Expert: Melanie Vonzabuesnig - 10/23/2009

Question
I've been noticing lots of hair coming out in the shower and after when I comb my hair.  And I've been using olive oil just becuase it's really helped tame my "big" hair.  But now it seems like my hair is thinner, it sits more, which is all what I wanted when I had the big hair, but I don't like the loss of hair.  I've counted how many hairs come out in the shower and comb, and it's been between 130-150. I'm just wondering if that's normal. and then of course, I lose some throughout the day I'm sure also.  Hoping for some insight from you!

Answer
Hello Andrea: It is not normal to lose that much hair per day. The main type of hair loss that causes excessive shedding is called telogen effluvium. There are many possible causes for this condition. Any time the body feels a change, disturbance, imbalance or deficiency in which it has a difficult time adjusting to the hair growth cycle can become disrupted. When this happens more hairs than usual retreat to the resting (telogen)stage where they will then be shed 2-3 months later.  Sometimes it is just a matter of the body adjusting to the imbalance. Other times the underlying issue must be addressed and treated. Some of the more common possibilities include medications, vaccinations (including flu shot) medical procedures, trauma, stress, low iron/ferritin levels, exposure to toxins or allergens, infection, illness, change in diet/weight, birth control medication etc. It may be helpful to think back to the months prior to the shedding for clues. This type or hair loss is often temporary and reversible but it can become severe and chronic.
I used essential oil scalp treatments to successfully treat my own chronic telogen effluvium. You can read more story and also obtain information on using essential oils for female hair loss at my website. Although essential oil treatments can have a profound effect, it is still important to identify and treat the underlying cause. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig
http://www.vzbotanicals.com