Hair Breakage vs. Hair Shedding: What’s the Difference and What Can You Do?

Losing hair can feel alarming—especially when you notice strands on your pillow, in the shower drain, or all over your brush. But before you panic, it’s important to know that not all hair loss is created equal. At Hair By GV in Etobicoke, one of the most common concerns we hear from clients is: “Why is my hair falling out?” The answer often comes down to two things—shedding and breakage. Understanding the difference between the two can help you take the right steps to restore your hair’s health.

Hair Shedding: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Hair shedding is a natural part of your hair’s life cycle. On average, people shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day. This happens because each hair strand grows, rests, and then falls out to make room for a new strand. This process is known as the hair growth cycle and includes three stages:

• Anagen (growth phase)

• Catagen (transitional phase)

• Telogen (resting/shedding phase)

  Hair in the telogen phase is what typically falls out during brushing, washing, or even when you’re just running your fingers through your hair.

  But how do you know if it’s more than normal shedding? If you’re noticing clumps of hair, thinning patches, or a sudden increase in the amount of hair you’re losing, it could point to excessive shedding or even a condition like telogen effluvium, which is often triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.

Hair Breakage: When Your Hair Is Damaged, Not Shedding

Hair breakage, on the other hand, happens when the hair strand snaps due to weakness or damage. It’s different from shedding because the hair isn’t falling out from the root—it’s breaking somewhere along the shaft. You’ll often see shorter, uneven strands with a rough texture, and your hair might start to look frizzy, dry, or thin at the ends.

Breakage is usually caused by:

• Excessive heat styling (flat irons, curling wands, blow dryers)

• Harsh chemical treatments (bleaching, relaxing, over-processing)

• Tight hairstyles that pull at the root (ponytails, braids, weaves)

• Lack of moisture and protein

• Rough brushing or towel drying

  At Hair By GV, we often treat clients who experience breakage without even realizing it. They come in thinking they’re losing too much hair—when really, the hair is snapping due to damage and dryness.

How to Tell the Difference

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing shedding or breakage, take a close look at the strands.

• If the hair has a white bulb at the end, it’s likely shed from the root.

• If the hair is short, broken, or lacks a bulb, it’s likely due to breakage.

  Another test is to run your fingers through your hair and see how it feels. If it feels dry, brittle, or you can hear it snap while brushing, that’s a major red flag for breakage.

Common Causes of Excessive Shedding in Etobicoke Clients

Etobicoke residents, like anywhere else, experience shedding for various reasons:

• Seasonal changes (especially in fall and spring)

• Postpartum hair loss

• Changes in medications

• Iron deficiency or low protein intake

• Stress or trauma

• Covid-related telogen effluvium (still being reported in 2025)

  Shedding due to these causes is usually temporary and resolves once the underlying issue is addressed. However, it’s important not to ignore it, especially if it lasts more than a few months or is paired with visible scalp thinning.

How We Treat Hair Breakage at Hair By GV

If you’re dealing with breakage, the first step is to stop the damage cycle. Our Etobicoke clients benefit from personalized treatments like:

• Deep conditioning masks to restore moisture

• Protein treatments to strengthen weakened strands

• Bond-building treatments like Olaplex to repair internal damage

• Scalp massages and treatments to stimulate circulation and nourish the follicles

  We also recommend trimming split ends regularly to prevent them from splitting further up the hair shaft. One of the biggest misconceptions is that avoiding trims will help your hair grow. In reality, keeping damaged ends will only make your hair break more—and eventually appear shorter.

At-Home Hair Care Tips to Prevent Shedding and Breakage

Our stylists at Hair By GV always say: great hair starts at home. Here are a few tips to keep your hair healthy between salon visits:

• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, especially when wet

• Limit heat styling to 1–2 times per week

• Always use a heat protectant spray before using hot tools

• Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction

• Avoid tight ponytails or braids that put stress on the roots

• Shampoo gently and avoid over-washing—2–3 times a week is enough for most

• Incorporate scalp massages with oils like rosemary or castor oil for circulation

  Consistency is key. Think of hair care like skincare—routine and nourishment matter.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve changed your routine and still see excessive shedding or thinning, it may be time to seek medical advice. Conditions like alopecia areata, thyroid imbalance, or hormonal disorders require diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. At Hair By GV, we can guide you on whether your concern is cosmetic or something that needs medical evaluation.

Hair Restoration and Protective Styling in Etobicoke

For clients experiencing visible thinning or damage, we also offer hair restoration strategies. This may include:

• Customized haircuts to add volume and shape

• Protective styling techniques that reduce breakage

• Low-maintenance styles for damaged hair

• Scalp treatments to nourish the follicles

  Our team is committed to helping you love your hair at every stage, whether you’re healing from damage or just trying to grow stronger, fuller strands.

Confidence Starts with Healthy Hair

Hair is personal—and when it doesn’t feel healthy, it can affect your self-esteem. At Hair By GV, we take the time to educate, support, and guide you on your hair journey. Whether you need help identifying the root of your hair concerns or just want a professional opinion, we’re here for you.

If you’re ready to get your hair back on track, we’d love to help. Book your consultation or treatment today at hairbygv.com or call 647-390-1254.