Your hair is more than just a style choice—it’s an integral part of individuality. So when you notice changes in your hair’s density, thickness, or strength, it can have a major impact on your confidence. Whether it’s extra hair in your brush, more of your scalp showing at your hairline, or stressed-out strands, understanding the difference between hair loss, thinning, and breakage is one of the first steps toward achieving your healthy hair goals. 

So let’s untangle the differences between each so you can confidently address your hair’s unique needs.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, also known as hair shedding, refers to the reduction in the number of hairs on your scalp, often due to genetics, stress, hormonal shifts, or medical conditions. It can manifest suddenly or gradually, in patches or all over—so it can be a little different for everyone. 

For many, a little shedding is just a normal part of the hair growth cycle, as humans naturally lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day. That said, if you start to see excessive hair loss, like clumps in your brush or noticeable bald patches, it may be time to investigate underlying causes and find a customized solution for your needs. 

Common Causes of Hair Loss

- Hormonal imbalances (like postpartum, menopause, thyroid)

- Stress and trauma

- Genetics 

- Medical conditions or treatments

What is Thinning Hair?

Thinning hair describes when individual strands become finer over time, leading to less overall volume and hair density. Unlike hair loss, thinning isn’t necessarily about shedding or losing the hair you have—it’s about each strand getting weaker and skinnier, which makes the hair appear thinner. 

If you think you have thinning hair, you might notice your scalp becoming more visible or your hairstyles not looking as full. Hair thinning can happen for many reasons, so it’s not always a cause for alarm. To keep your hair in tip-top shape, it’s important to invest in a high-quality density-boosting scalp serum or a custom hair growth routine that matches your exact needs from all angles. 

Common Causes of Hair Thinning

- Aging and hormonal shifts

- Nutritional deficiencies (like biotin, iron, and protein)

- Overuse of chemical treatments (like bleaching and perms)

- Genetics

What is Hair Breakage

Hair breakage is one of the most common hair concerns. Breakage happens when strands physically snap or split due to damage—think brittle ends, frizz, and flyaways. Unlike hair loss and thinning, breakage doesn’t start at the scalp but rather from the individual strands itself. Breakage often stems from dryness, over-styling, heat damage, rough brushing, and even harsh hair ties. 

Although breakage is different than true hair loss or thinning, it can cause your hair to look like it has less volume or like it has thinned out. The good news? You can try a custom hair growth routine, bonding treatments, and ultra-nourishing hair masks to help reduce some of the signs of breakage for a healthy-looking finish.

Common Causes of Hair Breakage

- Heat styling and hot tools

- Chemical treatments (like bleach and harsh hair dyes)

- Rough brushing or tight hairstyles

- Environmental stressors (like sun, wind, and pollution)

How to Tell the Difference—and What to Do About It

Still not sure where you fit? That’s okay! Here’s a quick guide to help you break it down.

If you still feel like you don’t fit neatly into one of these categories, you may be experiencing a combination of hair loss, thinning, and breakage at the same time—which is perfectly normal! 

That’s why we recommend an eSalon Custom Hair Growth Routine to match your exact needs. All you have to do is take our free consultation, and our hair care experts will tailor a routine to your healthy hair goals—it takes the guesswork out of finding the right solution for you.

Understanding the difference between hair loss, thinning, and breakage empowers you to choose the right solutions for your hair’s specific needs. Whether you’re facing stress-induced shedding or breakage from your favorite curling iron, eSalon is here to help with personalized hair care, custom hair growth products, and professional advice.