Do you have Hair Loss or Hair Shedding?

Hair Shedding Versus Hair Loss: Understanding the Differences

Hair is an essential aspect of human identity, often reflecting health, personality, and cultural expression. When people notice a change in their hair—whether it’s thinning, falling out in clumps, or appearing less vibrant—it can be alarming. Two common phenomena that cause such concerns are hair shedding and hair loss. While they may seem similar, they are distinct conditions with different causes, implications, and treatments. This article explores the differences between hair shedding and hair loss, their underlying mechanisms, causes, and how to address each condition effectively.

Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. At birth, the human scalp contains approximately 100,000 hair follicles, and each hair undergoes a cycle consisting of three phases:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase, lasting two to seven years.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase): A short transitional period of about 10 days when hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase): Hair remains in this phase for around three months before it naturally falls out to make way for new hair growth.

On average, it is normal to shed 100 to 200 hairs daily as part of this natural cycle.  BUT, when you’re worried about hair loss….it can look like thousands of hairs a day.  PLUS…people with longer hairs…notice that 100 to 200 more than a person with short hairs, particularly if the short hairs are the same color as the shower tile or sink.
If you’re looking for hair loss…you’re going to find it!

Shedding:
Telogen effluvium, is a temporary hair loss that can occur due to various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, or illness. In these cases, shedding is typically diffuse (spread across the scalp) and resolves once the underlying trigger is addressed.  Common causes are things like stress such as physical or emotional stress can push a significant number of hairs into the telogen phase, leading to noticeable shedding a few months later.  Hormonal changes including Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and discontinuing hormonal contraceptives can disrupt the hair growth cycle.  Nutritional Deficiencies are uncommon in the typical American diet.  See our other articles and videos on that topic.  Stressors like chronic illness or Surgery can trigger temporary shedding.  And finally medications: Certain drugs, including antidepressants, blood thinners, and chemotherapy agents, can cause increased hair shedding.

Hair loss:
Hair loss, on the other hand, refers to a more permanent or progressive reduction in hair density. Unlike shedding, which is temporary and involves the normal hair growth cycle, hair loss often involves disruption to the cycle or permanent damage to hair follicles. It can occur in localized patches, along specific patterns, or diffusely across the scalp and body.
Types of hair loss include Androgenetic Alopecia commonly known as male or female pattern baldness.  This is a genetic condition caused by sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It leads to progressive thinning, usually starting at the crown or temples in men and diffuse thinning at the parting in women.  Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss on the scalp or body.  Traction Alopecia occurs by sustained tension on the hair due to tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or extensions.  Scarring Alopecia or cicatricial alopecia, this involves permanent destruction of hair follicles due to medical conditions like lichen planopilaris or lupus.  Chronic Telogen Effluvium lasts for six months or more and can indicate underlying medical issues.  And Anagen Effluvium is Rapid hair loss caused by treatments like chemotherapy, which disrupt the active growth phase of hair.

Key Differences Between Hair Shedding and Hair Loss

To determine whether you’re experiencing hair shedding or hair loss, consult a dermatologist. They will evaluate your medical history, do a scalp examination, gently pull on the hairs…called a pull test, and possibly do a biopsy.  Female hair loss evaluations are often accompanied by blood tests for hormone levels and other factors too.
Understanding the distinction between hair shedding and hair loss is crucial for identifying the appropriate course of action. While shedding is often temporary and linked to external factors, hair loss may require more targeted medical intervention. By recognizing the signs, seeking professional advice, and adopting preventive measures, you can take proactive steps to maintain healthy, resilient hair.

Hair loss and shedding are related but distinct phenomena when it comes to hair health. Understanding the differences can help determine if what you’re experiencing is normal or a potential issue that needs attention.