Hair Shedding vs Hair Thinning: What’s the Difference?

Have you noticed more hair than usual in your brush, shower or on your pillow?

Or perhaps your ponytail feels smaller, your part looks wider or you can see more of your scalp than you used to?

You may simply think, “I’m losing my hair.”

But there is an important distinction between hair shedding and hair thinning — and understanding the difference is the first step towards working out what may be happening.

At Crown Thairapy Co., we’re passionate about helping our clients understand their scalp and hair rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

What is hair shedding?

Hair shedding refers to an increase in the amount of hair that is falling out.

It’s completely normal to shed hair every day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, some people experience a period where noticeably more hair is coming out than usual.

You may notice:

• More hair in the shower

• Increased hair in your hairbrush

• Hair collecting on your pillow or clothing

• More strands coming out when you run your fingers through your hair

• A sudden increase in hair fall when washing

Increased shedding can sometimes occur after a significant physical or emotional event.

Potential triggers can include illness, significant stress, hormonal changes, pregnancy, rapid weight loss and other changes within the body.

One common type of temporary excessive shedding is called telogen effluvium.

The important thing to remember is that increased shedding is a symptom — it doesn’t automatically tell us what the underlying cause is.

What is hair thinning?

Hair thinning is different.

Rather than simply noticing more hair coming out, you may notice that your overall hair density is decreasing.

Signs can include:

• A widening part

• More visible scalp

• A smaller or less full ponytail

• Individual hairs becoming finer

• Reduced density around the crown

• Gradual thinning around the hairline

• Hair that feels less dense than it used to

Hair thinning can develop gradually, which means it can sometimes be difficult to notice at first.

Some people don’t realise their hair has become thinner until they compare photographs from several years ago.

Can you have both shedding and thinning?

Yes.

This is where hair loss can become confusing.

Someone can experience increased shedding while also having an underlying reduction in hair density.

For example, a person may notice a sudden increase in hair fall but also have gradually thinning hair around their crown or part.

That’s why simply counting the hairs that come out in the shower doesn’t always tell the whole story.

Why does the difference matter?

Because hair loss isn’t one single condition.

There are many different reasons someone may experience shedding or thinning, and the appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause.

Some types of hair loss can be temporary, while others are progressive and may require ongoing management.

There are also situations where hair loss should be assessed by a medical professional.

For example, sudden clearly defined bald patches, significant scalp inflammation, pain, crusting, or smooth/shiny areas where normal follicle openings appear absent should not simply be treated as ordinary hair thinning.

A simple way to think about it

Ask yourself:

“Am I losing more hair, or do I have less hair?”

More hair coming out?

→ You may be experiencing shedding.

Less density, finer hair or more visible scalp?

→ You may be experiencing thinning.

Both?

→ It’s worth looking more closely at what’s happening.

What should you do if you’re concerned about hair loss?

The first step is not necessarily to reach for a hair-growth product.

It’s to understand what is happening and why.

At Crown Thairapy Co., we believe scalp care starts with education. During a consultation, we can discuss what you’re noticing, look at the condition of your scalp and hair, and help determine whether a salon-based scalp treatment may be appropriate or whether you should seek further medical assessment.

It’s important to remember that a salon consultation cannot diagnose a medical hair-loss condition. If your hair loss is sudden, severe, patchy, painful, associated with scalp inflammation, or otherwise concerning, speak with your GP or a dermatologist.

What about hair-growth treatments?

This is where things get interesting.

Not every hair-growth treatment is suitable for every type of hair loss.

Some professional treatments are designed to support the scalp environment and existing hair follicles, while other types of hair loss require investigation and treatment of an underlying medical or hormonal cause.

At Crown Thairapy Co., we’re continuing to expand our approach to scalp health, hair thinning and hair growth support, with education always coming first.

We’re excited to share more about some of the professional options we’re introducing to Crown very soon.

Because healthy hair starts at the scalp. 🤎

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m shedding or thinning?

If you’re mainly noticing more hair coming out during washing or brushing, you may be experiencing increased shedding. If you’re noticing a wider part, smaller ponytail, finer strands or more visible scalp, you may be experiencing thinning. It is possible to experience both.

Is hair shedding normal?

Some daily hair shedding is completely normal. A noticeable or persistent increase in shedding can have many causes and may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Can stress cause hair shedding?

Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can be associated with increased hair shedding. However, persistent or unexplained hair loss should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to stress.

Can thinning hair grow back?

That depends on the underlying cause. Some forms of hair loss can improve when the trigger is addressed, while others require longer-term management.

Should I see a doctor about hair loss?

If your hair loss is sudden, severe, patchy, painful, associated with scalp inflammation, or continuing without an obvious explanation, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP or a dermatologist.

Crown Thairapy Co. | Scalp Care & Healthy Hair | Adelaide

We believe understanding your scalp is the first step towards healthier hair.