Hair Shedding vs Hair Breakage: What Every Hairdresser Needs to Know
Have you ever had a client panic over “losing too much hair”? It’s a common concern—and often, they’re confusing natural shedding with hair breakage. As a hair professional, knowing how to explain the difference clearly (and spot it yourself) is key to building trust and offering the right solutions.
Let’s break it down...
From the Elements Workbook
What is hair shedding?
Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. On average, we shed 50 to 100 hairs per day. This happens when the hair completes its cycle and enters the telogen (resting) phase before falling out to make way for new growth.
Tips for stylists:
If you see full strands with the white bulb at the root—that’s shedding, not breakage.
What to tell clients:
“Shedding is normal and healthy—it means your hair is cycling properly. If it’s suddenly excessive, let’s look at stress levels, health changes, or diet.”
What is hair breakage?
Breakage happens when the shaft of the hair is physically damaged—this could be from heat styling, over-processing, poor brushing technique, tight hairstyles, or lack of moisture.
Tips for stylists:
Look for weakened mid-shaft strands, especially in over-lightened or chemically treated hair.
What to tell clients:
“This isn’t about hair falling out from the root—this is breakage, which means the strand has snapped. Let’s create a care plan to strengthen your hair.”
Common Causes & How to Prevent Breakage
Top culprits:
Excessive heat tools without protection
Overlapping bleach or colour services
Lack of protein/moisture balance
Tight ponytails or extensions
Rough towel-drying or brushing
Prevention tips for clients:
Use a heat protectant always
Deep-condition weekly
Avoid over-washing
Be gentle when detangling
Book regular trims
As a stylist, your role isn’t just about great haircuts and colours—it’s about guiding your clients through the health of their hair. By understanding the difference between shedding and breakage, you can offer real peace of mind and practical solutions. And most importantly, you can recommend the right products and practices to help them maintain strong, healthy hair between visits. From heat protection to strengthening treatments, your professional advice makes all the difference.