October 2026
It’s normal to shed hair every day: Most people lose about 50 to 100 strands daily. If you’re noticing more than that, it’s understandable to wonder why.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association identifies two main causes of this excess: hair shedding and hair loss.
Hair shedding
Losing in excess of 100 strands of hair daily is not uncommon in people who have experienced intense physical or emotional stress. This can happen, for example, if you’ve recently given birth, lost 20+ pounds, had a high fever, undergone surgery, or suffered from a serious illness. Shedding can also increase due to emotional stress, such as job loss, divorce, or caregiver stress.
Whatever the cause, excessive hair shedding usually stops within a few months after the stress ends. Then, within a half year or so, the hair returns to its usual thickness.
Hair loss
Hair loss is different — it occurs when a hair follicle stops producing new growth. Common causes include genetics, certain drugs and treatments (such as chemotherapy), an overactive immune system, compulsive hair pulling, and hairstyles that pull on the hair (such as very tight braids).
In these cases, hair loss won’t stop unless the underlying problem is addressed. A dermatologist can help you determine why you’re losing hair — and can recommend treatment (if one exists for your type of hair loss).
