Is It Hair Shedding or Hair Loss? Here's How to Tell the Difference
3 days ago
2 min read
Do you see hair in your brush or on your pillow and wonder, “Am I losing my hair?” You’re not alone. It can be confusing to know if what you’re seeing is just normal hair shedding or something more serious — like hair loss.
Let’s break it down in a super simple way, so you can understand what’s really going on with your hair.
What Is Hair Shedding?
Hair shedding is a normal part of life. In fact, everyone loses some hair every day!
✅ You might be shedding if:
You see 50–100 hairs in your brush or shower
It happens evenly all over your scalp
Your hair still feels full and healthy
You’ve recently had a baby, been sick, or were super stressed
Hair has a natural cycle: grow, rest, and fall out. New hair usually grows back in its place. So shedding = normal, especially during certain life changes.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is when hair stops growing back. It can lead to thinning areas, bald spots, or an obvious change in hairline.
🚫 You might be losing hair if:
You notice patches or areas with much less hair
Your part looks wider
Your hairline is moving back
Your hair feels thinner than it used to
The hair isn’t growing back after it falls out
Hair loss can be caused by many things like genetics, hormones, aging, or medical conditions. It usually needs treatment to get better.
Key Differences (Quick Look)
Feature | Hair Shedding | Hair Loss |
Normal amount? | Yes | No |
Hair grows back? | Usually | Sometimes not |
Even or patchy? | Even all over | Patchy or thinning areas |
Triggered by? | Stress, illness, seasons | Genes, hormones, age |
Should I worry? | Not usually | Get it checked early |
When to See a Hair Expert
Still not sure what’s going on? That’s okay! If your hair feels different, or you're just worried about it, it’s a great idea to talk to a hair and scalp specialist.
A trichologist (that’s a hair and scalp expert) can help figure out what’s really happening — and how to treat it.
What You Can Do Now
Here are a few easy steps you can take:
Be gentle when brushing or styling
Avoid heat and harsh chemicals
Eat a healthy diet with protein, iron, and vitamins
Don’t stress — easier said than done, but stress affects hair too!
Schedule a scalp check with a specialist
At New Look Institute, we are experts on hair shedding, hair loss, and everything in between. Based in San Jose, we offer private consultations, advanced scalp analysis, and personalized, non-surgical treatments that actually work. Whether your hair is thinning a little or a lot, we’re here to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and take the guesswork out of your hair journey.
