Understanding Hair Shedding: When It's Normal & When It's Not

One of the most common concerns I hear from clients at Maya Weston Company Salon is:
"Why is my hair shedding so much? Is this normal, or should I be worried?"

Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair cycle, but not all shedding is the same. Knowing the difference between normal shedding and excessive hair loss can help you take the right steps to keep your hair healthy and thriving.

The 3 Phases of Hair Growth & Shedding

Every strand of hair on your head follows a natural cycle of growth, rest, and shedding before the process starts again. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase)

• This is the stage when your hair is actively growing from the follicle.
• It can last 2-7 years, depending on genetics, health, and lifestyle.
• 85-90% of your hair is in this phase at any time.

2. Catagen (Transition Phase)

• This short phase signals the end of active growth.
• Hair detaches from the blood supply, preparing to shed.
• It lasts 2-3 weeks, and less than 5% of your hair is in this stage.

3. Telogen (Shedding Phase)

• The hair finally sheds and is replaced by new growth.
• This phase lasts 2-4 months and affects 10-15% of your hair at any time.
• Shedding 50-100 hairs per day is normal.

When hair follows this cycle naturally, shedding is part of a healthy renewal process. But what if you’re seeing more hair in your comb, drain, or hands than usual? That’s when it’s time to look deeper.

When Is Shedding Normal?

You might experience temporary shedding increases due to:
✅ Seasonal Changes – Many people shed more in fall and spring as part of their natural hair cycle.
✅ Postpartum Shedding – After giving birth, hormone shifts trigger increased shedding, but it’s temporary.
✅ Post-Illness Shedding – Viral infections (like COVID-19) can cause telogen effluvium, pushing more hair into the shedding phase.
✅ Stress or Diet Changes – Emotional stress, nutrient deficiencies, and crash diets can accelerate shedding.

In these cases, shedding should slow down on its own as your body and hair cycle rebalance.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If shedding lasts longer than 3-6 months or is accompanied by other changes, it could indicate an underlying issue. Pay attention if you notice:

❌ Shedding More Than 150 Hairs Daily – If your hair seems thinner over time, your cycle may not be replenishing hair as fast as it sheds.
❌ Widespread Thinning vs. Normal Shedding – Shedding all over the scalp (instead of specific areas) could mean chronic telogen effluvium from ongoing stress, diet, or health issues.
❌ Bald Spots or Patches – If you see sudden bald spots, alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition) may be the cause.
❌ Scalp Inflammation, Itching, or Pain – Shedding with irritation could indicate folliculitis, scalp infections, or autoimmune reactions.
❌ Hair Loss at the Hairline or Crown – Thinning in these areas is often linked to hormonal imbalances or traction alopecia.

How to Address Excessive Shedding

If your shedding is beyond normal, start with these steps:

✔ Assess Your Lifestyle & Health – Look for stress, diet shifts, or hormonal imbalances affecting your hair.
✔ Strengthen Your Scalp – Use Manely Natural’s gentle, nutrient-rich scalp treatments to nourish follicles and reduce shedding.
✔ Support Hair Growth from Within – Ensure you're getting iron, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3s, as deficiencies can weaken hair.
✔ Try Methylene Blue – Some of my clients (and myself) have seen less shedding and stronger hair with methylene blue, which helps reduce oxidative stress.
✔ Monitor Your Hair Over Time – If shedding persists for 6+ months, consult a professional to rule out underlying conditions.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between normal shedding and concerning hair loss gives you the power to take action before it becomes a bigger problem. By listening to your hair and scalp, making adjustments where needed, and nourishing your hair naturally, you can maintain strong, healthy strands for the long run.

Experiencing more shedding than usual?
Let’s talk about how Manely Natural can help you restore balance and keep your hair flourishing naturally.