REGAINE® should only be used for the treatment of hereditary hair loss. Remember to always seek advice from a healthcare professional first, before treating any hair loss.
Hair Shedding in Men
We all shed around 50-100 hairs per day, and the majority of them pass us by totally unnoticed. But if you’re noticing an increased amount of hair on your pillow, in your bathtub and on your clothes, there’s a chance you could be shedding more than normal. In other words, you may be noticing the beginning of thinning hair.
The big question is – how can you tell whether your shedding is within the normal boundaries, or whether there’s something more serious going on? Here’s a quick guide that should help you figure out if your hair shedding requires further investigation.
Check out your hairline
If you’re noticing hair shedding it could be a sign of male pattern baldness – a hereditary condition that affects millions of men. You should investigate your hairline, as this is where you’ll pick up the first indicators of MPB (as it’s called in the industry). Track down some pictures from six months, or a year ago and check out your temples and your widow’s peak (if you have one). If you notice that you have the slightest hint of a receding hairline, there’s a chance your shedding needs some special attention.
Are you on any medication?
It’s worth going through any medications that you might be on to see whether any of the side-effects include hair loss. If the medications are only a temporary measure, your hair loss should begin to reverse when you stop taking the meds – however, if you plan to stay on the medication for the foreseeable future, you should talk to your doctor to discuss your options. And don’t forget to keep an eye on that hairline, just in case the medication is ruled out as a cause.
Examine the hair you’re shedding
Gather up some of the hairs you’re shedding and take a closer look at them. If some of the hairs are thin and fine in texture, it could be a sign of miniaturisation. This happens when hair follicles begin to produce thinner and shorter hairs, instead of the thicker ones you may be accustomed to. Miniaturisation is a form of hereditary hair loss caused by androgens (male hormones in the body). As the miniaturisation progresses, your hair will start to appear thinner, and you might shed more often.
Is my shedding normal?
With experts advising that we can lose up to 100 hairs every day without it being anything to worry about, how can you tell whether the amount you’re shedding is within the normal boundaries – or whether it’s something more serious?
One of the best ways to figure out whether your shedding is the beginnings of hereditary hair loss is to see a dermatologist. These skin and hair specialists can examine your scalp and see whether the hair loss you’re experiencing is normal or excessive.
If you are looking for medicinal treatment options, remember to always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare professional first.