Can someone educate me on 'shedding' vs. 'actual hair loss'?

[z.ali93]

So recently, and i mean out of nowhere, i started to lose hair rapidly. I'd say i noticed thinning around February but just this past week i've been shedding loads and get an itching sensation! Even got a short haircut because of it.

I'm hoping it isn't permanent because i was fine all through December and January and my Dad and uncles have a full head of hair (even on their temples).

Anyway i went to see my GP for a blood checkup which came back fine apparently, and he says it must be my hormones and just recommended to use Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo. But he stressed for me to stay away from propecia.

Now, back in January through February I had a lot of exams for university (possibly the most intense exams i have ever done). Could it be the stress from these exams that have caused my hair loss that i am experiencing now?

A hair stylist told me to start taking multi-vitamins for hair maintenance from Holland&Barrets that contain Iron/Zinc/Copper, even though my blood checkup says my levels are fine for iron.

Just want to know wtf is it i'm going through right now :/

 

[davesmith420]

Hair line looks A+ but I think you are starting to thin at your crown.

 

[z.ali93]

Watch out for the manbun hair style. Can cause traction alopecia. Check out more info on this thread: http://www.hairlosstalk.com/interac...ct-pony-tails-man-buns-speeding-up-MBP-in-men

Oh that was back in October and only had that style every now and then as opposed to often.

 

[z.ali93]

I wouldn't do that at all if I was worried about male pattern baldness. That's like worried about cirrhosis of liver and drinking vodka every now and then. At least dilute the vodka with some water, don't tie the pony tail too tight.

Noo i think you misunderstood; I only had the top knot style about 5 times and they were throughout September to October. I've never had it since then and my hair is really short now.

 

[z.ali93]

Lol
But seriously though, how do i tell if it's temporary telogen effluvium or not? I hear that causes random occurrences of shedding after a stress (i didn't even think my exams were THAT stressful to cause hair loss - intense maybe though).