Hair Fall vs. Hair Loss: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

• 18 November 2025
• Dr Malay Mehta

It’s normal to see a few strands of hair fall out after brushing or washing your hair. But when shedding becomes noticeable, many people start to worry about hair loss. While the terms hair fall and hair loss are often used interchangeably, they aren’t quite the same. Understanding the difference can help you identify whether what you’re experiencing is a temporary issue or a more serious condition requiring professional care.

At Dr. Malay Mehta’s Hair Transplant Clinic in Mumbai, we often see patients who are unsure whether their hair shedding is normal or a sign of something deeper. This article breaks down the key differences between hair fall and hair loss, explores their common causes and discusses the treatments that can help restore your scalp’s health and your confidence.

Understanding the Difference Between Hair Fall and Hair Loss

Both hair fall and hair loss involve hair shedding, but the cause, duration and pattern are what set them apart.

Hair Fall
Hair fall refers to the natural shedding of hair that occurs as part of the normal hair growth cycle. On average, losing 50–100 strands per day is completely normal. These hairs are replaced by new growth from healthy follicles.

Temporary triggers such as stress, changes in weather, or diet deficiencies can also cause short-term hair fall that usually resolves on its own once the underlying cause is addressed.

Hair Loss
Hair loss, on the other hand, indicates a disruption in the hair growth cycle that prevents new strands from replacing those that have fallen out. It can result in visible thinning, receding hairlines, or bald patches.

This type of shedding is usually persistent and may be linked to factors such as hormonal imbalances, genetics, or scalp conditions.

Some causes of hair fall include stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes and seasonal changes.

What Are the Causes of Hair Fall?

Hair fall can happen for many reasons, most of which are temporary and manageable when addressed early. Identifying what triggers your shedding is the first step to restoring balance to your hair growth cycle.

Stress and Anxiety

Physical or emotional stress can interrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing more strands into the shedding phase. This condition, called telogen effluvium, often appears a few months after a stressful event and usually resolves once balance is restored.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Low levels of nutrients like iron, vitamin D, zinc, or biotin can weaken hair strands and slow regrowth. A balanced diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables helps strengthen hair and maintain density.

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause and thyroid issues can cause temporary hair fall. Once hormones stabilise or treatment begins, hair typically regrows.

Improper Hair Care Practices

Excessive heat styling, colouring, or using harsh hair products can weaken strands and cause breakage. Tying hair too tightly can also contribute to shedding.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Pollution, poor sleep and smoking can reduce circulation to the scalp, weakening follicles. Staying hydrated, eating well and protecting hair from UV exposure can improve scalp health.

Most cases of hair fall are reversible once these triggers are addressed and healthy habits are restored.

What Are the Causes of Hair Loss?

Hair loss is often more persistent and linked to conditions that directly affect the scalp or follicles, leading to reduced regrowth or permanent thinning.

Genetic Factors (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Hereditary hair thinning occurs when follicles shrink due to hormones like DHT. Men may develop a receding hairline or thinning crown, while women usually notice overall thinning.

Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions such as PCOS or thyroid disorders disrupt hormones essential for hair growth, causing prolonged shedding until treated.

Autoimmune Conditions (Alopecia Areata)

When the immune system attacks healthy follicles, it can lead to patchy hair loss or complete baldness. Treatment can often help stimulate regrowth.

Chronic Scalp Conditions

Persistent issues like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis can inflame the scalp, weaken follicles and hinder growth.

Chemical or Heat Damage

Overuse of dyes, relaxers, or hot tools can permanently damage follicles and limit regrowth potential.

Ageing and Genetics

As we age, follicles produce finer strands and the growth cycle shortens. While this is natural, proper treatment can help slow the process.
Recognising whether your shedding is temporary or progressive is key. A professional assessment can determine the cause and guide effective treatment.

Some differences between hair fall and hair loss include whether or not thinning is persistent and if there’s any regrowth.

How to Know the Difference Between Hair Fall and Hair Loss

Here’s how to tell what’s normal versus what needs attention:

If you notice persistent thinning, visible scalp, or widening part lines, it’s important to consult a hair specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

How Much Hair Fall Is Considered Hair Loss?

Generally, losing up to 100 strands per day is within the normal range. However, if your shedding exceeds that amount, or if you notice your hair thinning faster than it’s regrowing, it may indicate early-stage hair loss. Tracking your hair fall pattern and consulting a specialist can help confirm whether treatment is necessary.

How to Treat Hair Fall and Hair Loss

Addressing the cause early makes treatment far more effective. A combination of healthy habits and professional therapies can significantly improve both hair quality and density.

Improve Scalp and Hair Care Habits

Use mild, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners that preserve natural oils and maintain scalp balance. Regularly cleanse your scalp to prevent buildup, but avoid overwashing, which can cause dryness. Limit heat styling and chemical treatments to give follicles time to recover.

Address Nutritional Gaps

Nourish your hair from within with a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, vitamin D, zinc and biotin. If dietary changes are not enough, supplements may support recovery and strengthen new growth.

Manage Stress

Stress affects hormone levels and blood flow to the scalp. Incorporating regular physical activity, mindfulness and sufficient sleep can reduce stress-related hair fall.

Seek Professional Treatments

When self-care and nutrition alone do not improve hair density, professional treatments can restore growth and confidence.

Experiencing Hair Loss? Here’s How Dr. Malay Mehta Can Help

At Dr. Malay Mehta’s Hair Transplant Clinic in Mumbai, our approach combines medical expertise with the latest technology to diagnose and treat the root cause of hair loss effectively.

FUE Hair Transplant

A minimally invasive technique that extracts individual follicles and transplants them into thinning areas for natural, scar-free results.

Biofibre Hair Implants

Ideal for those without sufficient donor hair, synthetic fibres are implanted to provide immediate volume and density.

ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant

Using AI-assisted precision, this robotic system ensures consistent, natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

Mesotherapy

A series of micro-injections delivering nutrients and growth factors directly into the scalp to rejuvenate dormant follicles.

Other Hair Loss Treatments

Examples of other hair loss treatments include Growth Factor Concentrate Therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and scalp micropigmentation (SMP).

Each treatment plan is personalised to your unique hair pattern and lifestyle, ensuring lasting, natural results.

How to contact us

Phone: +91 7045291747
Another Phone: +91 8758691345
Email Us: drmalaymehta@gmail.com

6th Floor, Cosmos Court,
Vile Parle West Mumbai – 400056
Maharashtra, India

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FAQs

Is hair fall and hair loss the same?

No. Hair fall is a temporary and natural process, while hair loss suggests a prolonged or permanent reduction in hair density that may require medical treatment.

How to know the difference between hair fall and hair loss?

Hair fall is usually even and resolves on its own, while hair loss shows visible thinning, receding hairlines, or bald patches that worsen over time.

How much hair fall is considered hair loss?

Losing up to 100 strands per day is normal. Consistent shedding beyond that, especially if regrowth is limited, could indicate the onset of hair loss.

Can stress really cause hair loss?

Yes. High stress levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger telogen effluvium. Managing stress through relaxation, exercise and rest can significantly improve scalp health.

Does hair grow back after hair fall or hair loss?

In most cases of hair fall, hair regrows naturally within a few months. Hair loss may require medical intervention such as growth factor therapy, mesotherapy, or transplantation to restore density.

Are hair care products enough to treat hair loss?

While mild shampoos and nourishing products can maintain scalp health, they may not reverse genetic or hormonal hair loss. Professional diagnosis and treatment are often needed for lasting results.

When should I see a specialist for hair loss?

If your shedding lasts longer than three months, or if you notice visible thinning or bald spots, it’s time to consult a qualified hair restoration specialist.