Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss: Know the Difference

What's Really Happening When Your Hair Falls Out?

You're brushing your hair and suddenly notice what seems like a small creature's worth of strands in your brush. Panic sets in. Is this normal? Am I going bald?

Here's the thing—finding hair in your brush, on your pillow, or circling the shower drain doesn't automatically mean something's wrong. But it could signal an issue worth addressing. The key is understanding whether you're experiencing normal daily hair shedding or actual hair loss.

Normal Hair Shedding: What to Expect

Let's start with some reassuring facts. The average person has about 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on their head. Each hair goes through a natural growth cycle lasting several years before naturally falling out to make room for new growth.

Daily hair shedding of 50 to 100 strands is completely normal.

Think about it—if you have 100,000 hairs and each one lives for about 3-5 years, simple math tells us some need to fall out daily. This is your body doing exactly what it should.

You might notice more shedding:

• After washing your hair (you're collecting several days' worth at once)
• During seasonal changes, particularly fall
• After brushing or styling
• If you skipped a few days of brushing

These situations don't indicate a problem—they're just concentrating normal shedding into visible moments.

When Shedding Crosses Into Hair Loss

So when should you actually worry? True hair loss—medically called alopecia—looks different from normal shedding. Here are the warning signs:

Excessive Daily Shedding

If you're consistently losing more than 100-150 strands daily for several weeks, something's off. This condition, called telogen effluvium, often follows:

• Major stress or trauma
• Significant weight loss
• Illness or surgery
• Hormonal changes
• Nutritional deficiencies

The good news? Telogen effluvium is usually temporary. Once you address the trigger, your hair typically recovers within 6-9 months.

Visible Thinning or Bald Patches

Unlike shedding, actual hair loss shows up as:

• A widening part line
• Noticeable scalp visibility
• Thinning at the temples or crown
• Circular bald patches
• Overall reduction in ponytail thickness

If you're noticing these patterns, it's worth investigating further. As I discussed in my article about hair loss prevention for women over 40, hormonal changes significantly impact hair density.

Hair That Doesn't Grow Back

Normal shedding means new hair replaces what falls out. With true hair loss, follicles may become dormant or produce increasingly finer, shorter hairs. You might notice:

• Baby hairs that never seem to mature
• Sparse regrowth in certain areas
• Changes in hair texture

What Triggers Each Condition?

Understanding the cause helps determine your approach:

Common Shedding Triggers:

• Seasonal cycles (especially autumn)
• Post-pregnancy hormonal shifts
• Stopping birth control
• High fevers or illness recovery
• Crash dieting

Hair Loss Causes:

• Genetic predisposition (female pattern hair loss)
• Chronic nutritional deficiencies
• Thyroid disorders
• Autoimmune conditions
• Prolonged stress affecting follicle health

Check out our guide on stress and hair loss for deeper insight into how cortisol affects your hair cycle.

Taking Action: What Actually Helps

Whether you're dealing with excessive shedding or early hair loss, certain strategies support healthier hair:

Nourish From Within

Your hair follicles need consistent nutrition. Key players include:

• Biotin and B vitamins for keratin production
• Iron and zinc for follicle function
• Vitamin D for hair cycle regulation
• Protein as hair's building block

Supplements like Locerin combine these essential nutrients in balanced formulations designed specifically for women's hair health. Rather than guessing which vitamins you need, a comprehensive supplement ensures your follicles receive consistent support.

Be Gentle With Your Hair

Mechanical stress worsens both shedding and loss:

• Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on follicles
• Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair
• Minimize heat styling
• Choose gentle, sulfate-free shampoos

Address Underlying Issues

If you suspect your shedding exceeds normal levels, consider:

• Getting bloodwork to check for deficiencies
• Evaluating thyroid function
• Discussing hormonal factors with your doctor
• Tracking your shedding patterns over several weeks

The Bottom Line

Finding hair in your brush isn't automatically cause for alarm. Normal daily shedding keeps your scalp healthy and makes room for new growth. But if you're noticing consistently excessive shedding, visible thinning, or hair that doesn't seem to regrow, it's time to pay attention.

The encouraging news? Most hair shedding conditions respond well to proper nutrition, stress management, and targeted supplementation. Understanding the difference between shedding and loss empowers you to take appropriate action—whether that's relaxing because everything's normal, or seeking solutions before a temporary issue becomes permanent.

Your hair's journey through its natural cycle is a sign of health. Learn to read what your hair is telling you, and you'll know exactly when to worry—and when to simply let it go.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Locerin is a dietary supplement, not medicine. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.