Shedding
Hair shedding is the normal daily loss of hairs that have ended their cycle. Learn how much is normal, how it differs from hair loss, and when to seek help.
Supriya Bhandary
Founder, Soumm · 4 September 2026 · Updated 14 October 2026
What is hair shedding?
Shedding is the normal release of hairs that have reached the end of their growth cycle. Most people shed around 50 to 100 hairs a day, and each shed hair is usually replaced by a new one growing from the same follicle. (American Academy of Dermatology)
Shedding or hair loss?
Excessive shedding, called telogen effluvium, happens when more hairs than usual enter the resting phase at once, often after illness, childbirth, surgery or severe stress.
Hair loss is different: hair stops growing back, or grows back thinner, as in pattern hair loss or alopecia areata. (American Academy of Dermatology)
Seasonal shedding
Shedding can also vary through the year. One study of healthy women found shedding peaked in late summer and autumn. (Kunz et al., 2009)
When to see a dermatologist
Seek advice for sudden heavy shedding, patches of hair loss, a widening parting, or shedding that lasts longer than about six months.
See also: Hair Cycle, Telogen Effluvium, Alopecia.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology. Do you have hair loss or hair shedding?
Kunz M, Seifert B, Trüeb RM. Seasonality of hair shedding in healthy women complaining of hair loss. Dermatology. 2009;219(2):105–10.
Questions
Shedding about 50 to 100 hairs a day is considered normal.
Shedding means hairs fall out and are replaced. Hair loss means hair is not growing back as it should.
Common triggers include illness with fever, childbirth, major surgery, significant stress, crash dieting and changes in some medicines, usually two to three months earlier.