Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss: What's the Difference?

What Is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is a natural process within the hair growth cycle. Every follicle on your scalp moves through three stages: anagen (the active growth phase), catagen (a short transition), and telogen (the resting phase). When a hair reaches the end of telogen, it sheds, and the follicle begins a fresh cycle.

The average person sheds 50 to 100 hairs per day. This is normal hair shedding, and it keeps the scalp healthy. That number can climb temporarily after a stressful event, a hormonal shift, an illness, or a change in nutrition. This temporary shedding is called telogen effluvium, when more hair follicles than usual enter the resting phase at once.

The key word is temporary. Once the trigger clears, the hair cycle resets and shedding returns to baseline. Excessive hair shedding that comes and goes is rarely a sign of lasting damage.

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, clinically known as alopecia, is different. It happens when the follicle itself is affected, whether miniaturized, scarred, or no longer able to grow hair. Rather than too much hair falling out for a short window, you see an ongoing decline in hair density.

Unlike shedding, hair loss does not resolve once a trigger is removed. The follicle needs direct intervention, and the earlier the better. Follicle miniaturization can become permanent hair loss if left unaddressed.

Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss takes several forms, and the type shapes the right treatment options.

• Androgenetic alopecia. The most common form, also called hereditary hair loss or pattern hair loss. Sensitivity to DHT shrinks follicles until they produce thinner, shorter hairs, then none.

• Alopecia areata. An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, creating round bald spots and patchy hair loss.

• Traction alopecia. Caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair shaft over time, often along the hairline.

• Scarring alopecia. Inflammation destroys the follicle and replaces it with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss.

• Anagen effluvium. Sudden, significant hair loss during the growth phase, most often linked to chemotherapy or harsh chemical treatments.

Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair thinning can have a number of possible causes beyond age and genetics. Hormonal imbalances tied to thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or postpartum changes could disrupt the hair cycle. Iron deficiency and poor nutrition may leave follicles without what they need to grow hair. Chronic stress, scalp irritation, and inflammation could also play a role.

Identifying the cause is the first step toward the right fix, and a doctor or dermatologist can help confirm what's actually going on before you settle on a treatment. The common causes of hair loss rarely respond to a single solution, so naming the trigger matters before choosing treatment.

When to See a Hair Loss Specialist

When you are unsure, do not guess. A dermatologist or trichologist can perform a scalp assessment, review your history, and tell you definitively whether you face temporary shedding or genuine hair loss. Earlier medical treatment gives follicles the best chance to recover and supports fuller looking hair over time.

What You Can Do

Your response should match your diagnosis.

For shedding: address the underlying trigger and support recovery from the inside out.

• Nutrition can play a role too, particularly protein, iron, and vitamin D. Our guide to vitamins for hair growth covers what the evidence supports.

• Sleep and stress management can help too.

• Calm the scalp with a gentle routine and a targeted oil. Growing Season Botanical Hair Treatment showed a 48.61% reduction in hair shedding after 50 days of use in an independent clinical study.

• For more daily tactics, read how to reduce hair shedding.

For hair loss: seek a proper diagnosis early. A hair loss specialist can confirm the type and guide treatment options. Medical treatment may include prescription medications, oral medications, or platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Pro tip: Pair scalp care with circulation. Using the Growing Season Derma Roller before your oil treatment creates micro-channels that help botanical ingredients reach the follicle. Improved circulation supports a healthy scalp, the foundation for new hair growth. Learn the method in our guide to scalp oiling.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.