getting a well-rounded diet with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts), biotin (found in eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes), and iron (found in leafy greens, lean meats, and legumes) to support healthy hair growth.

7. Manage stress: Stress can contribute to hair shedding, so it's important to find healthy ways to manage stress levels. Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones. Prioritize self-care and ensure you get enough restful sleep.

8. Consult a professional: If you've tried these steps and are still experiencing excessive shedding, it may be helpful to consult a dermatologist or a trichologist (a hair and scalp specialist). They can assess your hair and scalp health and provide tailored advice or recommend specific treatments or products.

Remember that it's normal to lose some hair every day, but if you notice a sudden increase in shedding or significant hair loss, it's best to consult a professional to rule out any underlying health issues.