Noticing a few extra hairs in your brush or circling the drain can be a worrying experience. It’s a change many of us notice at some point, and it often brings a wave of questions. Is this just normal shedding, or is my hair actually thinning? The good news is that by paying attention to a few key signs, you can get a clearer picture of what’s happening on your scalp.
Look for Changes in Your Hairline
One of the most telling places to check is your hairline, especially around the temples and forehead. A receding hairline often starts with a gradual backward movement, creating a more pronounced “M” shape. Compare recent photos of yourself to ones from a year or two ago. This side-by-side comparison can reveal slow changes that are easy to miss day-to-day.
Check Your Part and Crown
For many people, thinning becomes most apparent at the part in their hair. Take a moment to look in the mirror under good light. Is your part looking wider than it used to? Can you see more of your scalp along that line? Similarly, use a hand mirror to check the crown (the very top) of your head. A widening area or more visible scalp here is a common early sign of thinning.
Notice Changes in Texture and Volume
Thinning hair isn’t always just about the number of hairs; it can also be about their strength. You might find that your ponytail feels significantly smaller or that your hair lacks its usual body and feels limp. Individual strands might also feel finer and more fragile than before. If your hair doesn’t seem to hold a style or cover your scalp as well as it once did, it could be a sign of thinning.
Pay Attention to Daily Shedding
It’s completely normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day. But if you’re consistently finding large clumps in the shower, covering your pillow in the morning, or leaving a trail on your hairbrush, it’s worth taking note. An increase in daily shedding is often one of the first clues that your hair’s growth cycle has been disrupted.
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward addressing your hair health. If you’ve noticed several of these changes, it can be reassuring to know you’re not just imagining it. From there, you can confidently seek advice and find a path forward that works for you.