Hair loss affects a large number of men and women in the United States. It can be triggered by different factors, especially in men, women, and even children, which is why it’s important to correctly identify the cause of hair loss. In some cases, excessive hair shedding may present itself as hair loss to a patient, although the two signal entirely different things. To better help our patients at DAA, we’ve curated a guide to understanding hair loss vs. hair shedding, so you can be more informed about what you may be experiencing. 

What is Hair Shedding? 

Hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle that is necessary to make room for new growth. The hair growth cycle consists of four primary phases: the growth phase (anagen), the transitional phase (catagen), the resting phase (telogen), and the shedding phase (exogen). During the exogen phase, hair follicles detach and fall to make room for new growth. This results in a natural loss of around 50-100 hairs a day. You’ll notice that the hair strands that you’re losing will have a club-shaped bulb at the end, which is made of keratin and is not the hair follicle itself. This signals that the hair has gone through its cycle properly. There can be a temporary increase in shedding from a variety of factors, including stress, childbirth, a recent surgery, hormonal changes, or seasonal shifts. Excessive shedding will lead to losing more than 100 hairs a day but will eventually resolve on its own within a few weeks or months once the body has time to adjust. 

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a condition that occurs when something stops the growth of hair follicles. Common causes include genetics, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions such as Androgenetic alopecia, harsh styling treatments, or nutrient deficiencies. Hair loss is long-term and often worsens over time, characterized by broken strands of hair without a white bulb at the root. It will not resolve itself like excessive shedding until the underlying cause is treated. It’s often accompanied by scalp symptoms, including itching, inflammation, tenderness, burning, or redness. If you don’t experience these symptoms, you may notice other factors such as a receding hairline that gets worse, a thinner ponytail, or other hair loss indicators. 

When to See a Dermatologist for Hair Loss or Shedding?

If you’ve determined that you’re experiencing hair loss as opposed to excessive shedding, it’s time to reach out to our DAA team!  We have two dedicated specialty centers, including The Center of Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatment and The Center of Hair Restoration and Research, that are experts in the hair loss field. Our board-certified dermatologists will put together a personalized treatment plan to address the root cause behind your hair loss so you can start looking and feeling your best. To schedule a consultation, fill out an Appointment Request Form online or contact us at 404.256.4457.