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

[79BirdofPrey]

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!