Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: How To Tell The Difference

Learn about hair shedding vs. hair loss with The Absorption Company, including key differences, common causes, and warning signs. Read the guide today.

Key Takeaways:

• Know the Difference: Hair shedding is part of the natural growth cycle, while hair loss can occur when normal growth or replacement is disrupted.
• Pay Attention to Changes: Increasingly visible scalp, persistent thinning, bald patches, or changes in the hairline can signal something beyond routine shedding.
• Consider the Bigger Picture: Stress, hormonal shifts, nutrition, health conditions, and other factors can influence the hair growth cycle and how much hair you lose.

Seeing extra strands in the shower drain can be alarming, but hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, while hair loss occurs when new growth slows, stops, or can’t keep up with the hair being lost.

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In this piece, we’ll break down hair shedding vs. hair loss, the signs that separate the two, common reasons shedding can increase, and when changes in your hair may deserve a closer look.

What Is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is the natural process of older hairs falling out as individual follicles move through their growth cycle, making room for new strands to grow. Most people shed around 50 to 100 hairs per day (American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d.), so noticing some strands on your brush, pillow, or shower drain is generally expected and doesn't automatically mean something is wrong.

What Does Hair Loss Look Like?

Hair loss tends to show up as noticeable changes in density or growth, such as a widening part, thinning around the temples or crown, a receding hairline, or distinct bald patches. Unlike routine shedding, these changes can become more visible over time because new hair isn’t growing quickly enough to replace what has been lost.

Normal Shedding vs Hair Loss: Key Differences

Normal shedding vs. hair loss becomes clearer once you look at the amount of hair coming out, where the change is happening, and what happens to new growth afterward.

Amount Of Hair Coming Out

With hair loss vs hair shedding, the number of strands alone doesn’t always tell the full story, since shedding can temporarily increase after stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies. Hair loss becomes more concerning when the amount coming out is paired with visible thinning or areas where hair isn’t growing back as expected.

Changes In Hair Density

One of the easiest ways to distinguish shedding vs hair loss is to pay attention to overall density rather than counting every strand that lands in the shower. A widening part, thinner ponytail, receding hairline, or increasingly visible scalp can point to a change beyond routine shedding.

Pattern Of Hair Changes

With hair shedding vs hair loss, shedding commonly affects hairs across the scalp, while some forms of hair loss create more recognizable patterns or concentrated areas of thinning. Changes around the temples, crown, hairline, or distinct patches are worth monitoring, particularly if they continue to become more noticeable.

New Hair Growth

Normal shedding is usually followed by new growth because the follicle continues cycling and producing another strand. Hair loss may interfere with that replacement process, which can cause certain areas to look progressively thinner as fewer or finer hairs grow back.

What Causes Excessive Hair Shedding?

Excessive hair shedding can happen when physical, emotional, hormonal, or nutritional stress temporarily shifts more follicles from the growth phase into the shedding phase.

• Physical or Emotional Stress: Major illness, surgery, intense emotional stress, or significant changes in routine can trigger increased shedding, sometimes a few months after the stressful event.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid problems, and other hormonal shifts can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to more noticeable shedding.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, or protein may contribute to excessive shedding because hair follicles rely on adequate nutrition to support healthy growth.
• Rapid Weight Loss or Restrictive Dieting: Losing weight quickly or severely limiting calories, protein, or key nutrients can place stress on the body and push more hairs into the shedding phase.
• Certain Medications: Some medications can increase hair shedding as a side effect, so a sudden change after starting or adjusting a medication is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

When Should You Be Concerned About Hair Loss?

Hair loss deserves a closer look when changes in growth, density, or scalp health persist or become noticeably different from what’s normal for you.

Thinning That Keeps Progressing

A part that continues to widen, a ponytail that feels noticeably thinner, or more visible scalp over time may indicate that hair isn’t being replaced at its usual rate. A healthcare professional or dermatologist can help determine what may be affecting the growth cycle.

Sudden Or Patchy Hair Loss

Hair that falls out suddenly or leaves smooth, clearly defined patches is different from the gradual shedding that happens during a normal hair cycle. These changes can have several underlying causes, so getting them evaluated sooner can help clarify what’s going on.

Scalp Changes Along With Hair Loss

Persistent itching, redness, scaling, tenderness, or sores alongside hair loss can signal that something is affecting the scalp as well as the hair. A dermatologist can examine both and recommend appropriate next steps based on the cause.

Other Changes In Your Health

Hair changes alongside fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or other new symptoms may warrant a conversation with a healthcare professional about underlying factors, including nutrient deficiencies. Since vitamin D is one of the nutrients associated with healthy hair follicle function, those looking to support their daily intake can shop Vitamin D3+K2 as part of a well-rounded approach to nutrition.

Nutrient Absorption

Taking a supplement doesn’t automatically mean your body can use everything inside it, which is why absorption matters when supporting your nutritional needs. At The Absorption Company, our supplements are scientifically formulated for increased absorption, helping your body get more benefit from the nutrients you take.

Final Thoughts

Understanding hair shedding vs. hair loss can help you recognize normal changes and identify when thinning or changes in growth may need professional attention. Supporting your overall nutrition, including adequate nutrient intake and absorption, can also play an important role in maintaining healthy hair.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Shedding Vs Hair Loss

Can seasonal changes affect how much hair I shed?

Yes, some people notice increased shedding during certain times of the year as hair follicles naturally shift through their growth cycles.

Does washing your hair every day cause more shedding?

Washing your hair doesn’t typically cause shedding, but it can release strands that were already ready to fall out.

Can wearing tight hairstyles lead to hair loss?

Repeated tension from tight ponytails, braids, buns, or extensions can damage follicles and contribute to traction alopecia over time (American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d.).

Can heat styling make it look like you’re losing hair?

Frequent high-heat styling can cause strands to become brittle and break, which may make hair look thinner without the hair actually shedding from the follicle.

Does hair shedding increase as you get older?

Hair growth and cycling can change with age, which may affect the thickness, growth rate, and amount of hair you notice shedding.

Can hard water contribute to hair shedding?

Hard water can leave mineral buildup that makes hair feel dry or prone to breakage, but it isn’t considered a common direct cause of hair shedding from the follicle.

Can changing shampoos cause hair loss?

Switching shampoos generally doesn’t cause true hair loss, although irritation from a particular ingredient could affect scalp comfort and hair health.

Does cutting your hair reduce shedding?

A haircut can remove damaged ends and make hair feel fuller, but it doesn’t change the growth and shedding cycle happening inside the follicles.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here.

FDA Disclaimer:

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources:

1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Do you have hair loss or hair shedding? https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding
2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/hairstyles