One of the most common things we hear from new clients at our salon after their first few weeks is: “I’m seeing hair come out when I brush – is this normal?”
It can be a little alarming to see hair trapped in your brush or a few strands shedding, especially if you have fine hair or are already concerned about thinning hair. However, in 99% of cases, what you are seeing is a completely natural process. At Authentic Locks, we believe in total transparency, so let’s break down the science of shedding.
Understanding the “Trapped Hair” Phenomenon
On average, a person naturally sheds between 50 and 100 hairs every single day. This is a healthy part of the hair growth cycle. When you aren’t wearing extensions, these hairs simply fall away onto your clothes or down the drain. However, when you have luxury human hair extensions fitted, the hair that would normally fall out is now trapped inside the attachment (the ring, the tape, or the bond). Because the extension holds that hair in place, it can’t go anywhere until your maintenance appointment or until you give your hair a good brush. When you do brush, those “naturally shed” hairs finally come free. Seeing a small amount of hair in your brush is actually a sign that your natural cycle is functioning exactly as it should!
When Should You Be Concerned?
While some shedding is normal, it’s important to know the difference between natural loss and extension slippage.
Normal Shedding: A few loose strands in your brush or a small amount of hair collected inside the attachment point.
Abnormal Shedding: If a whole extension strand falls out frequently, or if you see large clumps of hair with the “bulb” attached.
How to Minimise Shedding
To keep your human hair extensions and your natural hair in top condition, follow these simple steps:
Use the Right Brush: Always use a specialized extension brush with flexible bristles that glide over the attachments without snagging.
Separate the Bonds: Once a day, run your fingers through the roots to ensure the individual strands aren’t tangling together.
Don’t Skip Maintenance: Regular refits every 6–8 weeks are essential. This allows us to remove the naturally shed hair and reposition the extensions safely.
Conclusion: Don’t Panic!
Shedding is a natural part of the process. If you are using the best hair extensions and following a professional maintenance routine, your natural hair will continue to grow healthily underneath.
