Is It Breakage or Shedding? How to Tell the Difference
Finding extra hair on your pillow, in the YMCA shower drain, or dangling from your Uber seat can be alarming — but before you panic, it's worth asking: is this actually hair loss, or is it breakage?
The two look similar at a glance, but they have completely different causes, and more importantly, completely different solutions. Here's how to tell them apart.
What Is Shedding?
Shedding happens when a hair falls out from the root, at the end of its natural growth cycle. This is a completely normal part of having hair — your scalp is constantly cycling through growth, rest, and shedding phases.
Signs of normal shedding:
You'll see a small white or translucent bulb at the end of the strand
Hair falls out at full length, not in short pieces
It typically happens around brushing, washing, or styling
Losing 50–100 hairs a day is considered normal
Shedding can also temporarily increase due to:
Stress
Hormonal changes (postpartum, thyroid changes, menopause)
Illness or fever
Rapid weight loss
Certain medications
Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, protein)
This temporary increase is often called telogen effluvium, and while it can feel scary, it's usually resolved once the underlying cause is addressed.
What Is Breakage?
Breakage is different — it's not about hair falling out from the root, it's about the hair shaft itself snapping somewhere along its length.
Signs of breakage:
No bulb at the end of the strand — it looks blunt, frayed, or split
You'll notice short, broken pieces rather than full-length strands
Increased frizz, flyaways, and a "fuzzy" look, especially around the crown or hairline
Hair feels rough, weak, or straw-like to the touch
It tends to get worse with heat styling, brushing, or chemical services
Breakage is usually a sign that the hair's structure has been compromised somewhere along the way.
Common Causes of Breakage
Breakage is almost always related to damage rather than the natural hair cycle. Common culprits include:
Heat styling without protection
Over-processing (bleach, chemical straightening, excessive colour services)
Harsh brushing, especially on wet hair
Tight hairstyles (buns, ponytails, extensions) creating tension
Product buildup or lack of moisture
Environmental damage (sun, chlorine, salt water)
The good news? Breakage is often more preventable and treatable than shedding, since it's about hair health and hair care habits rather than internal biological processes.
The Quick At-Home Test
Not sure which one you're dealing with? Try this simple check next time you find loose hairs:
Look at the end of the strand. A tiny bulb means it fell out naturally (shedding). A blunt or frayed end means it snapped (breakage).
Check the length. Full-length strands point to shedding. Short pieces scattered throughout point to breakage.
Notice where it's happening. Breakage often shows up as flyaways around the hairline or crown, while shedding is more evenly distributed.
When Should You See a Professional?
A certain amount of both shedding and breakage is completely normal. But it's worth booking a consultation if you notice:
Noticeable thinning or bald patches
Shedding that doesn't slow down after a few months
Breakage that keeps happening despite gentler haircare
Sudden, dramatic hair loss
Your stylist can take a close look at your hair and scalp, ask about recent changes to your health, routine, or colour services, and help you figure out whether you're dealing with a hair care issue or something worth mentioning to your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Shedding and breakage might look similar on the surface, but they tell very different stories about what's happening with your hair. Shedding is usually your body doing exactly what it's supposed to do — while breakage is often a sign your hair could use a little extra care.
Not sure which one you're dealing with? Book a consultation with the Cabello Salon team — we'll take a close look at your hair and scalp and help you build a routine that keeps it strong, healthy, and thriving.