The Difference Between Hair Loss and Hair Shedding

Hair loss is a concern for millions of men and women of all ages and backgrounds. A certain amount of hair loss is usual, but if you seem to be finding more hair in the drain when you shampoo or on your comb and brush, you may be experiencing hair loss.

The Normal Hair Growth Cycle

Understanding the difference between hair loss and shedding requires an understanding of the normal hair growth cycle. Human hair is composed of a protein called keratin and grows out of hair follicles on the skin. The hair follicle pushes out the hair in a continuous pattern of growth called the hair growth cycle. When this normal growth cycle is changed or interrupted, hair loss occurs. The hair growth cycle consists of three well-defined phases.

The anagen phase is the first of the cycle and is the growth phase. This phase continues for two to eight years and largely determines the length of our hair.

After the initial growth stage, hair enters the catagen phase. The catagen phase can last from two to four weeks, and during this period, the follicle shrinks, beginning to detach and degrade.

The final stage in the hair growth cycle is the telogen or resting phase, which lasts from two to four months. At any time, approximately 10 to 15% of your hair is in this resting phase, while a new hair begins to grow and completes the cycle.

What is Hair Shedding

Hair shedding starts as the growth cycle of the new hair begins, and a new hair shaft begins to push out of the hair follicle. As the new hair growth pushes forth, the hair that is in the resting phase dislodges. These are typically the hairs found on your brush or in the drain.

Approximately 50 to 150 hairs in the telogen phase can fall out every day, and this is considered to be normal hair shedding.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss occurs when something interrupts the normal hair growth cycle and stops hairs from growing. The hair growth cycle can be influenced by a variety of factors such as a medical condition, over the counter or prescription medications, hormonal changes, or even periods of stress. One of the most common reasons for hair loss is hereditary conditions that are passed on through genetics.

When the hair growth cycle is interrupted, individuals may notice more hair than usual on their brush or in the drain, a change in their hairline or a widening of their part, or in severe cases, the loss of clumps of hair leaving bald spots or patches.

Contact Mane Image Hair

Hair shedding can appear different from one person to another because everyone's hair is different in length, texture, and thickness. If you're concerned about the amount of hair that you are losing every day, remember that the normal hair growth cycle causes people to shed between 50 and 100 strands of hair each day.

While differentiating between the two can be difficult, if you think that your hair loss is increasing, the professional hair loss specialists at Mane Image Hair can easily tell you if it is normal hair shedding or hair loss.

When you schedule a free consultation with Mane Image Hair, our staff will perform a non-invasive trichological examination and determine the overall health of your hair and scalp. Our expert staff will also explore some possible causes of your hair loss and recommend the best course of action. We have solutions for all causes of hair loss and will customize a plan to give you the results you desire.

To learn more about the difference between hair loss and hair shedding, contact us today for your free consultation.