Noticing more hair on your brush or pillow can make you wonder if something is wrong. Understanding the difference between hair fall and hair loss helps you figure out whether it’s temporary, permanent, or just breakage, and what you can do about it.
Hair Fall vs Hair Loss vs Hair Breakage
Here’s a clear way to spot the Hair damage, hair loss and hair fall difference:
|
Feature |
Hair Fall (Temporary) |
Hair Loss (Permanent/Long-term) |
Hair Damage / Breakage |
|
What’s happening? |
Hair sheds due to triggers like stress or medication |
Hair follicles shrink or stop producing hair |
Hair strands break off from the shaft |
|
Will you see a root bulb on the top part of the hair strand? |
Yes, small white bulb |
Often yes, sometimes miniaturized |
No bulb |
|
Pattern |
Even shedding all over |
Thinning or bald patches |
Short, broken pieces |
|
Duration |
Temporary |
Permanent or slow to improve |
Until damage is repaired |
|
Cause |
Stress, illness, medications, childbirth |
Genetic, autoimmune, scalp conditions |
Heat, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles, rough accessories |
How to Check Your Hair
Take a strand from your brush or pillow:
-
White bulb at the top? Hair came from the root - likely hair fall or hair loss.
-
No white bulb? Hair probably snapped mid-shaft - this is damage or breakage.
This simple check helps you tell hair loss vs hair fall and decide what action to take.
1. Hair Fall: Temporary
Hair fall is common and usually resolves with time:
-
Shedding 50–100 hairs per day is normal.
-
Triggers include stress, illness, childbirth, nutritional deficiencies, and some medications.
-
Telogen effluvium (TE) occurs after events like surgery, pregnancy, accidents, or emotional stress. Recovery can take several months, and sometimes hair may not fully return to pre-trigger density.
-
Hair Oiling and Natural Shedding - Some people notice more hair coming out while oiling. Oiling itself doesn't do it, gentle massage can loosen hairs that have already finished their growth cycle and were ready to shed. This is part of the normal hair shedding cycle.
Keep in mind, rough massaging, heavy oil application, or oiling on an unclean scalp can lead to breakage or clogged follicles, which may increase shedding related hair fall.
2. Hair Loss: Long-term or Permanent
Hair loss affects the follicle itself:
-
Hair follicles shrink or stop producing hair, causing thinning or bald patches.
-
Causes include genetics, autoimmune conditions, or scalp diseases.
-
Unlike temporary hair fall, it may require medical treatment to slow progression and improve hair density.
-
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition, can cause patchy hair loss.
-
Fungal infections like ringworm (tinea capitis) can weaken follicles and increase shedding.
-
Scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, or dry scalp can disturb hair follicles and make hair prone to shedding ( Here excessive scratching can trigger hair breakage.)
3. Hair Damage / Breakage
Hair breakage looks like hair falling but is caused by physical or chemical damage:
-
Common causes: chemical treatments, hard water, excessive heat, tight hairstyles, or hair accessories that tug strands.
-
Daily tying in one spot can create a dent and eventually break hair.
-
Broken hair does not have a white bulb.
What to Know About the journey of hair regrowth
In circumstances that your hair issues are temporary hair fall or damage, keep in mind-
While waiting for regrowth, a hydrating shampoo can reduce dryness and breakage, keeping hair healthier.
A shampoo and conditioner for dry hair nourishes brittle strands, and a hair serum for frizzy hair tames frizz while protecting against damage.
These steps keep hair stronger and more manageable.
Conclusion
Understanding the hair fall and hair loss difference helps you take control of your hair health. Observing your strands, using the right products, and adjusting styling habits can make a noticeable difference. With careful care and awareness, you can reduce unnecessary shedding, prevent breakage, and maintain healthy hair.
We hope this helps you in the journey of regaining healthy hair. &Done focus on providing insights, solutions with patented hair care products with leading research that make hair care simple, practical, and effective for everyone.
