Have you noticed more hair than usual on your pillow or in your shower drain lately and wondered if you’re experiencing normal hair shedding or true hair loss? Understanding the difference between these two conditions can significantly impact your hair health and peace of mind.
At Peach Dermatology, our dermatology experts, led by Dr. Waqas R. Shaikh, specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of hair loss and shedding. Whether you're dealing with excessive hair shedding or ongoing thinning, we provide personalized, evidence-based solutions tailored to your unique needs. We proudly serve patients throughout Suwanee, Duluth, Sugar Hill, Buford, and Johns Creek, offering trusted care that helps restore both your hair and confidence. To discuss your concerns and explore effective treatment options, call us today at 770-676-2200.
Here’s how you can distinguish between hair shedding and true hair loss, plus insights into when to seek professional care.
Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss: Understanding the Basics
Noticing hair in your brush or on your pillow can be unsettling, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, where old strands naturally fall out to make room for new ones.
In contrast, hair loss occurs when this cycle is disrupted, often due to an underlying condition, and can result in slower regrowth or permanent follicle damage.
- Hair shedding is typically temporary and not visually noticeable.
- Hair loss (alopecia) can cause visible thinning, bald spots, or patchy areas and may require medical attention.
What’s Considered Normal Hair Shedding?
The average scalp contains roughly 100,000 hair follicles, and it’s normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural renewal process. This shedding phase, called telogen effluvium, is common after stress, illness, or life changes, and usually resolves on its own.
However, if you start noticing excessive hair shedding, like noticeable thinning, more hair than usual on your brush, or strands falling out in clumps, it may indicate something more than routine shedding. In such cases, a professional evaluation can help identify whether you’re experiencing temporary telogen effluvium or a more persistent form of hair loss.
Long-term vs. Temporary Causes of Hair Loss and Shedding
Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent conditions helps manage your expectations and determine if professional help is necessary.
Temporary Causes: Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is one of the most common hair shedding causes. It results in excessive hair shedding triggered by significant stressors, including:
- Severe emotional stress
- Major illness or surgery
- Hormonal shifts (pregnancy or menopause)
- Significant dietary changes or nutrient deficiencies
Typically, telogen effluvium resolves naturally within a few months once the triggering factor is removed or treated.
Long-term Causes: Chronic Hair Loss
Long-term hair loss is often due to conditions that require ongoing medical treatment. These include:
- Androgenetic alopecia: Genetic hair thinning affecting both men and women.
- Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss.
- Scarring alopecia: Permanent hair follicle damage from certain scalp conditions.
Signs of Underlying Conditions Causing Hair Concerns
Sometimes, hair falling out is more than a cosmetic issue—it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires attention. If your hair loss is sudden, accompanied by other symptoms, or doesn’t respond to routine care, it’s important to look deeper. Watch for these red flags:
1. Sudden or Patchy Hair Loss
Rapid hair loss that appears in circular or irregular patches may indicate alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. This type of hair loss often requires diagnosis and treatment by a specialist.
2. Hair Loss with Scalp Symptoms
If your hair loss is accompanied by scalp changes such as redness, flaking, itching, or discomfort, it may point to a scalp infection or inflammatory condition like scarring alopecia or tinea capitis (ringworm). Left untreated, these issues can lead to permanent follicle damage.
3. Hair Loss with Other Health Changes
Experiencing hair thinning along with fatigue, weight fluctuations, or menstrual irregularities may suggest a systemic condition like thyroid dysfunction or a hormonal imbalance. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored and often warrant further medical evaluation.
If you're noticing any of these signs, it’s a good time to consult a dermatologist. At Peach Dermatology, our team can help determine the root cause of your hair loss and guide you toward the most appropriate care.
When Should You See a Professional?
Distinguishing between typical hair shedding and true hair loss is important, but knowing when to consult a professional makes all the difference. If you're noticing ongoing changes to your hair that don't resolve on their own, it's time to seek expert evaluation.
Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if:
- You’re experiencing excessive hair shedding that goes beyond the typical 50 to 100 hairs per day.
- There are signs of noticeable thinning, bald patches, or a widening part in your hair.
- Scalp discomfort, including itching, redness, or flaking, occurs alongside hair loss.
- You've made lifestyle changes at home, but see no improvement in your hair’s condition.
- Hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or hormonal irregularities.
At Peach Dermatology, we take these concerns seriously. Prompt evaluation and early treatment can help prevent further hair loss and support healthy regrowth through personalized, evidence-based care.
Why Choose Peach Dermatology?
At Peach Dermatology, we understand that hair concerns can profoundly impact your self-esteem and quality of life. Under the expert leadership of Dr. Shaikh, our team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to restore your hair’s health.
When you choose Peach Dermatology, you receive:
- Expert evaluation and accurate diagnosis of hair loss or shedding causes.
- Customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, including topical medications, oral therapies, and lifestyle recommendations.
- Professional guidance on managing stress, nutritional support, and proper hair care routines.
- A supportive environment focused on your overall dermatologic wellness.
Our goal is simple: To help you regain healthy hair and restore confidence in your appearance.
Get Expert Answers About Your Hair at Peach Dermatology
Whether you're seeing more strands fall out than usual or noticing a change in your hair’s thickness, understanding the difference between shedding and true loss is the first step toward effective care. At Peach Dermatology, we help identify the root cause and provide treatment options that support healthy hair growth.
Schedule your consultation today at Peach Dermatology and let Dr. Shaikh and our expert team help you regain clarity and confidence in your hair health.
