Hair Loss vs. Hair Shedding: What You Need To Know

Seeing large amounts of hair in a hairbrush or shower drain can be alarming and if you’ve noticed excessive amounts of your hair falling out, you’re probably wondering what’s happening. While it’s easy to think that something is wrong, you could just be experiencing hair shedding, which is a normal thing that happens to everyone. Hair loss, however, could be more serious and requires a closer eye to determine the cause. 

So below, we’re sharing things you need to know about the differences between hair loss and shedding. Plus, we’re offering hair-care tips and product recommendations to help keep your mane looking healthy and full. 

What’s The Difference Between Hair Shedding And Hair Loss?

Hair shedding and hair loss are two totally different things, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and it’s normal to shed anywhere between 50 and 100 hairs per day. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that it’s a common consequence of the normal hair cycle. The hair growth cycle works in phases. It starts with anagen (growth), then moves to catagen (transitional and no growth), then goes to telogen (rest), and subsequently will shed. According to the NCBI, the normal time your hair will stay in the telogen phase is about 100 days, and then your hair will shed at the end of this phase. 

However, you’ll want to start keeping an eye on the amount of hair you lose when it starts to become more than usual. According to the AAD, hair shedding can also happen for a few months after a stressful event. The AAD also states that fevers typically force more hairs into the shedding phase too (this may be why people recovering from illnesses where fever is a symptom report excessive hair shedding). With hair loss, there is a root-cause beyond the natural hair cycle that stops the hair from growing until the cause is addressed. 

What Causes Hair Shedding 

Increased hair shedding can be caused by a multitude of reasons. The AAD lists potential causes as losing weight, having a baby, recovering from an illness, and even extended periods of stress. For most people, excessive shedding is temporary and will resolve itself in time after the stressful event on the body has passed. When it doesn’t, it can be a clear indicator of something more serious, such as hair loss.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss is all about losing the ability to grow new hair, and it can happen for a variety of reasons— including hereditary hair loss, an immune condition (skin diseases, alopecia and hyperthyroidism), as well as certain drugs and medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. The AAD also advises people to keep low-maintenance hairstyles (stay away from braids and ponytails) that won’t pull or add stress to their scalp and cause certain types of hair loss like traction alopecia. If you think you’re experiencing hair loss seek out the help of a board certified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Best Volumizing Products For Thin Hair

If your hair is shedding as usual but you feel like your mane is looking thin, you can incorporate some hair care products and processes to your routine to get your tresses healthy and looking full. As with everything in beauty, consistency is key to seeing results for maintaining healthy hair. Check out a few tips and products you can start with today.

Use A Volumizing Hair-Care System

When it comes to achieving thick strands, you’ll need to kick things off in the shower. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Thickening Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Thickening Conditioner. This system is formulated to give thin hair a thicker feel and lasting volume. On non-wash days, you can use the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo, which will create instant body and volume by lifting the roots and removing any oils weighing down the hair. 

Add A Leave-In To The Mix

Adding a hair treatment into your routine can also help boost your hair’s health. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Power Restore Multi-use treatment is a lightweight product that can be rinsed-out or used as a leave-in to repair damaged hair and make it stronger. Its formula includes a repair concentrate with protein that will help reduce breakage–which can help lead to less hair shedding. Try using it three times a week for the best results. 

Opt For Volumizing Styling Products

Volumizing styling products can instantly add life to flat and dull hair. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse when styling your hair. It’s infused with thickening agents that will give your strands a bouncy and voluminous look. It also provides heat protection in case you want to add a blow-drying session into the mix. Work a healthy amount of hair mousse through your strands and style as desired.

As soon as you notice alarming signs make an appointment with a dermatologist for professional insight. Finding the right products based on your hair’s needs and staying away from hairstyles that will add stress to your mane will put you on the right path to creating healthier hair. 

Next: How to Strengthen Hair