Ever noticed loose strands on your brush or in the shower and wondered if it’s normal? Hair shedding happens to everyone, but when you wear extensions, it can be tricky to tell if what you’re seeing is natural or a sign of damage. Some shedding is part of your hair’s natural cycle, while other times, it’s a red flag that something’s off—whether it’s tension, weight, or improper installation. So, how do you know the difference? Let’s break it down.

What is hair shed?

Hair shedding falls into two categories: natural shed and pulled-out shed. Natural shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, where old hairs naturally fall out to make room for new ones. Pulled-out shed, on the other hand, occurs when hair is removed prematurely due to tension, stress, or other external factors.

Natural Shed:

• Happens as part of the hair growth cycle, where old hairs fall out to allow new ones to grow.

• It’s normal to lose around 50–100 hairs per day.

• You might notice shed hairs in the shower, on your brush, or on your clothing.

Pulled-Out Shed:

• Occurs when hair is actively removed from the scalp due to pulling or tension.

• Can be caused by stress, boredom, certain hairstyles that put excessive strain on the hair, or improper extension installation.

• Extensions that are too heavy, installed incorrectly, or not properly maintained can contribute to pulled-out shed.

• May lead to noticeable hair loss if done excessively.

What is the right amount of natural shed?

This varies from person to person. Why? Because shedding is influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, stress levels, diet, hair care habits, age, seasonal fluctuations, and even hair type. Some people naturally shed more than others, but there’s no universal “one size fits all” shedding cycle.

How to spot the difference when wearing hair extensions?

When wearing extensions, it’s important to determine whether the hair you’re seeing is part of your natural shed cycle or if something else—like tension, improper installation, or incorrect maintenance—is causing unnecessary hair loss.

Signs of Natural Shed:

• Strands with a small white bulb at the root, indicating they’ve completed their natural cycle.

• Similar amount of shedding as before wearing extensions.

Signs of Pulled-Out Shed:

• Clusters of hair strands coming from areas where beads or attachments were placed.

• Scalp irritation around the extension attachment points.

• Shed strands with full bulbs or boot-shaped bulbs attached.

• Sudden, noticeable thinning or hair loss in specific areas.

If you’re noticing excessive pulled-out shed, it’s crucial to identify the cause. It could be due to the wrong extension type for your hair, excessive weight, improper installation, or poor at-home care. If left unaddressed, this can lead to continued hair loss and even permanent damage in those areas.

Bottom line: Natural shed is expected, but if you’re experiencing excessive shedding, scalp discomfort, or visible thinning, it’s worth investigating the cause.

How to Prevent Excessive Hair Shedding with Extensions

To minimize unnecessary shedding, focus on:

✔ Choosing the right extension type for your hair.

✔ Gently handling your extensions during daily care.

✔ Avoiding tight hairstyles that create unnecessary tension.

✔ Using a dedicated extension brush while supporting your natural hair.

✔ Getting regular professional maintenance to ensure proper attachment and removal.

A Reality Check on Hair Extension Marketing

Next time you see a hair extension method being marketed with claims like “Look, only five strands shed!”—take it with a grain of salt. Shedding varies based on many factors. It’s like a toner ad showcasing the perfect blonde without listing the starting color, pre-toned shade, porosity, or other factors that contributed to the result.

Always consider the full picture when deciding what’s best for your hair.

Not sure if you’re shedding too much due to extensions? Let’s talk. Whether you need a second opinion or guidance on the best extensions method for your hair, I’m here to help. Drop a comment or send a message- I’d love to chat!