Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss: How To Tell the Difference

Hair shedding is a normal and temporary part of the hair growth cycle. But still, seeing a wad of hair in your brush or in the shower drain can cause us to question if it's more serious. What is “normal” hair shedding? 

Understanding the difference between healthy hair shedding and hair loss is crucial—hair loss could signal an underlying issue that requires attention. If not treated, the causes of hair loss tend to worsen over time. 

In this article, we’ll help you distinguish between hair shedding and hair loss, and guide you on how to approach hair loss treatment. 

What Is Hair Shedding? 

The average human head has about 100,000 hairs, each of which is going through one of four stages of growth at any point in time. 

One of these stages is the exogen phase, AKA the shedding phase. 

It's totally normal to shed around 100 to 150 strands daily (that's over 1,000 a week). This is because a small percentage of hairs are always in the shedding (exogen) phase at any given time.

This type of shedding is cyclical and healthy because it makes room for new, healthy growth. In a healthy growth cycle, when you shed hair, brand new hair is coming in right behind it.

What Is Hair Loss? 

Hair loss occurs when hair follicles stop participating in the hair growth cycle altogether. So, transitioning from the exogen (shedding) phase to the anagen (growth) phase, the follicle goes dormant.

This is true hair loss. 

When you’ve lost enough hairs that are not being replaced, that's when you can start to see a physical change in your hair thickness or hairline. 

There are many reasons why hair loss might happen. Simply put, it could be due to genetics, hormones, lifestyle factors, medical treatments, vitamin deficiencies, scalp trauma, and more. Each of these factors can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and cause hair follicles to go dormant instead of producing new hair.

Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss 

The major difference between the two is the permanency: shedding (even excessive shedding) can be normal and treated if it's excessive. 

Hair loss, without intervention, can be permanent. As with male pattern baldness, excessive exposure to DHT (a hormone that causes hair loss) can damage the hair follicle forever. 

Telling the difference between hair shedding vs hair loss yourself can be tricky. 

In truth, it's best to consult an expert (try our free, image-based hair loss consultation) to get a professional opinion. When it comes to hair loss conditions, waiting to see if your hair comes back after “shedding” is a risky business. 

When you’re trying to tell the difference between shedding and hair loss, it's best to seek a professional opinion. Our online questionnaire and image-based consultations with our doctors are completely free and offer some peace of mind for those comparing hair shedding vs hair loss.

In lieu of getting a professional opinion, there are some signs for hair loss vs hair shedding. 

4 Signs of Hair Shedding 

1. Excessive Hair in Brush or Shower Drain: Finding significantly more hair than usual in your hairbrush or shower drain can indicate abnormal shedding. While losing 100-150 hairs daily is normal, noticeably more may signal a problem. 
2. Overall Hair Thinning: Noticeable reduction in hair volume or density throughout the scalp, rather than in specific patches, often indicates shedding rather than permanent hair loss. Your hair may feel lighter or your ponytail thinner.
3. Increased Hair Fall When Touching or Styling: If hair comes out easily with gentle pulling, styling, or even when you run your fingers through it, this may suggest active shedding beyond normal levels.
4. Visible Scalp Without Styling Changes: If you haven't changed your hairstyle but suddenly notice your scalp is more visible through your hair, especially at the crown or part line, this could indicate significant shedding.

A Note On Excessive Shedding 

If you've recently given birth, recovered from an illness, undergone surgery, experienced significant weight loss, or endured a stressful period in your life, your increased shedding may be temporary. 

This condition, called telogen effluvium, typically resolves within 6-9 months as your hair returns to its normal growth cycle. Consider whether your shedding coincided with any major life changes or health events before seeking treatment.

4 Signs of Hair Loss 

1. Widening Part (Female Pattern Hair Loss): For women, a widening part or increased visibility of the scalp is a common sign of female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia).

Learn More: What is Diffuse Hair Loss?  

2. Receding Hairline (Male Pattern Baldness): For men, a noticeable change in the hairline or thinning around the temples in an M-shape, is often a sign of male pattern baldness. 

Learn More: 4 Ways To Help Slow Male Pattern Baldness

3. Visible Thinning or Bald Patches: You notice thinning hair or bald patches developing, particularly at the crown or around the temples.
4. More Hair on Your Pillow: Excessive hair loss is often noticeable when you find large amounts of hair on your pillow when you wake up.

Remember, while shedding is often temporary and part of the natural growth cycle, persistent or extreme hair loss should be evaluated by a professional.

Treatments for Hair Shedding and Hair Loss

Concerned about excessive hair loss? There are several effective treatment options available.

Minoxidil 

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment that stimulates hair growth and prolongs the growth phase of hair follicles. It works by enhancing blood flow to the scalp, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles.

Since hair loss root causes vary, Minoxidil is a good general treatment for both men and women. 

Finasteride 

Finasteride is available as both an oral pill and a topical treatment primarily for the treatment of male pattern balding. This medication works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. 

The topical version offers great benefits while potentially reducing systemic side effects associated with the oral medication.

Research shows that finasteride improves hair loss in 86% of men. 

Strut Finasteride Hair Loss Formula 

Strut offers a premium customizable topical formula that combines multiple powerful ingredients in one solution:

• Topical Finasteride (0.25%) in a high-penetration delivery vehicle
• Customizable minoxidil concentrations (up to 7.5%)
• Tretinoin (0.0%-0.0125%) to enhance absorption and stimulate cell turnover
• Fluocinolone (0.01%) option to reduce scalp inflammation
• Biotin to support hair health

This 5-in-1 prescription formula comes in both gel and solution options, with no preservatives, parabens, propylene glycol, or alcohol (gel only), and is cruelty-free.

Click to learn more about the male formula and female formula. 

Real Hair Loss Results

One 68-year-old Strut Health customer reports: 

"Since starting with the finasteride liquid, I have experienced much less hair loss and an increase in new growth. 

I would always notice hair loss when I bathed in the morning. I would remove hair from the drain and see the loss throughout the top of my scalp. 

That is no longer the case and I now have more coverage of new hair growth. You must be consistent and expect results within three to four months."

Treatment For Temporary Shedding 

If your hair loss is related to stress, pregnancy, deficiency, or illness:

• Address nutritional deficiencies with supplements like biotin, iron, and vitamin D
• Manage stress through meditation, regular exercise, or therapy
• Use gentle hair care products and avoid heat styling
• Try scalp massage to stimulate blood flow and reduce tension

Remember, the earlier you address hair loss, the more effective most treatments will be. If you're concerned about shedding, consult with a professional to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Takeaways: Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss

Understanding the difference between hair shedding and hair loss is crucial for proper treatment. Hair shedding is a normal process where we lose 100-150 strands daily as part of the natural growth cycle, with new hair growing in its place. In contrast, hair loss occurs when follicles go dormant and stop producing new hair, which can be permanent without intervention.

While temporary excessive shedding (telogen effluvium) can result from stress, pregnancy, or illness, true hair loss often appears as a widening part, receding hairline, or visible bald patches. Early intervention is key—treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can effectively address hair loss, but results depend on prompt action.

If you're concerned about excessive hair falling out, consulting a professional can help determine whether you're experiencing normal shedding or hair loss requiring treatment.

Get Hair Loss Treatments, Delivered 

At Strut Health, we understand the important difference between normal hair shedding and progressive hair loss. Our virtual consultations connect you with licensed physicians who can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatments tailored to your specific needs.

We offer prescription-strength solutions for both men and women experiencing pattern hair loss, including innovative topical formulations that combine multiple active ingredients for enhanced effectiveness. Our custom 5-in-1 formula features potent concentrations of finasteride, minoxidil, and supporting compounds designed to address hair loss at multiple levels. We formulate options for both male hair loss and female hair loss. 

Start your hair restoration journey today with our free online assessment. Simply complete our questionnaire, upload photos for our doctors to review.

If you’re a good fit for treatment you’ll receive your personalized treatment delivered discreetly to your door with complimentary shipping.

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