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Hair & scalp guide
Temporary Hair Shedding
What’s Normal, What Isn’t & How to Support Healthy Regrowth
Temporary hair shedding is one of the most common concerns people experience and, in most cases, it’s completely normal. Understanding how the hair cycle works, what causes shedding, and how to support your scalp can help you feel more confident and reassured.
Why Do We Shed Hair?
According to the NHS, most people naturally shed 50–100 hairs per day. This is a healthy sign that your scalp is renewing itself.
Each hair strand goes through a continuous cycle:
Anagen (Growth Phase)
Lasts 2–7 years. Hair grows actively and becomes thicker and stronger.
Catagen (Transition Phase)
A short resting stage where the follicle prepares to renew.
Telogen (Shedding Phase)
Old hairs fall out so new ones can grow. Around 10% of your hair is normally in this phase.
This cycle keeps your hair balanced, refreshed, and healthy.
What Causes Excessive Shedding?
UK dermatologists and NHS guidance highlight several common triggers for temporary shedding:
Stress or Illness
Physical or emotional stress can push more hairs into the telogen phase — a condition known as Telogen Effluvium.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, thyroid imbalance, and PCOS can disrupt the growth cycle.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Low levels of iron, vitamin D, zinc, or B12 can weaken follicles and increase shedding.
Styling Habits
Tight hairstyles, heat tools, bleaching, and chemical treatments can cause breakage and shedding.
Seasonal Changes
Some people notice mild shedding in autumn and spring, linked to natural renewal patterns.
Most of these causes are temporary and improve once the trigger is addressed.
When Does Shedding Become a Concern?
Shedding may need attention if you notice:
- Clumps of hair when brushing or washing
- A widening parting or more visible scalp
- Hair feeling thinner or losing volume
- Shedding continuing for more than three months
- A sudden change in texture or scalp sensitivity
If this happens, it’s best to speak to a GP, dermatologist, or trichologist to rule out underlying causes such as thyroid issues, anaemia, or hormonal imbalance.
Recommended Tests
These tests are commonly requested by UK GPs and dermatologists to investigate excessive shedding:
- Ferritin (Iron Stores) — low levels are strongly linked to hair shedding
- Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4) — thyroid imbalance can disrupt the hair cycle
- Vitamin D — deficiency is common in the UK and affects follicle health
- Vitamin B12 & Folate — essential for cell growth and renewal
- Full Blood Count (FBC) — checks for anaemia or infection
These tests help identify reversible causes of temporary shedding.
How Idyllic Hair & Skin Can Support Temporary Shedding
At Idyllic Hair & Skin, we focus on nurturing the scalp, strengthening the hair fibre, and supporting the natural regrowth cycle. Our Nourishment Hair Oil is formulated with cold‑pressed plant oils rich in:
- Essential fatty acids — to strengthen the hair shaft
- Antioxidants — to protect against oxidative stress
- Vitamins & phytonutrients — to support scalp health
- Anti‑inflammatory compounds — to soothe irritation and dryness
Regular use can help:
- Hydrate & strengthen the hair, reducing brittleness and breakage
- Nourish the scalp, improving circulation and creating an ideal environment for new growth
- Soothe dryness and irritation, supporting a balanced scalp barrier
- Protect against environmental stressors that contribute to premature shedding
Massage a few drops into the scalp and lengths 2–3 times per week to encourage stronger, shinier, more resilient hair.
Idyllic Hair & Skin products are cosmetic hair and scalp care and are not medicines. This page is general information, not medical advice. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy or accompanied by other symptoms, please speak to your GP, pharmacist or a registered trichologist.