Why Is My Hair Shedding? Common Causes and How to Help

If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush or shower lately, you might be worried something is wrong. I hear this concern from patients all the time. The truth is hair shedding is very common, and in most cases it’s temporary. What matters is understanding why it’s happening and what you can do to support your hair as it recovers.

Hair Shedding Causes

There are several reasons why shedding happens. Stress is one of the biggest triggers. A stressful event or illness can push hair into a resting phase, which causes increased shedding a few months later. Hormonal changes are another common cause. I see this with postpartum patients as well as women going through perimenopause or menopause.

Nutrition also plays a big role. When your body is low in things like iron, vitamin D, or protein, the follicles can’t function at their best. Rapid weight loss or restrictive diets often trigger this kind of shedding. And sometimes shedding is linked to thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions.

Hair Breakage vs. Shedding

One of the first things I explain in the office is the difference between shedding and breakage. Shedding comes from the root. You’ll often notice a tiny bulb at the end of the hair. Breakage happens along the strand itself and is usually caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or pulling the hair too tightly. Breakage changes the appearance of your hair, but it doesn’t involve the follicle itself. Knowing which one you’re experiencing helps guide what we do next.

Stress Hair Changes and Hormonal Shifts

Stress-related hair changes are something I see every week. Patients often tell me they went through a difficult period and then suddenly noticed more hair on their pillow or in the shower. It’s also very common for women to shed after pregnancy when hormone levels shift back to baseline. And during perimenopause or menopause, those changes can show up in the hair again. These situations are frustrating, but they’re also normal, and with the right support, hair can recover.

When Shedding Is Temporary vs. Something More

If you had a baby recently, dealt with an illness, or went through a stressful season, there’s a good chance the shedding will calm down within a few months. But if you’ve been shedding for more than six months or noticing actual thinning areas on your scalp, that’s the time to make an appointment. A dermatologist or trichologist can check for underlying causes and help you with a plan.

Hair Health Solutions I Recommend to My Patients

Supporting the follicle from both inside and out makes the biggest difference. For many of my patients, Wellbel supplements have been an important part of this. They deliver key vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that nourish follicles, and over time I’ve seen patients experience less shedding and stronger regrowth. It’s rewarding to watch someone come back months later feeling more confident because their hair is finally responding.

I also pay close attention to scalp health. The scalp is the foundation of hair growth. If it’s clogged with buildup, follicles can struggle. That’s why I often recommend Wellbel’s shampoo and conditioner. They use encapsulated technology, which helps deliver active ingredients right to the scalp instead of just sitting on the hair. Patients have noticed cleaner, healthier scalps and stronger, shinier hair after making the switch. When the scalp is supported, the follicles are better able to do their job.

Hair Regrowth Tips You Can Start Now

While your body is resetting, there are small things you can do that really help. Make sure you’re eating enough protein and iron-rich foods, and consider supplementation if you’re not getting enough through diet. Be gentle with your hair by limiting heat tools and avoiding tight styles that pull. Wash your scalp regularly to prevent buildup, but avoid harsh products that strip it. Most importantly, be patient. Hair grows slowly, and it takes consistency to see change, but it is possible.

Hair shedding may feel scary, but it doesn’t have to mean something permanent. With the right care and support, your hair can recover its strength and fullness. I’ve seen it happen again and again with my patients, and I want you to know that hope and real solutions are absolutely within reach.