It can be pretty alarming to look down at your brush or comb and notice more stray hair than usual. Since the pandemic, studies have shown an increase in hair loss among Americans. And that’s not necessarily a symptom of having Covid-19; I personally managed to somehow avoid getting Covid (to my knowledge, at least), but have definitely noticed more hair shedding from the stress of it all. I have very fine, high-density blonde hair–meaning my hair is quite fine, but I also have a lot of strands–so I’m a prime candidate for shedding.
“Hair shedding is a natural process, and people shed on average about 50 to 100 hairs a day,” explains Kerry Yates, a trichologist and founders of Colour Collective. “This may sound like a lot, but keep in mind we have over 100,000 strands of hair on our heads. Hair loss is when hair falls out from the root, and with hair loss, you may experience patchy or bald spots, unlike shedding.”
- Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites
- Kerry Yates, trichologist, hair expert, and CEO of Colour Collective
- Sophie Rose Gutterman, celebrity hairstylist
That said, shedding is still unsettling. Luckily, there are ways to prevent it and hair-shedding products that can keep it at bay altogether.
What causes hair shedding?
As Yates says, shedding is normal, and it’s something we all experience that’s part of the natural cycle of hair growth. “But there are some cases where you might experience more shedding than usual,” explains celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Gina Rivera. “This could be due to stress, sickness, diet or changes in hormones and certain medications. I tell all of my clients that if they are experiencing major hair shedding they should consult their doctor.”
How to prevent hair shedding
Most importantly, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise and getting enough sleep is vital for hair health. Habits like not over-processing hair (i.e. too much color, getting too happy with the flat iron) and being gentle with your hair by using silk scrunchies and pulling it up in a loose ponytail instead of pulling it back tightly with elastic bands can also help. You can also go the extra mile and use silk pillowcases instead of cotton, since silk is gentler on strands while you sleep.
Now, onto the expert-approved products that stop shedding in its tracks. We’ve got all types of products on this list (shampoos, serums, leave-in treatments, etc.) at all price points. And they all have the stamp of approval from the pros.
10 expert-approved products that can help stop hair shedding
“This bundle is a set of four items: a hair wash, mask, oil and cream,” says Yates. “Alodia is a natural hair care line packed with ingredients like rosemary and saw palmetto extract that help with shedding and hair breakage.” It’s for all hair types, but it’s especially gentle if you suffer from eczema, scalp dermatitis, or itching.
Pros:
- Gentle on all hair types
- Includes multiple products
- Helps with itching
- Natural ingredients
Cons:
- Pricey
“This is a two-in-one shampoo and conditioning bar packed with natural scalp-loving ingredients,” explains Yates. “It restores hydration and reduces product buildup and residue from hairsprays, oils, and waxes to help aid hair growth.” And if you’re traveling, this is a great pick because it’s two products in one and is TSA-friendly.
Pros:
- 2-in-1
- Hydrating
- TSA-friendly
- Natural ingredients
- Promotes hair growth
Cons:
- Those with thicker hair might need a separate conditioner
A hair bath is a relaxing treatment you just massage into a lather and then rinse out. “This is a really luxurious hair bath from Innersense that’s made with chufa milk, a plant extract that contains amino acids and promotes elasticity to the hair,” says Yates.
Pros:
- Cleansing
- Promotes elasticity
- Natural ingredients
Cons:
- Some reviews say it can be itchy
This scalp serum contains natural ingredients like basil root and prickly pear extract to help nourish and thicken hair. International stylist Sophie Rose Gutterman recommends it saying, “It’s probably the most complete of all the scalp serums I’ve seen, and it leaves zero residue.”
Amazon reviewers agree with one saying, “I’ve been using this for a couple months and my hair already feels thicker. And I don’t notice as much falling out as I did before.”
Pros:
- Natural ingredients
- Promotes hair growth
- Safe for all hair types
Cons:
- Pricey
If you’re considering taking a capsule supplement, Gutterman recommends this one saying, “it contains all of the nutrients our follicle cells need to produce hair–plus one clinically proven active ingredient called AnaGain Nu from Swiss biochemistry company Mibelle that stimulates follicle cells.”
Pros:
- Natural ingredients
- Promotes hair growth
- Strengthens hair
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not FDA-approved
- Seek nutritionist/doctor insight before taking
Gutterman recommends this hair treatment if you’re looking for a budget-friendly treatment under $30. This serum targets volumizing, in particular, to create the appearance of fuller hair “while also containing active ingredients for hair growth,” explains Gutterman.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Safe for all hair types
- Volumizing
- Promotes hair growth
Cons:
- Small bottle
This is the most wallet-friendly pick on our list. “At just $9, this rosemary mint strengthening oil is a budget-minded option and the brand, Mielle Organics, has a good reputation,” recommends Gutterman. That’s thanks to the rosemary oil, a beloved ingredient for stimulating hair growth and keeping the scalp healthy and happy.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Made with natural products
- Safe for all hair types
- Smells great
Cons:
- Often sold-out
According to River, the Colours By Gina Pure BioGen Complex collection is “loaded with biotin, collagen and B vitamins, which are essential to give your scalp and hair the nutrients it needs to help eliminate the buildup we all get from dirt and sweat. It repairs dull and damaged strands so that you have thicker, fuller hair.”
Pros:
- Loaded with vitamins
- Stimulates hair growth
- Volumizing
If you prefer a set versus purchasing products individually, this system comes with a shampoo, conditioner, scalp revitalizer and a travel-sized thickening tonic—everything you need to put a stop to shedding for good. Rivera recommends it saying, “this set from Aveda is filled with ingredients like wintergreen-derived salicylic acid that remove pore-clogging buildup, and can help invigorate the scalp to promote healthy hair and help with shedding.”
Pros:
- Includes multiple products
- Promotes hair growth
- Made with natural ingredients
- Smells great
Cons:
- Pricey
This red- light device is essentially a head cap that you wear for 10 minutes a day to reduce hair loss. Rivera recommends this if you’re considering a hair-growth stimulating cap, saying “it helps stimulate blood flow to the scalp and can be used daily if you’re experiencing hair loss.” This is, of course, quite the investment, so first consult your doctor or your stylist who is familiar with your particular hair type and concerns.
Pros:
- Stimulates hair growth
- Quick
Cons:
- Expensive
- Seek doctor insight before using