Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss

The difference between hair shedding vs hair loss matters more than you might think. It affects how your doctor diagnoses the root cause, what treatments may work and what to expect over time.

Continue reading to learn about the distinction between hair shedding and hair loss, the causes and your treatment options.

Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros

Normal Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss

Explore the science behind hair loss vs hair shedding.

Feature	Normal Hair Shedding	Hair Loss
What it is	A normal part of the hair growth cycle. Everyone sheds hair daily.	A reduction in hair density, thinning, or bald spots that go beyond normal shedding.
How much hair is lost per day	It’s normal to shed 50–100 hairs a day.	Noticeably more than 100 hairs per day, or visible thinning/bald areas.
What you notice	Extra hairs on your pillow, shower drain, or brush, but scalp and hair still look full.	Wider parting, scalp showing through, receding hairline, or patchy bald spots.
Most common causes	Natural hair cycle, brushing/washing, seasonal changes. Temporary triggers can cause excessive hair shedding.	Family history (male or female pattern baldness), underlying health conditions, scarring from skin diseases, tight hairstyles (traction alopecia) and ageing.
Outcome	Completely normal, hair regrows naturally.	May need treatment to slow, stop or sometimes reverse. Not always fully reversible.

What Is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is a natural process that occurs as part of your hair’s growth cycle. Your hair doesn’t grow continuously. It goes through different phases, and shedding happens when hairs reach the end of its life cycle.

There are two main types of hair shedding:

Normal Shedding: The everyday loss of hair that’s part of your body’s natural renewal process.
Telogen Effluvium: Excessive hair shedding that goes beyond what’s normal and can be triggered by various factors.

Normal Hair Shedding

A daily shedding range of 50-100 hairs per day is standard as part of your hair growth cycle. This might sound like a lot, but with around 100,000 hair follicles on your scalp, losing 100 hairs represents less than 0.1% of your total hair.

As your hair grows in cycles, each follicle moves through different phases:

Anagen (growing phase): Active hair growth, lasting 2 to 8 years. Most hairs on your scalp (about 90–95%) are in the anagen phase.
Catagen (transition phase): Short phase of 4–6 weeks where hair growth slows and follicles shrink. Only a few hairs are in this phase at any time.
Telogen (resting phase): Lasts 2–3 months, during which hairs stop growing. Approximately 5–10% of hairs are in the telogen phase, and 100–150 hairs are shed daily.
Exogen (shedding phase): Hair naturally falls out at the end of the telogen phase.

This type of shedding is simply your hair’s way of making room for new, healthy strands to grow. The hairs you lose during normal shedding will typically be replaced by new ones growing from the same hair follicles.

Telogen Effluvium

How many hairs you lose will depend on several factors. Telogen effluvium (TE) is characterised by severe shedding that exceeds the standard daily hair loss, often resulting in more than 100 shed hairs per day.

It occurs when a large amount of hair in the anagen phase stops developing prematurely due to a trigger. These hairs then transition into the catagen phase and shortly after into the telogen phase, leading to excessive shedding.

Common triggers of increased hair shedding include:

Physical stress: Major illness, high fever, substantial weight loss or surgery
Emotional stress: Significant life changes, trauma, a stressful event or long-term pressure
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid disorders or stopping birth control pills
Medications: Certain antidepressants, blood thinners or other medications
Nutritional insufficiencies: Iron and protein deficiency or crash dieting
Harsh chemicals and hair products: Bad hair habits like frequent use of bleach, dyes, relaxers or excessive heat-styling products

The Timeline

Telogen effluvium doesn’t happen immediately. There’s typically a 2-4 month delay between the triggering event and when you start experiencing excessive hair shedding.

Recovery timeline:

3-6 months: Hair returns to regular shedding pattern (after trigger is resolved)
6-12 months: Generally, full hair regrowth

The condition is usually temporary. Once the underlying trigger is addressed, your hair cycle can return to its normal state.

What Is Hair Loss?

Highly noticeable, hair loss is characterised by hair thinning or bald patches, accompanied by a reduction in density.

Unlike hair shedding, where hairs are replaced, hair loss occurs when fewer new hairs grow to replace the ones that fall out, or hair follicles stop producing hair altogether.

Common Types of Hair Loss

There is no single cause of hair loss. Many conditions can cause your hair to fall out, such as:

Androgenetic alopecia (female or male-pattern baldness): It is hereditary and exhibits typical thinning patterns.
Senescent alopecia: age-related thinning without a family link.
Alopecia areata: patchy hair loss caused by the immune system attacking the hair.
Traction alopecia: Caused by tight hairstyles or styling practices.
Scarring alopecia (cicatricial alopecia): This type of alopecia, like anagen effluvium, damages follicles and is harder to treat as it causes permanent hair loss.

Treatments for Hair Shedding & Hair Loss

Lifestyle changes: The first step in managing hair loss and shedding is to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Browse the various treatments for excessive shedding and hair loss to regain your confidence.

Hair Loss Treatments

We offer a variety of options to help those who are losing hair, experiencing hair fall, or want to prevent hair loss, including:

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: FUE hair transplants involve the transfer of individual hair follicles to thinning areas, resulting in natural-looking results. Ideal for individuals with short hair, as it results in minimal scarring.
Medications: Minoxidil, finasteride and dutasteride can treat hair loss and support new hair growth, either alone or in combination with other treatments.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Uses your own blood platelets to stimulate hair growth, strengthen existing hair, and help prevent hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium (Excessive Hair Shedding) Treatments

While normal shedding does not require treatment, telogen effluvium may necessitate medical support if the shedding feels like excessive loss or you notice more strands than usual.

Correcting deficiencies: Low iron, zinc, vitamin D or thyroid issues can trigger shedding. Treating these often reduces loss.
Topical minoxidil: May shorten the shedding phase and support regrowth. A gentle scalp massage to improve blood circulation can help the solution absorb more effectively and may also support hair growth.
Oral minoxidil: May be prescribed by your healthcare provider if topical is unsuitable.
Corticosteroids: Used in some cases where inflammation contributes to hair fall.

Emerging treatments:

Platelet-rich plasma therapy: Utilises your own platelets to stimulate tissue regeneration.
Multivitamin mesotherapy or botulinum toxin A: Still under study, but may improve density.
CNPDA combination: (Caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol, dimethicone, acrylate polymer) can promote thicker hair.

Key Takeaway: TE is usually temporary, and once the cause is corrected, hair often regrows.

Take the next step on your restoration journey! Book your appointment over Zoom or in person at our Glasgow hair loss clinic.

Dr Bonaros: Tailored Treatments for Shedding & Hair Loss

Experiencing hair loss and hair shedding can feel isolating, but you are not alone in this. At Dr Bonaros’ hair loss clinic, we help patients across the UK regain their confidence through advanced treatments.

We take a patient-first approach, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs. Our evaluation considers your medical history, lifestyle factors and personal goals to develop the most effective path forward for your hair restoration journey.

Now that you understand “What is normal hair shedding vs hair loss?”, find out more about hair health in our free resource library.

Ready to start your transformation? Book your consultation below.

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Jackie Lambert

Dr Bonaros is an incredibly talent doctor in his field and has provided me with a wonderful hair transplant result. Finding information and pictures for female hair transplants was really hard. Hair is such a defining part of us all that is not realised until you start to lose your hair.
I suffered female pattern balding and hair thinning due to menopause and became very self conscious. I was worried about the treatment (as many on line photos looked so horrific), pain, recovery time, would it work, results etc. I also didn't want to lose more hair over the coming years, but also didn't want to have my head shaved at the back for the transplant.
Dr Bonaros answered all my questions and was such a knowledgeable and calming person that I knew he was the doctor for me and I was in safe hands.
On the day of the transplant, he and his team were amazing and so very kind and took great care of me. The aftercare and regular check ups were great.
I have just celebrated by first hair transplant birthday and the result are fantastic. I have consented for Dr Bonaros to share all of my journey photos with any other women out there contemplating this treatment. I cannot recommend highly enough. My hair is thicker and fuller and I even have a full fringe now.

Peter Walker

Can't thank the Dr and the team enough for such great work on my hair. It's been a year and I'm delighted with the results of my 4000 graft procedure.

The team were kind, professional and patient during the consultation stage. They answered all my questions and made me feel at ease.

During the operation every step was explained and the experience was made as comfortable as possible over the two days of my 4000 graft procedure. It's a morning of extractions from the donor area and an afternoon of inserting them into the recipient area with lunch provided. I brought some in-ear headphones for a podcast to pass the time and it does fly by. Dr Bonaros was present at all times performing the extractions and graft placement. They worked non-stop during this time.

The post operation care package you get home and the follow up emails and appointments to ask questions really made the whole post care process easy at what is a sensitive time.

Fully recovered and seeing the results, it's gave me a lot of confidence and looking back at old photographs I really do not regret having it done, I wish I did it sooner.

Really appreciate what the clinic has done for me. Thank you Dr Bonaros and Team!

graham jardine

Can’t thank dr Bonaros and the team enough,

I found them to be extremely professional, reassuring and kind.

I work an operating theatre environment so I guess I was a bit of a tough customer however I was very impressed with my hair transplant from first consultation to the operation itself.

I’m now 4 months out and have loads of hair growth, my confidence has been renewed massively and my only regret is not having the treatment sooner!

Thanks again

Kind regards

Graham

Response from the owner:Dear Graham, Thank you for your wonderful review of Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're delighted to hear that you found our team professional, reassuring, and kind throughout your experience. It means a lot coming from someone with your background in an operating theatre environment. We're thrilled that you're already seeing significant hair growth and that your confidence has been renewed. It's always rewarding to know our efforts have had such a positive impact. We appreciate your kind words and for entrusting us with your care. Kind regards, Dr Bonaros' Team

Cayden

I had a 2000 graft hair transplant with Dr Bonaros just over a year ago. It was painless, very easy on my part (I just had to lie in different positions and amuse myself) and Dr Bonaros and his team were super informative and happily answered all of my questions both during our initial consult and the procedure itself.

I was seen at 8:50am and we finished up I believe around 4pm, with an hour lunch break (the surgery provided a hot lunch, and were very accommodating with my dietary needs)

Aftercare was very well explained and I was given all the necessary equipment and care instructions for my recovery.

I had no complications during or after the transplant, and healing with a lot easier than I expected. Patience and time are the main factors for the months after your transplant.

I am over the moon with my results, I am so much more confident and my self-esteem has come on in leaps and bounds.

Thank you so much for giving me a new lease on life!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're thrilled to hear that you had a painless and smooth procedure with Dr. Bonaros and his team. It's wonderful to know that you felt well-informed and cared for throughout your journey with us. We're delighted that you're happy with your results and that they have positively impacted your confidence and self-esteem. Thank you for choosing our clinic, and for your kind words. We're here for you if you need any further assistance. Warm regards, Dr Bonaros' Team

Brucr Petrie

Just reached the 1 year point of my transplant. I have to say i'm more than delighted with the results.Had a 2 day proceedure which went very smoothly.i was made to feel relaxed and reassured from start to finish.Dr benaros and Kat are so down to earth and totally proffesional. I am so happy to have chosen them and definitely made the right decision.i wouldnt hesitate to reccomend them .if your contemplating taking the plunge,go for it!you wont regret it.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you are more than satisfied with the results of your hair transplant at our Glasgow hair transplant clinic. At Dr Bonaros' Clinic, we aim to foster a welcoming and professional environment for all our patients, and your kind words genuinely affirm our dedication. We’re thrilled that you chose us for your hair restoration journey and that you feel you made the right decision. Thank you for your recommendation, and for those contemplating addressing their hair loss, we are here to help you take that step with confidence. Best regards, The Team at Dr. Bonaros' Clinic

Theodora Kotorou

I can’t recommend Dr Bonaros enough! After struggling with hair loss for years, I finally found a doctor who provided me with an efficient and cost-effective solution that truly worked. From the first consultation, he took the time to understand my concerns, explain all my options, and tailor a treatment plan that suited my needs.

The results have been incredible, and I feel more confident with my current hair situation. He is professional, welcoming, and always available for any follow-up questions. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable hair loss specialist, look no further than Dr Bonaros.

Would highly recommend to anyone dealing with hair loss. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience at our Glasgow hair transplant and hair treatments clinic. Our aim is to provide efficient and affordable solutions for hair loss, and we’re pleased to know you’ve found a treatment plan that suits you. Your increased confidence is exactly why we do what we do. Dr. Bonaros and the entire team are dedicated to understanding each patient’s unique needs and making them feel welcome and supported throughout their hair restoration journey. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We're here to help anyone dealing with hair loss, and we appreciate your trust in us! Best wishes, The Team at Dr Bonaros' Clinic

carlo celindano

I had a hair transplant over 4 years ago with him and I'm still happy today he truly is amazing 🥳 if you are thinking of getting one please use him 🙏 he does the whole procedure from start to finish. If you do your research it has amazing reviews and the great profile. 3 of my friends have used him as well and they're very happy with the results 😁 please don't choose the cheapest price to get the procedure 🤦 just pay once and get it done properly. You really do get what you pay for with hair transplants. Thank you again for a life changing experience 😁

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you're still happy with your results and that your experience was life-changing. It's fantastic to know that you and your friends have had positive experiences with Dr Bonaros. At Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care from start to finish, ensuring that each procedure meets the highest standards of quality and patient satisfaction. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for your kind words and support.

Connor T

From the very beginning, the entire experience was fantastic. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and explained every step of the process in great detail

The procedure was surprisingly comfortable, with minimal discomfort during and after the surgery. The recovery went well, and I was provided with clear instructions and a goody bag to take away to aid my recovery.

I highly recommend that everyone consult with Dr. Bonaro and his staff before making a final decision. You won't regret it!

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We’re delighted to hear about your good experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. It’s great that you found the procedure comfortable and our staff informative. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated. If you need further assistance, we’re here to help!

susan taylor

Visited Dr Bonaros regarding hair thinning. Found him to be very professional and had my best interests at heart. No hard sell or trying to sell unneeded products. If anyone needs advice regarding hair loss or hair thinning I cannot recommend this doctor enough.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Bonaros provided professional care with your best interests in mind. At our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on offering honest advice without any pressure. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated!

Nathan Ryde

Dr Bonaros is a true professional putting the customers needs first. His patient centred approach and knowledge gives you the best results possible from the procedure with a keen attention to prevention and maintenance as hair loss is ongoing. I travelled up to his clinic for my 12 month review to personally thank him and his partner at the clinic. Both wonderful people who truly want the best for you. The results I have had are outstanding and exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a hair transplant with fine precision and a doctor who is certified with a great reputation in this field I urge you to look no further as he delivers spectacular results !

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for your kind words. We're thrilled to know that you are delighted with the results and had a positive experience at our Glasgow hair transplant clinic. Our team, including Dr. Bonaros, is committed to providing patient-centered care with a focus on prevention and maintenance. We are proud to have exceeded your expectations and appreciate your trust in us. Thank you for recommending our clinic!