Shedding vs. Hair Loss: Understanding the Difference
It’s normal to shed between 50 and 150 hairs a day. This is part of the natural hair cycle, particularly during the telogen phase, when hairs rest before falling out and making room for new growth.
However, when shedding becomes excessive, handfuls of hair in the shower, on your pillow, or after brushing, it signals a disruption in the body’s internal balance. This is often not a “hair problem” but rather a systemic imbalance affecting the hair cycle.
Functional Medicine View: The Body Sends Messages Through the Hair
Functional medicine teaches us to look deeper than symptoms. Excessive hair shedding may be an early sign of dysfunction in the following systems:
1. Nutrient Deficiencies
Hair follicles are highly metabolically active and require a constant supply of nutrients. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, B12, or biotin can slow down or shut off the growth phase (anagen).
- Blood Sugar Dysregulation
Chronically elevated insulin and glucose levels can shorten the anagen phase and increase inflammation at the follicular level. Clients often see shedding stabilize once metabolic function is improved.
3. Thyroid and Hormonal Imbalances
Low thyroid function, testosterone, DHEA, or progesterone can impair keratin production and slow cellular turnover, especially in women during postpartum, perimenopause, or high-stress periods.
4. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Cellular damage from inflammation, whether from food sensitivities, gut permeability, or chronic infections, can redirect the body’s resources away from hair production.
Functional Protocol: Healing from Within
Supporting internal balance often brings shedding under control within weeks. We focus on:
- Nutrient Repletion: Whole-food supplements for iron, B-complex, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3s.
- Blood Sugar Stabilization: Encouraging blood sugar-friendly meals, with protein, fiber, and fat first, carbohydrates last.
- Adrenal and Thyroid Support: Lifestyle changes and targeted nutrients (selenium, iodine, ashwagandha, etc.).
- Inflammation Reduction: Antioxidants (NAC, glutathione), gut repair protocols, and detox support (e.g., activated charcoal and Para Drops).
Trichology Protocol: Restoring Scalp Function in Cyclical Shedding
In cases of telogen effluvium, the scalp itself is often not inflamed, but circulation is reduced, nutrient delivery is impaired, and the hair cycle is shortened. The goal is to reduce oxidative stress, stimulate microcirculation, and create a stable environment for new anagen phase entry.
Our approach includes but not limited to:
- PH-Balancing Treatment mixed with distilled water to create a frothy, pH-balanced scalp-cleansing solution that lifts debris and oxidized sebum without stripping the barrier.
- Weekly ozone therapy to oxygenate follicles and improve mitochondrial function—essential for restarting the growth phase.
- Cell Food Drops, applied post-cleansing, improve follicular nutrient uptake and absorption of key elements like sulfur, zinc, and amino acids.
- Essential oil blend featuring rosemary, peppermint, clove, and helichrysum to reduce oxidative damage and stimulate the scalp gently. Applied in circular massage to boost blood flow without irritating the hair bulb.
- Scalp massage education: We teach clients to use finger pads, not nails, to stimulate the scalp daily, ideally after applying Cell Food Drops. This enhances lymphatic movement and relieves tension in the occipital and parietal areas.
Results: What to Expect
With the right combination of internal and external support, most clients begin to see a reduction in shedding within 4–8 weeks. Hair strength, density, and shine typically improve as the scalp microbiome and follicular environment are restored.
Final Thoughts
Excessive hair shedding is not a random event, it’s a communication from the body that something is out of balance. By combining functional lab insights with therapeutic scalp care, we don’t just chase symptoms, we support long-term regeneration.
At Hair & Wellness by Bissan, we address both the soil and the root, allowing your hair to grow stronger, healthier, and with more vitality than ever before.
