Hair on your sweater, car seat, pillow? It’s not just you.
You know that moment when you glance down and see more hair on your hoodie than on your actual head? Yeah—same. Suddenly, you’re questioning everything: your shampoo, your stress levels, your diet… maybe even your pillowcase. (Is that thing low-key sabotaging your strands?)
And let’s be honest—shedding is one of those sneaky things that creeps up. One day you’re casually brushing your hair, and the next you’re doing a CSI-level scalp investigation trying to figure out what went wrong. You’ve probably asked yourself (maybe even Googled at 2 a.m.), “How can I stop shedding so much hair?” And babe, that question brought you here—and we’ve got answers.
At The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, we’re all about giving your hair the VIP treatment it deserves. Extensions? We’ve mastered them. Volume? Done. But when your real hair is shedding more than usual, we want you to feel just as supported. Because stronger, fuller, healthier hair doesn’t start at the ends. It starts at the root.
We’re breaking down what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can do to keep more of your hair on your head and off your black sweater. No fear tactics. No fluff. Just the real tea, expert tips, and hair truth you can trust.
Ready to stop panic-brushing and start thriving?
Is this normal or… should I be worried?
First thing’s first—some shedding is totally normal. Like, you’re not lowkey going bald because there are a few strands on your hairbrush. On average, most of us lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. Sounds like a lot, but when you consider that the human scalp has 100,000+ follicles? It’s barely a blip.
But if you’ve been noticing a suspicious uptick in the amount of hair left behind after a wash day, or your ponytail’s looking... thinner than usual, it might be time to check in with your hair’s vibe.
Here are some signs that your shedding might be more than “just a phase”:
– You’re pulling clumps out when you run your fingers through your hair
– Your drain is clogged every time you shower
– Your part looks wider, or your scalp is more visible than before
– Your strands are breaking mid-shaft and falling from the root
– You’ve noticed a decrease in your overall hair density (read: limp, stringy ends or less volume at the crown)
A lot of us only start to panic once we see a change, but shedding often starts before it becomes obvious. That’s why checking in regularly with your scalp health and hair texture is major. Also? Keep in mind that shedding tends to increase during seasonal shifts (hi, winter) and stressful life events (hi, adulting). So if your hair’s been acting up lately, you’re not alone—and you’re not doomed.
Next up is what could be causing it? Because no, your hair didn’t just decide to be dramatic out of nowhere.
What’s really causing the shedding? Let’s break it down.
Okay, you’re losing more hair than usual—but why? The truth is, shedding isn’t always about what you’re doing wrong. Sometimes, it’s about what your body’s going through. Here's the lowdown on what could be triggering all that extra fallout:
1. Seasonal changes (yep, winter is rude)
Notice your hair shedding more when the weather gets cold and dry? Same. It’s super common to see an increase in shedding during the winter months. Why? Because your scalp, like your skin, gets drier and more sensitive in colder temps, which can mess with the normal hair cycle. Hello, turtleneck covered in hair.
2. Stress (ugh, again?)
Emotional or physical stress (think: breakups, job drama, surgery, burnout) can push more hairs into the telogen phase of the hair cycle—aka the shed and exit phase. This is called telogen effluvium, and while it’s usually temporary, it can take months to bounce back from. The gag is, by the time you notice the shedding, the stressful event that triggered it might’ve already passed.
3. Hormonal shifts
Postpartum shedding? Totally real. Birth control changes? That too. Hormonal changes—like pregnancy, menopause, or even switching up your contraceptive—can send your hair into a temporary shedding spiral. Hormones control hair growth cycles, so when they fluctuate, your strands tend to freak out.
4. Nutritional deficiencies
If you’re not getting enough iron, vitamin D, zinc, or protein (especially post-summer crash dieting or restrictive eating), your hair’s going to feel it. Hair is one of the first things to suffer when your body isn’t getting what it needs.
5. Overstyling + product overload
Heat damage, tight hairstyles, bleaching, extensions—your hair’s been through it. And when the damage adds up, breakage can look like shedding, even if it’s technically snapping, not falling from the root.
6. Scalp issues
A healthy scalp = a healthy follicle. So if you’re dealing with dandruff, buildup, or inflammation, your roots might be struggling to hold onto those strands.
Figuring out what’s REALLY causing your shedding is the first step in fixing it. Up next? What to do about it—and how to get your hair thriving, not just surviving.
Proven ways to stop hair shedding
Once you’ve ruled out any major medical issues (always worth a derm check if the shedding feels extra), it’s time to get strategic. These aren’t gimmicks—just real, proven moves that help you keep more of your hair on your head instead of your LBD.
1. Start treating your scalp like your skin
You wouldn't skip moisturizer for your face, so don’t do it to your scalp. A flaky, dry, inflamed scalp is a hostile environment for hair to grow. Look for lightweight scalp oils, hydrating toners, or targeted treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or ketoconazole to balance things out. Scalp massage? Bonus points for stimulating blood flow and promoting growth.
2. Upgrade your haircare routine
If your wash day lineup isn’t serving anymore, it might be time for a change. Go for sulfate-free, strengthening shampoos and conditioners (bonus if they contain biotin, keratin, or collagen). And please—treat your hair like silk. That means wide-tooth combs, low heat, and protective styles that don’t pull at your roots.
3. Nourish from the inside out
Girl, your hair is literally built from protein. If your diet is low on essentials like iron, vitamin D, omega-3s, and zinc, your strands are going to struggle. Add in more leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and oily fish—or talk to your doc about a hair-focused supplement. (Just don’t go wild with the gummies. More isn’t always better.)
4. Stress less (your hair is listening)
Easier said than done, but chronic stress does a number on your follicles. Try building a stress ritual that works for you—daily walks, journaling, therapy, TikTok scrolling in the bathtub…whatever makes your nervous system chill.
5. Wash smarter, not harder
You don’t need to shampoo daily unless your scalp is begging for it. Overwashing can strip your scalp and hair of essential oils, making things brittle and more prone to breakage. Find a cadence that keeps you clean but not squeaky.
6. Pay attention to seasonal shifts
Yes, you probably do shed more in winter—and no, it’s not your imagination. Consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom, rotating in more hydrating products, and giving your scalp a little extra TLC during colder months.
7. Consider a trim (or a chop)
Split ends travel up the hair shaft, leading to more breakage, and what looks like shedding. A quick dusting or a fresh chop can prevent more loss in the long run.
Hair shedding doesn’t mean you’re doing something WRONG. But it does mean it’s time to shift into hair-health mode.
When will you see less hair shedding?
We’ve gotta manage expectations: reversing excessive shedding doesn’t happen overnight. If you’ve been wondering how long it takes to stop shedding so much hair, here’s the real deal.
Weeks 1–2: The setup phase
You’ve cleaned out your product shelf. You’ve bought the biotin. You’re gua-sha-ing your scalp like it’s your full-time job. Love the energy. But right now? The work is happening below the surface. This phase is all about laying the groundwork—hydrating your scalp, feeding your follicles, and reducing stress triggers.
You might still see shedding, but don’t panic. If your hair’s been in a long-term stress cycle (hello, winter, hormones, burnout), it’s gonna take a sec to reroute.
Weeks 3–6: Slow wins start showing up
This is when things get interesting. With consistent care, you may notice less hair on your brush or fewer strands decorating your black hoodie. Bonus: your scalp starts feeling less dry, irritated, or itchy, and your roots feel stronger and less fragile when you tug.
Months 2–3: The real glow-up begins
New baby hairs might make their debut. Your ponytail feels fuller. Your confidence? Also growing. Keep up your new habits—consistency is doing the heavy lifting here.
Month 4 and beyond: You’re entering your ‘healthy hair’ era
Hair grows roughly half an inch a month, so patience is the name of the game. If your shedding was stress- or season-related, this is where you’ll really see your hair bounce back. If there’s still no improvement? Time to check in with a dermatologist or trichologist to explore deeper causes like hormones, iron levels, or thyroid function.
So yes, this takes time—but the sooner you start, the sooner your strands start showing up for you.
So… how long until your hair stops shedding like it’s quitting its job?
Getting your hair to chill out and stop shedding so much isn’t about a one-night miracle or some viral quick fix. It’s about stacking small, smart habits—and giving them time to do their thing. And yeah, we know… waiting is the worst. But your hair is 100% worth it.
✨ Weeks 1–2: You’ve swapped your shampoo, cleaned up your diet, and added a supplement or two. You’re in your healing-your-hair era. You might not see a change yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working.
✨ Weeks 3–6: The shedding might be slowing down. Your scalp feels less angry. And that post-shower drain situation? Slightly less terrifying. Keep going—you’re just getting started.
✨ Months 2–3: Enter: the baby hairs. Your slick-back bun is looking a little fuller. You're spending less time lint-rolling your clothes. Celebrate the progress (even if it’s subtle).
✨ Month 4 and beyond: This is where the glow-up kicks in. Stronger strands, fewer fallouts, and a scalp that’s finally not throwing tantrums. If things still feel off? It might be time to loop in a derm or trichologist—there could be a deeper reason behind the DRAMA.
Hair shedding can be annoying and a total confidence buzzkill. But it’s also so common—and so fixable. You’re not alone in this, and you’re definitely not doomed. Just remember: the magic isn’t in doing one thing perfectly. It’s in doing the right things consistently.
Less hair on your sweater, more strength in your strands—that’s the vibe for the foreseeable.
