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Experiencing hair loss can be an emotional journey, especially when you’ve dedicated years to caring for your hair and nurturing regrowth. For me, using a red LED cap, minoxidil 5%, and spironolactone has been part of my routine. However, I’ve recently noticed my baby hairs falling out, which left me frustrated and searching for answers. If this sounds familiar, let’s delve into the possible reasons behind baby hair shedding and explore practical solutions.
The Frustration of Shedding Baby Hairs
Baby hairs are often a sign of progress in the journey of regrowth, so seeing them fall out can feel like a major setback. Many women experience this and wonder why it happens. Understanding the reasons can provide clarity and help you take actionable steps to prevent further shedding.
Possible Reasons for Baby Hair Shedding
1. Hair Growth Cycles
Hair naturally grows in cycles: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (shedding). Baby hairs, like all hair, go through these phases. When baby hairs fall out, it could simply be due to them completing their cycle. This is normal, but excessive shedding may indicate other underlying issues.
2. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes, where more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase. This condition can affect all types of hair, including baby hairs, and often resolves once the triggering factor is addressed.
3. Scalp Health Issues
A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong hair. If your scalp is inflamed, irritated, or has product buildup, it can weaken the follicles and lead to shedding. Signs to watch for include redness, flakes, or itching.
4. Hormonal Fluctuations
Even with medications like spironolactone to manage androgen-related hair loss, hormonal shifts can still impact hair shedding. This might be due to lifestyle changes, stress, or even natural hormonal cycles.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair health heavily relies on essential nutrients like vitamin D, B12, and iron. Deficiencies in these can weaken hair, making it more prone to falling out. If your diet is lacking or absorption is an issue, supplements may help restore balance.
6. Overuse of Products or Tools
While treatments like LED caps and minoxidil are beneficial, overuse or combining too many products can irritate the scalp. Ensure your treatments are spaced out and applied as directed.
Red Light Therapy: How Often Should You Use It?
Red light therapy is an effective treatment for hair regrowth, but consistency matters. Most FDA-cleared red light caps recommend 3 to 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting 10 to 30 minutes. Overuse does not improve results and may cause scalp sensitivity. For best results, apply on a clean scalp, combine it with other treatments like minoxidil, and track progress over time.
Minoxidil and Hair Breakage: How to Use It Correctly
How Often Should You Use Minoxidil?
- Twice Daily (Optimal for Best Results): 1 ml of liquid minoxidil or half a capful of foam, morning and night.
- Once Daily (For Sensitive Scalps or Beginners): If you’re worried about breakage, starting with once a day can still be effective while reducing potential stress on the hair.
How to Prevent Breakage While Using Minoxidil
- Moisturise Your Scalp – Use a hydrating scalp serum to prevent dryness.
- Use Gentle Shampoos – Avoid harsh sulfates that strip natural oils.
- Handle Hair Carefully – Use a soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb.
- Limit Heat Styling – Excessive heat weakens hair, leading to breakage.
- Try the Foam Version – If you’re using liquid minoxidil, the foam formulation may be gentler.
Nutrients and Hair Health
Vitamin D
- Deficiency: Low vitamin D can disrupt hair growth cycles and weaken follicles.
- Excess: Over-supplementation can cause imbalances that indirectly impact hair health.
Vitamin B12
- Deficiency: Insufficient B12 may limit oxygen delivery to hair follicles, weakening them.
- Excess: Usually excreted safely, though rare cases of irritation have been reported.
Iron
- Deficiency: Low ferritin levels (stored iron) are a common cause of hair thinning. Optimal ferritin levels for hair are between 70–100 ng/mL.
- Excess: Too much iron can cause oxidative stress, damaging follicles.
A blood test can help identify imbalances, and addressing these can make a noticeable difference.hese can make a noticeable difference.
Tips to Keep Baby Hairs Growing
- Gentle Scalp Care
Use mild shampoos with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil. Avoid harsh chemicals that may irritate your scalp. A great option is Davines Naturaltech Energizing Shampoo, which contains caffeine phytoceuticals to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. Its balanced pH (4.9 – 5.3) helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, preventing excessive dryness or irritation. - Maintain Consistency
Stick to your treatments, like minoxidil and LED therapy, but avoid overuse. Consistency is key without overwhelming the scalp. - Monitor Nutrient Levels
Check levels of vitamin D, B12, and iron regularly. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods or supplements if needed. - Reduce Stress
Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or even a relaxing scalp massage can help reduce shedding caused by telogen effluvium. - Be Patient
Hair regrowth is a journey. Setbacks like baby hair shedding are often temporary and don’t negate the progress you’ve made.
Product Recommendations
To support your scalp and hair care routine, here are some highly-rated products:
- Philip Kingsley Overnight Hydrating Hair Scalp Barrier Serum: Strengthens the scalp barrier and improves hydration overnight. Check it out here.
- Tea Tree Special Shampoo: Soothes the scalp and removes buildup. Check it out here.
- Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Shampoo: Great for sensitive scalps. Check it out here.
- Davines Naturaltech Energizing Shampoo: A stimulating yet gentle shampoo with caffeine phytoceuticals to promote hair growth. With a pH of 4.9 – 5.3, it keeps the scalp balanced and prevents irritation. Check it out here.
- Pro D3 Vegan 3200 IU (Vitamin D3-80mcg): Vegan Certified, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, and Kosher. Supports optimal vitamin D levels. Check it out here.
- Osavi Liposomal Iron, 20mg: A high-quality iron supplement designed for optimal absorption. Vegan-friendly and gentle on digestion. Check it out here.
Conclusion
Hair regrowth is a journey filled with ups and downs. Baby hair shedding can feel disheartening, but understanding the reasons and taking proactive steps can make all the difference. From balancing nutrients to caring for your scalp, small actions can lead to big improvements. For more insights on how nutrition impacts hair growth, check out Nutrition and Hair Health: Feeding Your Follicles.
Have you experienced baby hair shedding? Share your story in the comments or let me know what’s worked for you. Together, we can support each other on the path to healthy hair!
Lots of love,
Kelly
