Hair shedding is normal. We lose strands every day as part of the natural renewal cycle. But when shedding suddenly increases — more hair in the shower, on your brush, on your clothes — it can feel alarming.
The good news? In many cases, you can prevent hair shedding or reduce excess fallout with the right care, nutrition and styling habits. Here’s what’s normal, what’s not, and exactly how to prevent hair from shedding more than it should.
What Is Hair Shedding and Why Does It Happen?
Hair shedding refers to the natural process of strands falling out as part of the growth cycle. Each follicle produces hair for a set period before resting and releasing the strand to make way for new growth.
This daily turnover is healthy. Problems arise when more hairs than usual enter the resting (telogen) phase at once.
Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss
Temporary shedding — often called telogen effluvium — occurs when stress, illness, hormonal shifts or nutritional deficiencies push more follicles into the resting phase.
Hair loss conditions, on the other hand, tend to be progressive and may involve follicle miniaturisation or long-term thinning.
Knowing the distinction matters when learning how to prevent hair shedding, because temporary shedding can often be reversed once the trigger is addressed.
How Much Hair Shedding Is Normal Per Day?
Most people shed between 50–100 hairs per day. This can fluctuate depending on season, stress levels, hormonal changes and how often you wash or brush your hair.
If you wash less frequently, you may notice more strands on wash day — but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re losing more hair overall.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
To effectively prevent hair shedding, it helps to understand the cycle behind it.
Hair grows in three main phases:
- Anagen (growth phase): Lasts 2–7 years. Around 85–90% of your hair is here at any time.
- Catagen (transition phase): A short 2–3 week period where growth slows.
- Telogen (resting phase): Lasts about 3 months before the strand sheds.
According to research, disruptions to this cycle — particularly a shift into telogen — are the main driver behind increased shedding.
Supporting follicles during the growth phase is key if you want to both prevent hair shedding and encourage regrowth.
Common Causes of Excessive Hair Shedding
Shedding is often multi-factorial. Internal health and external habits both play a role.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair follicles are metabolically active and require steady nutrients to function properly.
Low iron, vitamin D, zinc, protein and certain B vitamins have all been linked to increased shedding. A review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology notes that iron deficiency in particular is associated with telogen effluvium.
If you’re trying to prevent hair shedding, prioritising balanced meals rich in protein, leafy greens, legumes, healthy fats and whole foods is foundational.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Elevated cortisol levels can prematurely push follicles into the telogen phase. Psychological stress is a recognised trigger for temporary shedding.
Sleep disruption, rapid weight changes and illness can have similar effects.
Heat Styling and Tight Hairstyles
When you apply heat to the hair, you’re rearranging the chemical structure deep within the strand leading to weakness and breakage over time. Another styling mishap, tight ponytails or braids create mechanical stress. While this may begin as breakage, over time it can contribute to traction-related shedding around the hairline.
If styling is part of your routine, learning how to 10 Ways To Prevent Heat Damage From Your Hair can significantly reduce unnecessary fibre stress.
How to Reduce Hair Shedding
If you’re actively looking for how to prevent hair from shedding, start here;
Eat a Balanced Diet to Support Stronger Hair
Hair is primarily made of keratin — a protein. Without adequate protein intake, strands become weaker and more prone to shedding.
Iron-rich foods (like spinach and lentils), omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon and walnuts) and antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables help nourish follicles from within.
Use Targeted Scalp Care to Improve Follicle Health
A healthy scalp supports healthy growth.
Gentle scalp massage may increase blood flow to follicles. A small study published in Eplasty suggested that regular scalp massage improved hair thickness over time.
Targeted ingredients such as peptides can also support the appearance of fuller hair. A formula like the Overnight Boosting Peptide Hair Growth Serum works overnight to support stronger-looking strands at the root.
Choose Hair Strengthening Products
Breakage can exaggerate the appearance of shedding leaving strands feeling thin through the ends. Strengthening from mid-lengths down helps reduce this.
A gentle repair shampoo paired with a reinforcing bond-repair conditioner supports fibre resilience.
For deeper bond repair that reverses damage and prevents breakage by rebuilding disulphide bonds, use a clinically-backed treatment like the Intense Repair Leave-In Treatment.
Reduce Heat and Tension on the Hair
Lower your heat settings. Avoid tight styles. Rotate between loose hairstyles to prevent repetitive stress.
When heat styling, use a protective serum like Ultimate Anti-Frizz Heat Styling Serum to minimise thermal damage.
Manage Stress to Minimise Shedding
Optimise sleep. Move your body regularly. Build simple stress-reduction rituals into your week. Even small changes can help regulate cortisol and support a healthier growth cycle.
Tips to Prevent Hair Shedding
If you want a quick checklist to prevent hair shedding, start here;
Brush Hair Gently
Mechanical damage is a quiet killer when it comes to hair shedding and rough brushing is the number one culprit. Always detangle from the ends upward using a wide-tooth comb and avoid aggressive brushing on wet hair when strands are most fragile.
Switch to Hair Care with a Gentle Formula
Harsh detergents can irritate the scalp barrier and weaken strands. Choosing sulphate free formulas reduces unnecessary stripping, while being mindful of ingredients to avoid in shampoo and conditioner for healthy hair protects scalp health long-term.
Wash Hair Less Often
Overwashing can dry the scalp and increase mechanical stress. Your scalp needs its natural oils to stay hydrated, balanced and create an environment optimised for growth, so try to find a washing cadence of 2-3 times per week.
Following guidance in our guide, How Often Should I Wash My Hair For Hair Growth, can help you find a rhythm that supports follicle health.
Building a Routine That Supports Growth
Consistency matters.
A structured haircare routine for healthy hair using targeted hair growth shampoo and conditioner or a complete system like the Daily Growth Kit can help maintain stronger, healthier-looking hair over time.
If shedding persists beyond several months or is accompanied by visible thinning, consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
