The normal daily loss of resting-phase hairs — about 50-100 a day. Shedding becomes a concern only when it is sustained and heavy (telogen effluvium) or accompanied by visible thinning. It describes hair falling from the root, distinct from breakage of the hair shaft.
Related terms
Try the free self-check →Sources: AAD ↗
Explore more
Self-check →Treatments →Transplant →Women →New →Hair Loss Causes →Hair-Loss Glossary →Hair-Loss Questions & Answers →Hair-Loss Ingredient Evidence Ratings →Hair Transplant Cost by City →
Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child