Not all hair fall is the same. Learn how to tell the difference between normal shedding and early signs of hair loss—and when to seek professional help.
Every day, we lose hair—it’s part of the natural renewal cycle. But when does normal hair shedding cross the line into something more concerning? For many in Singapore, the moment of panic comes when they notice more strands in the shower, a clogged hairbrush, or a visible patch on the scalp. Often, this triggers a frantic search for hair tonics or shampoos, without clarity on whether the issue is even pathological hair loss to begin with.
The key solution lies in understanding the difference between hair shedding and true hair loss, because early intervention makes all the difference in recovery outcomes.
The average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs a day as part of the natural hair cycle. This is known as the telogen phase, where old strands fall out to make way for new growth. Shedding can increase temporarily due to seasonal shifts, stress, or after certain illnesses, but in most cases, the follicles remain active, and the hair will regrow on its own.
However, the challenge arises when this shedding becomes prolonged or excessive, especially when it exceeds your body’s ability to replace the hair. That’s when we shift from normal shedding into telogen effluvium or more permanent types of hair loss like female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or alopecia areata.
The difference between temporary shedding and hair loss lies not just in the amount of hair falling out, but also in how the density, texture, and distribution of hair change over time.
With telogen effluvium, the shedding is often sudden and diffuse. It usually occurs two to three months after a triggering event, such as a high fever, emotional trauma, crash dieting, or childbirth. Fortunately, telogen effluvium is typically reversible—but only if the trigger is removed and the follicle is still healthy.
In contrast, hair loss that is patterned, progressive, or localised—such as a widening part, reduced volume on the crown, or thinning along the temples—suggests a more chronic and often irreversible process like FPHL. Unlike shedding, true hair loss involves the miniaturisation of the hair follicle, meaning the strand regrows finer and shorter each time until it stops growing altogether.
At this stage, waiting or self-treating often results in missed opportunities for effective intervention.
One of the biggest challenges is that most people gauge their hair loss based on how much hair they see on the floor or in the drain. But this is only part of the picture.
Many women in Singapore have naturally dense hair, so losing 100 strands a day might look dramatic, but it may still be within normal limits. Conversely, some may only lose 30–40 strands daily but experience steady thinning over months because their follicles are shrinking and not producing robust new hairs.
This is why visual assessments can be misleading. Without proper scalp imaging and clinical diagnosis, it’s almost impossible to know what’s truly happening below the surface.
The early signs of hair loss are often missed or dismissed. Key symptoms that may suggest you're moving beyond normal shedding include a widening part, noticeably thinner ponytail, increased scalp visibility under light, or a change in hair texture. If you notice shedding that lasts more than 8–12 weeks, or if your regrowth seems weak and uneven, it’s worth booking a clinical assessment.
Many women also report a burning or tingling sensation on the scalp before noticeable hair loss begins—this may indicate inflammation that is already affecting the follicles.
Hair follicles go through life cycles. Once a follicle has remained dormant for too long, it can scar over or enter permanent inactivity, making regrowth impossible. The earlier you catch the signs of pathological hair loss, the more likely it is that the follicle is still viable.
Clients who begin treatment during the early stages often see significantly faster, fuller, and more natural recovery compared to those who wait. That’s why we always advocate for early diagnosis—not panic, not delay.
At Ido Hair & Aesthetics, we take the guesswork out of the process with data-led diagnosis, clinically backed treatment plans, and a commitment to restoring both your scalp health and your peace of mind.
If you’re unsure what your shedding means, don’t wait until it’s visibly thinning. Book a consultation and let us uncover what your scalp is trying to tell you.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.