Hair loss and shedding are two common hair concerns that people often confuse with one another. And while both of these conditions involve hair falling out from the scalp, they are not the same thing! Continue reading to learn the difference between the two, how to decipher them, and whether or not your hair fall is cause for concern.

Hair Shedding:

Hair shedding is a natural process that occurs when old hair falls out and is replaced by new hair. On average, people shed about 50-100 hairs per day, which is completely normal. This happens because hair has a life cycle, and each hair goes through three phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. During the telogen phase, the hair stops growing and eventually falls out. This is when shedding occurs.

Factors that can increase hair shedding include hormonal changes, stress, illness, poor nutrition, and certain medications. Hair shedding is usually not a cause for concern unless it is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms such as thinning hair or bald patches.

Hair Loss:

Hair loss, on the other hand, is a condition where hair falls out and does not grow back. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and certain medications. Hair loss can occur gradually over time or suddenly, and it can affect both men and women.

Types of hair loss include androgenetic alopecia, which is a genetic condition that causes hair to thin and eventually fall out; alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out in patches; and telogen effluvium, which is a condition where hair shedding becomes excessive due to stress or other factors.

While some hair loss can be temporary and reversible, other types may require medical treatment or lifestyle changes to prevent further hair loss.

How to Tell the Difference:

It can be difficult to tell the difference between normal hair shedding and hair loss. One way to distinguish between the two is to look at the pattern of hair loss. Normal shedding will typically result in hair falling out evenly across the scalp, while hair loss may occur in specific areas or patterns.

Another way to tell the difference is to look at the hair follicles. When hair sheds normally, the hair follicles will have a white bulb at the end. Hair loss, on the other hand, may result in hair falling out without the white bulb, which indicates that the hair has been broken off rather than fallen out naturally.

In conclusion, hair shedding and hair loss are two different hair concerns that require different approaches. At Calia Natural, we encourage our customers to pay attention to their hair and scalp health and seek medical advice if they notice excessive hair shedding or hair loss. By understanding the difference between the two, you can take steps to maintain healthy, beautiful hair!