After learning about the most common causes of hair loss, the next question many people ask is, “How do I know if what I’m experiencing is actually hair loss?”

The truth is that not every strand you find in your hairbrush is a cause for concern. In fact, shedding hair is a completely normal part of the hair growth cycle.

Knowing the difference between hair shedding and hair loss can help you determine whether your hair is simply following its natural cycle or if it may be time to take a closer look at your scalp. While excessive shedding can sometimes be temporary, ongoing thinning or noticeable changes in hair density may point to an underlying issue that deserves attention.

At NikkiCole’s Hair Design & Head Spa, we believe that education is the first step toward healthier hair. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface allows you to make informed decisions about your hair care routine and seek professional guidance when needed.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Every hair on your head goes through a natural cycle of growth, transition, rest, and shedding. Because each strand is at a different stage, it’s completely normal to lose some hair every day while new hairs continue to grow.

Here’s a closer look at the four stages of the hair growth cycle:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active growth stage, where your hair is continuously growing from the follicle. Around 85–90% of your hair is typically in this phase at any given time, and it can last anywhere from two to seven years.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase): This short phase lasts only a few weeks. Hair growth slows, and the follicle begins to shrink as it prepares for the resting phase.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase): During this stage, the hair remains in the follicle but is no longer actively growing. Approximately 10–15% of your hair is in this phase at any one time.
4. Exogen (Shedding Phase): This is when the resting hair naturally falls out, making room for a new hair to begin growing from the same follicle. Shedding during this phase is a healthy and necessary part of the hair growth cycle.

*Because this cycle is constantly repeating, it’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day.*

Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss

So, how can you tell the difference?

1. Normal Hair Shedding: If you’re noticing a few hairs in your brush, shower, or on your pillow each day, this is usually part of the normal exogen phase. Your hair continues replacing itself, so overall density remains about the same.
2. Temporary Shedding: Events like illness, surgery, childbirth, significant weight loss, emotional stress, or certain medications can temporarily push more hairs into the shedding phase. While this can be alarming, many people see improvement once the underlying cause is addressed.
3. Progressive Thinning: Gradual thinning that continues over time is more likely to require professional evaluation. Genetics, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, and scalp health can all contribute to long-term hair loss.
4. Hair Loss: Hair loss occurs when more hair is falling out than is being replaced or when the growth cycle becomes disrupted. You may notice your part becoming wider, more hair left behind in the shower, or areas where your scalp becomes more visible.

Healthy Hair Starts with a Healthy Scalp

Understanding the difference between hair shedding vs. hair loss is an important first step, but it’s only part of the picture. A healthy scalp provides the foundation for healthy hair, and maintaining that environment can help support your hair throughout every stage of the growth cycle.

At NikkiCole’s Hair Design & Head Spa, our personalized scalp consultations and luxurious Japanese Head Spa treatments are designed to deeply cleanse, nourish, and care for your scalp while helping create the ideal environment for healthy hair. Whether you’re experiencing normal shedding or have concerns about thinning hair, we’re here to help you better understand your scalp and develop a personalized plan for healthier-looking hair.

If you’ve been wondering whether your hair loss is normal or if it’s time to seek professional guidance, schedule a consultation with our team today. Together, we’ll help you take the next step toward a healthier scalp and healthier hair.

Book online here: https://www.vagaro.com/nikkicoleshairdesign/book-now or call us at (843) 945-1025.