You’re brushing your hair, and suddenly…PANIC! A clump of strands is staring back at you. Is your hair falling out, or is it just breaking? And more importantly, what can you do to stop it?
Before you start asking Dr. Google “Am I going bald?” (we’ve all been there), let’s break it down. Shedding and breakage are NOT the same, and knowing the difference is the first step to healthier, stronger hair.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Hair Shedding vs. Hair Breakage: What’s the Difference?
Your hair naturally falls out every single day, yes, even when you’re having a “good hair day”. But how do you know if what you’re seeing is normal or a sign of damage?
Hair Shedding: A Natural Part of Growth
Hair shedding happens when your hair completes its natural life cycle and falls out from the root. It’s totally normal, and new hair will grow in its place.
How to Spot It:
✔ The hair strand has a white bulb at the root.
✔ The strand is long and whole, not snapped or split.
✔ Happens more in seasonal cycles (hello, fall shedding!).
How Much Shedding is Normal?
Losing 50-100 strands per day (sounds a lot but it’s totally normal, bestie).
If you see a little more when washing your hair, don’t freak out, that’s normal too.
But if handfuls of hair are falling out, you might want to check for stress, hormonal changes, or diet deficiencies.
Hair Breakage: A Sign of Damage
Hair breakage is different—it happens when your strands snap before they naturally shed, meaning your hair is weakened. Unlike shedding, these hairs aren’t falling from the root.
How to Spot It:
✔ The strands are short, uneven, or frayed at the ends.
✔ No white bulb at the root.
✔ Often paired with split ends, dryness, and rough texture.
Why Does Hair Break?
Overuse of heat styling (flat irons, curling wands, blow dryers).
Chemical damage (bleach, dyes, relaxers).
Lack of moisture (dry hair = weak hair).
Tight hairstyles (ponytails and braids pulling too hard).
Rough brushing or towel-drying (yanking on wet hair = instant breakage).
If your hair feels weaker, thinner, or snaps easily, breakage is likely the culprit. But don’t worry—there’s a fix!
How to Reduce Hair Shedding
If you’re experiencing more shedding than usual, try these tips to get things back on track:
✔ Eat hair-loving foods – Protein, iron, and biotin are key for strong hair. Load up on eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and fish. ✔ De-stress – Stress can push more hairs into the shedding phase (thanks, life!). Try meditation, pilates, or just some good old-fashioned self-care. ✔ Check your hormones – Postpartum shedding? Thyroid issues? Hormones play a huge role in hair health. If excessive shedding continues, talk to a doctor. ✔ Be gentle on your scalp – A healthy scalp = healthy hair. Massage with nourishing oils like rosemary or jasmine oil to encourage regrowth and stronger hair.
How to Prevent Hair Breakage
Breakage is preventable with the right care routine!
✔ Deep condition weekly – Moisture is your best friend. Try a hydrating damage repair hair cream that is rich in coconut for a deep root enrichment. ✔ Use heat protectant – If you’re using hot tools, always apply a heat protectant first. Your hair will thank you. ✔ Use hair serum – Use a Procapil-infused hair serum to strengthen strands and keep them looking full and healthy.
✔ Go easy on ponytails – Tight hairstyles pull on strands and weaken them over time. Give your hair a break with looser styles.
✔ Get regular trims – Split ends = breakage. A trim every 6-8 weeks keeps hair strong and healthy. ✔ Use a silk pillowcase – Cotton pillowcases can tug on your hair while you sleep, causing more breakage. Silk is way gentler!
Instead of listening to your heart, listen to your hair, girl!
Your hair is always giving you clues about what it needs, you just have to listen. Shedding is normal, but excessive hair fall might mean something deeper is going on. Breakage, on the other hand, is a sign of damage, and the good news is, you can stop it with the right care!
