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In This Article

Hair sheddingis an essential part of thehair growthcycle.

Still, seeing a wad of strands in your brush or a handfulblocking your shower draincan cause concern.

Meet the Experts

What Is Hair Shedding?

woman combing her blonde hair

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Hair shedding is a regular occurrence of hair shedding out, and it’s completely normal.

This process between exogen and anagen can take two to five months.

What Is Hair Loss?

“The hair follicle is no longer active with hair loss,” says Yates.

“When new hair stops coming in, you know there is hair loss.”

Constantine notes that factors such as cancer, radiotherapy, and severe diets can accelerate the loss.

As for what causes it?

It all depends, says Constantine.

Hair Shedding vs. Certain life events and seasonal factors may increase the chances of hair shedding, marking it temporarily excessive.

Yates explains that hormonal changes, especially in women, play a huge role in excessive shedding.

As for shedding, it’s normal.

Even excessive shedding can be temporary.

Hoover E, Alhajj M, Flores JL.

StatPearls Publishing; 2023.

Branch NSC and O.Alopecia areata.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.