2-5 day delivery
25.000+ satisfied customers
Satisfaction Guarantee
Understanding normal hair shedding
Shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. Each hair follicle moves through phases of growth, transition, rest, and shedding. At any given time, some hairs are reaching the end of their cycle and fall out to allow new hair to grow. For most people, losing around 50 to 100 hairs per day is considered normal and does not indicate a problem.
Normal shedding does not have a clear beginning or end. It happens continuously and often goes unnoticed. Changes in washing habits, hair length, or styling routines can make shedding more visible, which may make it seem sudden even though it is part of a healthy, ongoing process.
What determines how long shedding lasts
How long hair shedding lasts depends mainly on the underlying trigger. In many cases, shedding is linked to temporary disruptions in the hair growth cycle, where a larger number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time. This shift often happens weeks or months before shedding becomes noticeable, which can make the cause difficult to pinpoint. Factors such as physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, nutritional imbalances, and seasonal variations can all play a role. Because hair grows slowly, shedding may continue for several months before gradually stabilizing.
Common scenarios with expected durations
Telogen effluvium (stress or shock)
Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of noticeable hair shedding, and its duration is often a key concern. Shedding usually begins two to three months after a physical or emotional trigger, such as illness, surgery, significant stress, rapid weight loss, or major life changes.
In most cases, telogen effluvium lasts between three and six months. During this time, shedding can remain fairly consistent before gradually slowing as the hair growth cycle returns to normal. Once the underlying trigger is resolved, new hair growth typically starts to replace the shed hair. If the trigger persists or multiple stressors overlap, the shedding phase may extend beyond six months and require a longer recovery period.
Postpartum shedding
Postpartum shedding is closely tied to hormonal changes after pregnancy, and its timeline is often one of the biggest concerns. Shedding typically does not start immediately after childbirth. Instead, it usually begins around three months postpartum, when estrogen levels drop and the hair growth cycle shifts.
For many people, shedding increases gradually and reaches its peak between three and six months after giving birth. During this time, hair loss may feel intense but remains temporary. In most cases, shedding starts to slow after the six-month mark.
By around nine months postpartum, shedding is often significantly reduced, and hair density continues to improve. For many, the hair growth cycle returns to its usual pattern within the first year after childbirth, with regrowth continuing as the cycle stabilizes.
Minoxidil-related shedding
Some people experience increased shedding shortly after starting minoxidil, which is a common and temporary response. This shedding typically begins within the first few weeks, often around weeks two to four, as the hair growth cycle accelerates. Older hairs are shed as follicles transition into a new growth phase. The increased shedding can last several weeks and, in some cases, up to two or three months. For most people, shedding gradually slows as the scalp adjusts to the treatment. By around the third month, hair loss often returns to baseline levels, and early signs of regrowth may begin to appear.
Seasonal shedding
Seasonal shedding is a common, temporary pattern that many people notice at certain times of the year, most often in late summer or early autumn. What distinguishes this type of shedding is its limited duration and predictable timeline rather than ongoing hair loss.
In most cases, seasonal shedding lasts a few weeks and may extend up to two or three months. During this period, hair loss can appear more noticeable when washing or brushing, and the amount of shed hair may vary from day to day. Shedding often increases gradually before reaching a peak and then slowing down as the hair growth cycle naturally stabilizes.
By early autumn or the beginning of winter, shedding typically returns to normal levels without the need for treatment. Because it resolves on its own within a set timeframe, seasonal shedding is generally not associated with underlying health concerns. If shedding persists beyond a few months or does not decrease, other possible causes may be worth considering.
When hair shedding lasts longer than expected
In some situations, shedding lasts longer than expected. Chronic telogen effluvium is diagnosed when shedding continues for more than six months without a clear end. This can happen when triggers such as ongoing stress, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies are not resolved.
Signs your shedding is outlasting typical timelines
While most shedding is temporary, there are cases where it may last longer than expected. If shedding continues beyond six to nine months without signs of slowing, it can suggest that the hair growth cycle has not fully recovered. Noticeable thinning in specific areas, such as along the hairline or crown, may also be a sign that shedding is no longer part of a normal cycle. Additional symptoms like scalp irritation, tenderness, itching, or pain should not be ignored.
When hair shedding appears alongside changes in overall health, menstrual irregularities, ongoing fatigue, or sudden weight changes, it may indicate an underlying imbalance rather than a short-term fluctuation.
What to expect as shedding resolves
As hair shedding begins to slow, the regrowth phase typically follows, although changes are not always immediately visible. New hair often appears as fine, short strands that gradually gain strength and thickness over time. During this period, hair texture or density may feel uneven, which is a normal part of the recovery process.
Because hair grows at a slow and steady pace, visible improvement takes patience. Even after shedding has fully stopped, it can take several months before the hair looks noticeably fuller. Consistent care and realistic expectations are important, as regrowth happens gradually rather than all at once.
The road back to normal hair growth
How long shedding lasts depends on the cause and how quickly balance is restored. In many cases, shedding improves within a few months as the hair growth cycle stabilizes. Factors like stress, nutrition, and overall health influence recovery, and visible regrowth typically appears gradually over time.
