Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: How to Tell the Difference

A certain amount of hair loss is natural for both males and females. On average, a person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day.

If you’re noticing stray strands of hair regularly, don’t worry — you’re not alone. It’s normal to shed some hair each day. I understand how alarming it can be to see more hair than usual on your brush or in the shower, and it can trigger concern about what might be happening with your hair health.

As a trichologist, I want to help you understand the difference between hair shedding and hair loss, so you can better understand what’s happening and take the appropriate steps to address it.

Understanding the Difference Between Hair Shedding and Hair Loss

Hair shedding and hair loss might seem similar, but they have distinct differences. Hair shedding is a normal process that occurs as part of the body’s natural hair growth cycle. In contrast, hair loss is when an external or internal factor prevents the hair from growing in a healthy manner.

What Is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is a routine part of the hair growth cycle. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person sheds approximately 50-100 hairs a day. Although shedding up to 100 hairs daily may sound like a lot, it’s all relative when considering that humans have about 100,000 hair follicles.

The shedding process is part of the hair growth cycle known as the exogen phase, which follows the telogen (resting) phase. During the telogen phase, the body prepares to shed hair from the hair follicles to start a new growth cycle. This phase lasts about three months, while the exogen phase is much shorter, lasting only a few days. Some hair shedding is normal, but excessive shedding might indicate a deeper underlying issue rather than healthy loss.

If you’re noticing more shedding than usual, please don’t panic. It could be due to a variety of reasons, including stress, diet, or changes in your environment.

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be a distressing experience affecting anyone, regardless of age or gender. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to see your hair thinning or falling out and not know why it’s happening. Hair loss occurs when hair falls out from the root and does not regrow normally. There are different types of hair loss, including:

• Telogen effluvium
• Anagen effluvium
• Alopecia areata
• Androgenetic alopecia
• Traction alopecia

Causes of hair loss can range from internal factors, such as inflammatory or immune responses, to external factors like harsh hair care products, medications, or tight hairstyles. Hair loss can also be related to stress, hormonal changes, or genetics, requiring professional medical treatment.

Hair Loss vs. Hair Shedding: How to Tell the Difference

So, how do you distinguish between hair loss and hair shedding? Excessive hair shedding is usually temporary and can be triggered by stress or a stressful event, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium. This condition causes excessive shedding for several months. In telogen effluvium, cortisol (the stress hormone) causes hair to exit the anagen phase (growth phase) prematurely and enter the telogen phase, resulting in more hair falling out than usual.

Telogen effluvium is more common in women and is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair, often noticeable through an increase in shedding. It typically affects the top of the head but can also be spread throughout the scalp. Once the stressor is removed, hair should return to its normal growth pattern.

In contrast, hair loss, also known as anagen effluvium, occurs when something halts the hair growth process. In this case, hair won’t start regrowing until the underlying issue is resolved. Hair loss can present as patchy or bald spots, sudden loosening of hair, full-body hair loss, or a receding hairline.

Causes of Excessive Hair Loss

If you’re losing more than about 100 hairs a day or noticing large clumps of hair falling out, you might be experiencing excessive hair shedding. This condition differs from permanent hair loss, which leads to gradual thinning or a receding hairline. Shedding hair typically regrows in the hair follicle, whereas hair loss occurs when the follicle stops producing hair.

Excessive hair shedding can be caused by stressful events or significant body changes, such as:

• Giving birth
• Changing or stopping birth control pills
• Losing a significant amount of weight
• Recovering from an illness with a high fever
• Undergoing surgery
• Losing a loved one
• Going through a major life change, such as a divorce or job loss

As the body adjusts in the months following these events, excessive shedding should stop, and within 6-9 months, the hair should return to its normal thickness and fullness.

I’ve met many clients who have felt overwhelmed by the amount of hair they were losing after a significant life change. Remember, it’s okay to feel concerned, but in many cases, hair will return to normal once your body adjusts.

How to Know if Your Hair Loss Is Normal

It’s challenging to count every hair that sheds from your scalp to determine if it falls within the average range of 50-100 hairs per day. Instead, try monitoring your scalp or hairline and take periodic photos to track changes over time. This way, you can see if your hair is thinning or if your hairline is receding.

Women might notice a widening in the part line in serial photos, while men might observe a receding hairline. Thinning at the crown can affect both men and women. If you start noticing these changes, consider visiting a professional for an evaluation.

Whether you’re dealing with hair loss or hair shedding, it’s important to maintain a healthy scalp and reduce stress to promote better hair growth. I’m here to help guide you through this process and provide the support you need to restore your hair and confidence. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone.

If you’re concerned about hair loss or shedding and want professional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m  Leola Anifowoshe, Chief Trichologist at Texas Hair Restoration and Wellness Center. Known as the Hair Loss Detective, I’m here to help you understand and address your hair concerns. Contact me today! Together, we can solve the mystery of hair loss one strand at a time!