Why It Looks Like You're Losing Hair After Taking Down Your Sew-In
Welcome Back to the Salon Cass Hair Report š
Hey Bestie!
I hope you had an amazing weekend! Did you get your hair done? Did you finally take down that sew-in you've been holding onto for a little longer than you should have? š
If you recently removed your extensions, looked at your brush, and immediately started questioning all your life choices because of the amount of hair you saw...
Girrrl.....
Before you panic, let's talk.
One of the most common messages I get from clients is:
"Shaunda! My sew-in pulled my hair out!"
Most of the time, that's not actually what happened.
In fact, your hair naturally sheds every single day. The average person loses anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs daily. The difference is that when your hair is braided underneath a sew-in, those shed hairs don't have anywhere to go.
They stay trapped inside the braid pattern until it's time to remove your install.
So let's do a little math.
If you wear your sew-in for 90 days and naturally shed up to 100 hairs per day, that's potentially 9,000 hairs that have been hanging out under those braids waiting for freedom.
No wonder your brush looks like it just survived a horror movie.
The good news? Seeing shed hair after removing a sew-in does not automatically mean your hair is damaged or falling out.
Let's talk about what's normal, what's not, and when it's time to pay closer attention.
Shedding vs. Breakage
One of the biggest mistakes people make is confusing shedding with breakage.
Shedding is completely natural. When a hair strand reaches the end of its growth cycle, it falls out on its own.
Breakage is different.
Breakage happens when the hair snaps somewhere along the strand due to dryness, excessive heat, chemical damage, tension, or weakened hair. A few protein treatments will usually put breakage to rest.
A shed hair usually has a tiny white bulb on one end.
Broken hair does not.
If you're seeing mostly long strands with a tiny bulb attached, that's usually natural shedding.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While shedding is normal, there are times when it's worth paying closer attention.
You may want to consult a dermatologist or licensed hair loss specialist if you notice:
ā¢ Bald spots
ā¢ Excessive thinning
ā¢ Sudden large amounts of shedding
ā¢ Scalp irritation or inflammation
ā¢ Hair that isn't growing back
Healthy hair sheds.
Damaged hair breaks.
Hair loss conditions often involve both.
How To Protect Your Hair During Takedown
Before removing your sew-in:
ā¢ Apply a moisturizing conditioner
ā¢ Detangle gently
ā¢ Work in sections
ā¢ Take your time
ā¢ Avoid ripping through knots
Patience saves hair.
I know everybody wants to get to the shampoo bowl immediately, but slow and steady wins this race.
Don't Forget Your Ends
After a takedown is also a great time to evaluate your ends.
If your ends are thin, splitting, knotting, or breaking apart, it may be time for a trim.
Healthy ends help you retain length.
Split ends only travel upward if ignored.
My Professional Opinion
After more than 20 years behind the chair, I can tell you that most women lose far less hair from a properly installed sew-in than they think.
What usually scares people is seeing months of natural shedding all at once.
So if you recently took down your install and saw a scary amount of hair in your brush...
Take a deep breath, Bestie.
Your hair may be doing exactly what it's supposed to do.
Ready For Your Next Install?
Whether you're growing your natural hair, maintaining healthy extensions, or looking for premium hair that looks like you stepped out of a Vouge Magazine, Salon Cass has you covered.
š Shop Salon Cass Premium Hair
š Book an appointment with Shaunda in Las Vegas
š Follow @HairByShaunda for healthy hair tips, transformations, and beauty education
And if you know a friend who's currently staring at a brush full of hair and panicking, send this article to her immediately.
She'll thank you later.