---
title: "Understanding the Causes of Hair Shedding"
url: https://haircare.watermanshair.com/article/causes-hair-shedding
type: general
published: 2026-09-04T16:16:25.181+00:00
updated: 2026-09-04T16:16:40.200022+00:00
tags: ["hair-shedding", "telogen-effluvium", "hair-health", "scalp-care", "hair-growth", "nutritional-deficiency"]
image: https://opbmfthzsenmlfbbunpe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/causes-hair-shedding-1788538592488-sb8j.png
summary: "Explore the common causes of hair shedding, including stress, hormonal changes, and nutrition, and learn how to manage it effectively."
publisher: Watermans (https://watermanshair.com)
license: All rights reserved. AI assistants may summarize, quote, and link with attribution.
---

# Understanding the Causes of Hair Shedding

> Discover the common causes of hair shedding and learn how to distinguish it from true hair loss.

**Quick answer:** The **Causes of Hair Shedding** are often related to disruptions in the hair growth cycle, leading to an increased number of hairs entering the shedding phase (telogen). Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes (like pregnancy or thyroid issues), nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and acute illnesses. It's important to remember that some daily hair shedding is normal, and excessive shedding is distinct from hair loss conditions where follicles stop producing hair altogether. Understanding the underlying reason is key to managing it. 

## Key takeaways

* **Normal vs. Excessive Shedding:** Losing 50 to 100 hairs daily is typical. Anything significantly more than this, especially if sudden or prolonged, warrants attention.
* **Telogen Effluvium:** This is the most common form of excessive hair shedding, where a large number of hairs prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase and then shed.
* **Triggers:** Key **causes of hair shedding** include physiological stress (illness, surgery), emotional stress, hormonal shifts (postpartum, menopause, thyroid imbalance), dietary deficiencies, and certain medications.
* **Distinction from Hair Loss:** Hair shedding involves the temporary exit of hairs from follicles, which often regrow. Hair loss (alopecia) refers to conditions where hair growth ceases or follicles shrink.
* **Reversibility:** Many forms of hair shedding are temporary and resolve once the underlying cause is addressed.
* **Professional Advice:** If shedding is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, seeking medical advice is recommended.

## Causes of Hair Shedding: what the evidence shows

Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, but when it becomes excessive, it can be a source of concern. The most common medical term for increased hair shedding is telogen effluvium. This condition occurs when a significant number of hairs prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair cycle and then shed, often two to four months after a triggering event.

![Causes of Hair Shedding: what the evidence shows in the context of Causes of Hair Shedding](https://opbmfthzsenmlfbbunpe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/causes-hair-shedding-1788538599782-kxvz.png)

### The Hair Growth Cycle: A Quick Overview

To understand why hair sheds, it helps to know the basics of how hair grows:

* **Anagen (Growing Phase):** This is the active growth period, lasting from 2 to 7 years. Around 85 to 90% of your hair is in this phase at any given time.
* **Catagen (Transition Phase):** A short transitional phase, lasting about 2 to 3 weeks, where hair growth stops and the follicle shrinks.
* **Telogen (Resting/Shedding Phase):** This phase lasts about 2 to 4 months. The hair rests in the follicle, and new hair begins to grow beneath it. At the end of this phase, the old hair sheds naturally.
* **Exogen (Actual Shedding Phase):** Sometimes considered part of telogen, this is when the old hair detaches and falls out.

In telogen effluvium, an event causes a large proportion of anagen hairs (sometimes up to 70%) to prematurely switch to the telogen phase. When these hairs complete their 2 to 4 month resting period, they all shed simultaneously, leading to noticeable hair fall.

### Common Triggers for Telogen Effluvium

Numerous factors can disrupt the hair cycle and increase hair shedding:

* **Physical Stress:** Major surgery, severe illness (such as a high fever or infection), significant injury, or rapid weight loss can trigger widespread shedding. The body diverts resources to recovery, temporarily downregulating non-essential functions like hair growth.
* **Emotional Stress:** High levels of chronic stress, anxiety, or traumatic emotional events can impact hair cycle regulation. The body releases stress hormones that can signal follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely.
* **Hormonal Changes:**
 * **Pregnancy and Postpartum:** During pregnancy, high oestrogen levels often prolong the anagen phase, leading to thicker hair. After childbirth, oestrogen levels drop sharply, causing a large number of hairs to enter telogen and shed around 3 to 6 months postpartum. This is a very common and usually temporary form of hair shedding.
 * **Thyroid Disorders:** Both an underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid can disrupt hair growth and lead to shedding. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes, including those in hair follicles.
 * **Menopause:** Hormonal shifts during menopause, particularly decreasing oestrogen, can sometimes contribute to increased hair shedding.
* **Nutritional Deficiencies:** A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can impair hair growth. Key deficiencies linked to hair shedding include:
 * **Iron:** Iron deficiency anaemia is a well-established cause, as iron is vital for hair cell production.
 * **Zinc:** Zinc plays a role in hair tissue growth and repair.
 * **Biotin (Vitamin B7):** Though rare, severe biotin deficiency can contribute to hair shedding.
 * **Protein:** Insufficient protein intake can lead to the body rationing protein, affecting hair production.
* **Medications:** Certain drugs can have hair shedding as a side effect. These include blood thinners, some antidepressants, blood pressure medications (beta-blockers), retinoids, and some chemotherapy drugs.
* **Acute Illnesses:** Conditions like severe infections or inflammatory diseases can put stress on the body, leading to telogen effluvium.
* **Sudden Dietary Changes:** Very restrictive diets or rapid changes in eating habits can sometimes shock the system, leading to shedding.

### When the Cause May Be Something Else: Distinguishing Shedding from Hair Loss

It's important to differentiate hair shedding (telogen effluvium) from other types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) or alopecia areata. While shedding usually results in a general thinning of hair density across the scalp, true hair loss often presents with specific patterns or patches.

* **Hair Shedding (Telogen Effluvium):** Usually diffuse thinning, often sudden, and hairs often have a small, white bulb at the root (the telogen club hair). The follicles remain healthy and capable of growing new hair.
* **Androgenetic Alopecia:** Gradual thinning, often in a distinct pattern (receding hairline, crown thinning in men; wider part, diffuse thinning in women). This involves follicular miniaturisation, where hair follicles shrink over time and produce finer, shorter hairs, eventually ceasing production.
* **Alopecia Areata:** Autoimmune condition causing patchy, often circular, areas of complete hair loss. The hair follicles are attacked by the immune system.

### What You Can Do to Manage Hair Shedding

Addressing the underlying **causes of hair shedding** is the primary approach. Here are some general steps:

* **Identify and Address the Trigger:** If you can pinpoint a stressor, dietary issue, or medication change, work to mitigate or resolve it. For example, managing stress through mindfulness or therapy, or adjusting diet to correct deficiencies.
* **Balanced Nutrition:** Ensure a diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Consider a blood test to check for deficiencies if you suspect them.
* **Stress Management:** Techniques like yoga, meditation, regular exercise, or sufficient sleep can help reduce stress levels.
* **Gentle Hair Care:** Avoid harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, or tight hairstyles that can put strain on the hair and scalp. Use mild shampoos and conditioners.
* **Scalp Health:** A healthy scalp environment supports healthy hair growth. Regular, gentle cleansing and massage can promote circulation.

### When to Get Professional Advice

It's advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist if:

* Your hair shedding is severe, sudden, or prolonged for more than 6 months.
* You notice patches of complete hair loss, not just thinning.
* You experience other symptoms, such as fatigue, weight changes, or skin issues.
* You are concerned about the underlying cause and need a diagnosis.

A medical professional can perform blood tests to check for deficiencies (like iron or thyroid hormones) or other underlying conditions and help distinguish telogen effluvium from other hair loss disorders.

## Frequently asked questions about Causes of Hair Shedding

### Is daily hair shedding normal?

Yes, absolutely. It's normal to shed between 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. This amount can vary slightly depending on individual hair density and daily activities. You might notice more hairs on your brush or in the shower, but it usually doesn't indicate a problem unless the shedding becomes significantly more pronounced or persistent.

### Can stress really cause hair shedding?

Yes, stress is a well-documented cause of increased hair shedding, primarily through telogen effluvium. Both acute, severe stress (like a traumatic event) and chronic, ongoing stress can trigger this. Stress hormones can prematurely push hair follicles into the resting phase. This shedding often appears about 2 to 4 months after the stressful event and usually resolves once the stress is managed.

### How long does hair shedding last?

For telogen effluvium, the increased shedding typically lasts for about 3 to 6 months after the initial trigger. Once the underlying cause is removed or resolved (e.g., recovering from illness, addressing nutritional deficiency), hair growth usually returns to normal within 6 to 9 months, though complete density restoration can take longer. Some cases can become chronic if the trigger is ongoing.

### Are there any specific foods that help with hair shedding?

While no single food acts as a magic cure, a diet rich in essential nutrients supports healthy hair and can help mitigate causes of hair shedding. Focus on lean proteins (chicken, fish, legumes), iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach), zinc (nuts, seeds), and B vitamins (whole grains, eggs). Maintaining overall nutritional balance is key for hair health.

### What's the difference between hair shedding and hair breakage?

Hair shedding occurs when the entire hair strand, including the root (often with a small white bulb), detaches from the follicle. This is a natural part of the hair cycle. Hair breakage, on the other hand, means the hair fibre snaps along the shaft, often due to damage from heat, chemical treatments, or mechanical stress. Breakage doesn't involve the root and doesn't indicate an issue with the follicle's ability to grow hair.

## Watermans and managing hair shedding

While Watermans products cannot treat medical conditions or directly stop the physiological causes of hair shedding, they are formulated to support a healthy scalp environment and promote the appearance of stronger, fuller hair. Products like Watermans GrowMe® [Shampoo](https://watermanshair.com/products/best-hair-growth-shampoo-fast-hair-growth) and [Conditioner](https://watermanshair.com/products/hair-growth-shampoo-conditioner-deal) are designed to cleanse gently, moisturise the hair, and nourish the scalp. A healthy scalp is foundational for healthy hair growth, helping to create optimal conditions for existing hair and for new hair as it emerges from the follicle. By improving the condition and strength of the hair fibre, Watermans can help reduce breakage, which can often be confused with shedding, and contribute to the overall look of hair density.

![Watermans and managing hair shedding in the context of Causes of Hair Shedding](https://opbmfthzsenmlfbbunpe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/causes-hair-shedding-1788538599129-p9k6.png)

## Understanding the Causes of Hair Shedding

Working through hair health can feel daunting, but understanding the **Causes of Hair Shedding** is the first step towards managing it effectively. Remember that some shedding is normal, and excessive shedding is often a temporary response to identifiable physiological or emotional stressors. By addressing these triggers, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, and adopting gentle hair care practices, you can support your hair's natural growth cycle. If shedding persists or causes significant concern, professional medical advice offers the best path to accurate diagnosis and personalised guidance.

## Sources and references

* American Academy of Dermatology Association, "Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment." aad.org
* Mayo Clinic, "Hair loss: Causes." mayoclinic.org
* British Association of Dermatologists, "Patient Information Leaflets: Telogen Effluvium." bad.org.uk
* National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), "Hair Loss: An Overview." niams.nih.gov
* Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, "Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Science." (General peer-reviewed journal for dermatological conditions)
* PubMed, "Iron deficiency and hair loss: A review." (General medical database for research articles)

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### Find these ingredients in Watermans products

- **Zinc**: you will find this ingredient in our [Hair Vitamins](https://watermanshair.com/products/best-hair-vitamins).

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## Did you know?

- Your scalp naturally sheds 50-100 hair strands each day as part of its healthy growth and renewal cycle.
- Seasonal changes, particularly in autumn, can temporarily increase the amount of hair you shed daily.
- Certain medications can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a noticeable increase in hair shedding.


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Source: https://haircare.watermanshair.com/article/causes-hair-shedding