Hair health: understanding the shedding cycle and supporting bulb vitality

At certain times of the year, or after a period of severe fatigue, it is common to notice more hair loss than usual. This often causes understandable concern, prompting us to look for immediate solutions without first understanding the biology that governs our hair. The density and wellbeing of the hair depend on a delicate biological balance that takes place inside the hair follicle. From a dermatological point of view, it is essential to distinguish normal daily turnover from diffuse, temporary shedding caused by environmental or systemic factors. Understanding the mechanisms that govern the hair life cycle, and the causes that can disrupt it, is the first step towards an effective, scientifically grounded protection strategy.

The three phases of the hair life cycle

Each individual hair follows its own life course, independent of the rest of the hair, divided into three main stages:

• Growth phase (Anagen): This is the active period in which the hair develops, lengthens and receives constant nourishment from the blood vessels. It lasts on average from 2 to 6 years and, under normal conditions, involves most of the hairs on the scalp.
• Regression phase (Catagen): A very short transition phase (around 2-3 weeks) in which the follicle stops its cellular activity and shrinks, and the hair gradually stops growing.
• Resting and shedding phase (Telogen): The hair, now without vital activity, remains anchored to the skin for around 3 months. At the end of this period it falls out spontaneously, pushed out by the new growing hair that starts a new cycle within the same follicle.

The causes of diffuse shedding

Heavy hair loss occurs when a biological stress or trauma forces an abnormal percentage of hairs to end their growth phase early and enter the resting phase ahead of time. Because this transition period lasts around 90 days, the visible loss will typically appear three months after the triggering event.

The main factors responsible for this disruption include:

• Seasonal changes: In autumn and spring, changes in sunlight and photoperiod influence the body's hormonal rhythms, speeding up the natural turnover of the hair.
• Psychophysical stress: States of strong tension, surgery or prolonged fatigue stimulate the production of cortisol, a hormone that can slow the cellular and metabolic activity of the hair bulb.
• Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential elements such as iron, zinc and B vitamins deprives the hair matrix of the nutrients needed for keratin synthesis, leaving the hair shaft weak, dull and prone to falling out.

The common mistake: using aggressive treatments

When heavy hair loss is noticed, the most frequent methodological mistake is turning to ultra-degreasing shampoos or excessively alcoholic lotions in an attempt to stimulate the scalp.

In reality, during a phase of marked shedding the scalp is temporarily fragile. Aggressive surfactants remove the protective hydrolipidic film, encouraging micro-inflammation that further damages the hair root. At this stage the watchwords must be gentleness and targeted nourishment, choosing formulas that cleanse by affinity without disturbing the skin's ecosystem.

Restoring the balance of the scalp

Dealing with temporary shedding requires a change of perspective: the scalp does not need to be attacked, but supported in its natural regeneration process. Recognising the signs of fragility and acting on systemic causes, such as stress or nutritional deficiencies, helps restore strength to the hair bulb. Choosing gentle, protective formulas that respect the hydrolipidic film is the key to getting through transition phases, helping the hair regain its natural vitality, shine and density.