One of the most common misconceptions when it comes to our hair is that hair loss and shedding are the same thing — they’re not. They’re actually very different. I’m gonna break down the two for you and I’ll give you some recommendations if you’re struggling with true hair loss!

HAIR SHEDDING

Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair follicle cycle. There are 3 phases in the follicle cycle:

Anagen Phase
When the hair follicle starts growing from the follicle root.
Catagen Phase
Hair gets detached and goes into predetermined regression.
Telogen Phase
This phase is defined as the hair shaft separating from the follicle (shedding) which remains dormant for 4-6 months. Following this time period the follicle cycles back into the growth phase (anagen phase).

Hair products that clog follicles and cause build-up can interrupt the shedding phase or will just keep hair that has shed stuck to your head under the built-up waxes and silicones. The average person sheds about 100-200 strands per day. Those hairs sometimes get intertwined with the other hair on your head. When you brush your hair you’re helping to get rid of them and when you shower you’re also helping to get rid of any hair on your head that’s been shed — this is why you see more hair clumps when you brush or wash it.

The bottom line? Hair shedding is normal and healthy, you should be concerned if you’re not shedding.

HAIR LOSS

Hair loss occurs when the follicle’s anagen phase starts to shorten leading to thinner strands of hair. There is also a delay in the growth of new hair to replace the strands that have been shed.

The most common factors of hair loss are:

reaction to certain medications
giving birth
hereditary factors
illness (ahem… COVID)
stress
physical or emotional trauma

One thing to remember about hair loss is that it’s not always instant. Typically, you’ll see loss around 90 days after the factor that’s caused it. If you’re experiencing hair loss today and it doesn’t seem to be adding up with your current events, think back to 3 months ago. Were you sick? Did you have a baby? Was there a stressful event (and are you still stressing about it)? This all plays a huge part in our hair.

If you’re still not quite sure where you land, keep an eye on your scalp. Are there spots that are thinning? Any spots that are completely missing hair? Yes? — it’s hair loss. No? — you’re shedding.

MY TOP PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS IF YOU’RE CONCERNED WITH HAIR LOSS

INTENSE REPAIR TREATMENT

This product helps stimulate the natural regeneration of hair follicles. It’s an intense daily leave-in treatment for thinning hair that helps stimulate the scalp and boost the natural growth of thicker and fuller-looking hair while improving follicle strength. Its high intense blend of Red Clover Flower Extract, essential vitamins and active nutrients helps counteract the formation of DHT and reduce scalp inflammation — factors that may contribute to hair thinning.*

REJUVENIQE OIL

A blend of 13+ Natural Plant and Essential Oils rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and nutrients highly compatible with all skin and hair types. It helps to rejuvenate the hair and scalp while providing nourishment and anti-aging benefits.*

INTENSE REPAIR SHAMPOO

This shampoo penetrates and nurtures the scalp while helping boost natural hair growth and improve follicle strength to reduce hair thinning. I recommend this shampoo for those that are experiencing extreme hair loss.*

BLACK 2-1 SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER

This provides essential moisture balance for youthful, healthy hair and nurtures the scalp while helping boost natural growth and improve hair strength. Although this is a shampoo and conditioner, I always recommend following up with your favorite conditioner. This is the shampoo I recommend for those experiencing thinning and hair loss that hasn’t reached an extreme level yet.*

INTENSE REPAIR CONDITIONER

This is a rich conditioner that stimulates the scalp and helps boost hair growth. Infused with REJUVENIQE™ and rich with Capixyl™, it provides intense conditioning and protection for ultimate scalp health (and we know that scalp health = hair health).*

*Product information sourced from MONAT Global.

hair loss vs shedding