Is My Hair Shedding or Thinning?
Reviewed by
Steven P., FAAD
Board-certified dermatologist
Updated on
Reviewed for accuracy
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference: Hair Shedding vs Thinning?
Hair shedding and hair thinning are often confused, but they refer to different processes. Shedding is the natural loss of hair strands from the scalp, which happens as part of the normal hair growth cycle. Most people shed up to 100 hairs per day, and this is considered normal. Shedding can temporarily increase due to stress, illness, or changes in the body, but the hair follicles remain healthy and capable of regrowing new hair.
Thinning, on the other hand, means a reduction in the density or thickness of hair over time. This can be due to a decrease in the number of hair follicles producing hair, or because the hairs themselves become finer through a process called miniaturization. Thinning is often gradual and may be associated with conditions like androgenetic alopecia or chronic telogen effluvium. Recognizing the difference between hair shedding vs thinning is important for understanding what is happening to your hair and which steps to take next.
Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (resting), and telogen (shedding). During the anagen phase, which can last up to four years, hair follicles are actively producing new hair. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of scalp hairs are in this phase at any given time, contributing to the overall density and fullness of your hair.
The catagen phase is a short transitional stage where hair growth slows and the follicle shrinks. Only about 5 percent of hairs are in this phase. The telogen phase is the resting and shedding stage, also accounting for about 5 percent of hairs. In this stage, the hair is released from the follicle and eventually falls out, making way for new growth. Disruptions to this cycle, such as those caused by stress or illness, can lead to increased shedding or thinning.
What Is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a common cause of sudden, diffuse hair shedding. It occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen (shedding) phase, often in response to a physical or emotional stressor. Examples of triggers include illness, surgery, childbirth, significant weight loss, or major life changes. As a result, more hairs than usual are shed, sometimes up to 300 strands per day.
There are two main forms of telogen effluvium: acute and chronic. Acute telogen effluvium typically lasts less than six months and often resolves on its own, with 95 percent of cases improving without intervention. Chronic telogen effluvium lasts longer than six months and may not have a clear cause.
Signs of Hair Shedding
Hair shedding is characterized by the loss of whole hair strands from the scalp. You may notice more hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your hairbrush. The shed hairs typically have a white bulb at the root, which is a sign that they have completed their natural growth cycle and are being replaced by new hairs.
Increased hair shedding can be alarming, but it does not always mean you are experiencing permanent hair loss. In cases like telogen effluvium, the shedding is usually temporary and the hair follicles remain healthy. The overall density of your hair may appear reduced, but regrowth is possible once the underlying trigger is addressed.
Signs of Hair Thinning
Hair thinning refers to a gradual reduction in hair density or the diameter of individual hair strands. Unlike shedding, thinning is often more subtle and may develop over months or years. Common signs include a wider part, increased scalp visibility, or a decrease in ponytail thickness. Thinning can result from conditions like androgenetic alopecia or chronic telogen effluvium.
Miniaturization, where hair follicles produce finer and shorter hairs, is a hallmark of thinning related to androgenetic alopecia. Thinning may also be diffuse, affecting the entire scalp, or localized to specific areas. Recognizing these signs early can help you seek appropriate evaluation and management.
How to Check: Is My Hair Thinning or Shedding?
Distinguishing between hair shedding and thinning at home can be challenging, but there are practical steps you can take. Start by observing the amount of hair you lose daily. Collect shed hairs from your brush or shower over a few days and check for the white bulb at the root, which indicates natural shedding.
Examine your scalp in good lighting. Look for changes in density, such as increased scalp visibility or a widening part. Compare current photos with older ones to spot subtle changes. If you notice persistent density loss, part widening, or miniaturization of hairs, consider seeking a professional evaluation.
What Causes Diffuse Thinning and Density Loss?
Diffuse thinning is a pattern where hair loss occurs evenly across the scalp rather than in patches. This can be caused by telogen effluvium, chronic illness, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications. In telogen effluvium, up to 70 percent of hairs in the growth phase can prematurely enter the shedding phase, leading to noticeable density loss.
Density loss may also result from androgenetic alopecia, where hair follicles gradually shrink and produce finer hairs. Other causes include thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, and hormonal changes. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective management.
Part Widening: What Does It Mean?
Part widening is a common sign of hair thinning, especially in women. It occurs when the hair along the part line becomes less dense, making the scalp more visible. This can be due to diffuse thinning, miniaturization, or both. Part widening is often one of the first noticeable changes in conditions like androgenetic alopecia.
While part widening can be a sign of hair loss, it does not always indicate permanent damage. Temporary conditions like telogen effluvium can also cause this appearance. Monitoring changes in your part over time can help you and your healthcare provider assess the progression and underlying cause.
Shedding vs Miniaturization: Why It Matters
Shedding and miniaturization are two distinct processes that can both lead to visible hair loss. Shedding involves the loss of whole hairs from the scalp, often with a white bulb at the root. This is typical in telogen effluvium and is usually reversible once the trigger is removed.
Miniaturization, on the other hand, refers to the gradual shrinking of hair follicles, resulting in finer, shorter, and less pigmented hairs. This process is a hallmark of androgenetic alopecia and leads to progressive thinning rather than sudden shedding. Understanding the difference is important because treatments and outcomes vary.
Differential Diagnosis: Ruling Out Other Conditions
Hair shedding and thinning can be symptoms of various underlying conditions. A differential diagnosis is essential to determine the exact cause. Telogen effluvium is characterized by rapid, diffuse shedding, while androgenetic alopecia presents with gradual thinning and miniaturization. Other causes include alopecia areata, scalp infections, thyroid disorders, and nutritional deficiencies.
A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider may include a physical exam, review of medical history, blood tests, and sometimes a scalp biopsy. Accurate diagnosis ensures that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific type of hair loss.
Hair Shedding and Thinning FAQs
What Is Normal Hair Fall?
Normal hair fall refers to the daily shedding of up to 100 hairs as part of the natural hair growth cycle. This process allows new hairs to grow and replace those that are shed. Occasional increases in shedding can occur due to stress, illness, or seasonal changes, but the hair typically regrows.
Can Daily Shedding Mean Thinning?
Daily shedding is normal, but if you notice a significant increase in the amount of hair lost or a reduction in overall density, it may indicate an underlying issue such as telogen effluvium or another form of hair loss. Persistent or excessive shedding should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Does Part Widening Always Mean Hair Loss?
Part widening can be a sign of hair thinning, but it does not always mean permanent hair loss. Temporary conditions like telogen effluvium can cause part widening that may resolve over time. Monitoring changes and seeking medical advice can help determine the cause.
Can Stress Cause Hair Thinning?
Yes, significant physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, leading to increased hair shedding and temporary thinning. Once the stressor is resolved, hair often regrows, but chronic stress may prolong the shedding phase.
How Long Does Telogen Effluvium Last?
Acute telogen effluvium typically lasts fewer than six months and resolves in 95 percent of cases. Chronic telogen effluvium lasts longer than six months and may not have a clear cause. Most people experience improvement once the underlying trigger is addressed.
Can Hair Thickening Treatments Help Me?
Some treatments and products may help improve the appearance of thinning hair or support regrowth, depending on the underlying cause. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine which options are appropriate for your specific situation.
Should I Change My Hair Products?
Most hair products do not cause shedding or thinning, but harsh chemicals or frequent styling may contribute to hair breakage. If you suspect a product is irritating your scalp or worsening hair loss, consider switching to gentle, dermatologist-recommended options.
Fact Checked
Updated: December 30, 2025
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Reviewed by
Steven P., FAAD
Board-certified dermatologist
Updated on
Reviewed for accuracy
