Why Is My Hair Shedding So Much? Understanding Normal vs Excessive Hair Shedding
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Noticing more hair in your brush, shower drain, pillow, or around the house can feel worrying, especially when it seems to happen suddenly. Hair shedding can be completely normal, but when the amount increases or continues for several weeks, it may be a sign that something has disrupted the hair growth cycle.
Understanding the difference between normal shedding and excessive shedding is the first step toward knowing when to seek support.
Why Is My Hair Shedding So Much?
It is normal to shed around 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. Each hair follicle moves through phases of growth, transition, resting, and shedding. Because every follicle is on its own timeline, a small amount of daily shedding is expected.
Excessive shedding occurs when more hairs than usual enter the resting and shedding phase at the same time. This is often referred to as telogen effluvium, a common form of diffuse hair shedding that can happen after a physical or emotional trigger.
You may notice:
More hair coming out when washing or brushing
Hair collecting on your pillow, clothing, or bathroom floor
A thinner ponytail or reduced overall volume
Shedding that feels sudden, widespread, or persistent
Why the cause is not always obvious
Hair shedding is rarely caused by one simple factor. Often, several small changes overlap: a stressful period, reduced food intake, illness, hormonal changes, poor sleep, or a medication change. Because the shedding can begin weeks or months after the trigger, many people feel as though it has appeared "out of nowhere."
Another reason the cause may not be obvious is that shedding can sometimes uncover another underlying hair concern, such as pattern hair loss, scalp inflammation, nutritional deficiency, thyroid imbalance, or another medical factor. The visible symptom may be shedding, but the underlying reason can vary from person to person.
This is why self-diagnosis is not recommended. As a certified trichologist my job is to get to the root of the problem, and to take the guesswork out of it so we get a solid treatment plan going forward for the best possible outcome.
When to book a consultation
Consider booking a trichology consultation if:
Your shedding has continued for more than a few weeks
The amount of hair loss feels more than normal for you
Your ponytail or overall density feels noticeably reduced
You have recently experienced stress, illness, weight loss, diet changes, or medication changes
You are unsure what may be triggering the shedding
You also have scalp symptoms such as itching, flaking, burning, soreness, or redness
You are worried about thinning, widening part lines, or visible scalp
NB: Seeking early treatment will yield better results.
A trichology consultation can help assess your hair and scalp, review possible contributing factors, and guide you toward appropriate next steps.
Final thoughts
Hair shedding can be distressing, but it is also a sign that your body may be responding to something internal or external. The key is to look at the pattern, timing, duration, and possible triggers rather than guessing from the shedding alone.
If your shedding has continued or you are unsure what is causing it, a trichology consultation can help assess possible contributing factors.
To book a consultation with Carmen Du Preez Trichology in Perth, visit: www.carmendupreeztrichology.com
About the author
Written by: Carmen Du Preez, IAT Certified Trichologist.
Carmen Du Preez is a Perth-based Certified Trichologist and member of the International Association of Trichologists. She provides trichology consultations for hair loss, hair shedding, thinning hair, and scalp conditions at Carmen Du Preez Trichology in Trinity Arcade, Perth.
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Last updated: 2 June 2026
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