How do I know if I'm losing my hair or if I just shed a lot?

Hello all, first post here. I'm 23 and I'm not sure if I'm losing my hair. My grandfather is bald (mother's side), my father is bald, I'm wondering if I'll get it too. My older brother doesn't seem to have any signs of hair loss but I shed quite a bit.

I did a quick count from this mornings shower, I'd say that I pulled out about 40 hairs. Some more will surely fall out throughout the day. These hairs come from all over my head, top, sides, and back. When they come out they seem to have a white tip (root?).

I have long, thick hair. Most of my hair is about 6" long, but i seem to have a few hairs that are about half that length near the front of my head. I'm sure I have more I just can't find them. Could those be hairs regrowing after shedding?

I appreciate the help, thanks!

I have the same question to is there anyone with a answer

I've heard different numbers as far as what is a normal amount of hair to shed each day. Some people say 40 to 100 strands, and others say up to 200 is normal. If the new hairs you are regrowing look similar in diameter/thickness to your existing hair, it's likely that this is normal shedding/regrowth. However, if these new hairs are very fine, it's possible that you are experiencing miniaturization of the hair. If you think it may be miniaturization, you may want to visit a dermatologist or hair loss specialist to confirm this, and may want to think about medical therapy (which works best when you begin it early on in your hair loss).

The white tip you are describing is not actually the root/follicle. It is more like the sheath or outer covering. This would be similar to the thin outer coating of a peanut. Hairs do not fall out with the foillicle. That is a common misconception.

Ok my hair has been thinning for about four years I've lost alot of fullness and my hair is very dry and it looks bad. Been to doctors he said that I could get grafts were my hair is thinner, but if am shedding all over is my donor hair any good to transplant since am losing it all over.

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Originally Posted by CIT_Girl

I've heard different numbers as far as what is a normal amount of hair to shed each day. Some people say 40 to 100 strands, and others say up to 200 is normal. If the new hairs you are regrowing look similar in diameter/thickness to your existing hair, it's likely that this is normal shedding/regrowth. However, if these new hairs are very fine, it's possible that you are experiencing miniaturization of the hair. If you think it may be miniaturization, you may want to visit a dermatologist or hair loss specialist to confirm this, and may want to think about medical therapy (which works best when you begin it early on in your hair loss).

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Thank you for both replies! It taking a quick look through my hair, I seem to have hairs of varying thickness. Some of the new strands seem a little thicker than some of the older ones. Does this sound normal?

counting the falling strand would be the best way to know. more than 100 strand is alarming.

When we look closely to the hairs on the scalp there is often a variety of different hair shaft diameters. The time to try and prevent further hair loss for you is now. You may want to consider taking Propecia or Rogaine and attempt to gain control of your situation.