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What’s the Difference Between Shedding & Breakage?

Not All Hair Loss Means the Same Thing

Losing hair can feel scary—but not all hair loss is bad. The key is knowing whether your hair is shedding (which is normal) or breaking (which needs attention). Let’s break it down.

What Is Shedding?

Shedding is a normal part of your hair’s growth cycle. You naturally lose about 50–100 strands per day. These hairs fall from the root, meaning the whole strand, including the white bulb at the end, comes out on its own.


Think of it like leaves falling off a tree—it’s part of the cycle.


What Causes Shedding?

  • Seasonal changes (spring and fall especially)

  • Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause)

  • Stress or illness

  • Medications

  • Poor diet or low iron


💡 If the bulb is still attached, it's shedding—even if it looks like a lot. Breakage happens when your hair snaps mid-strand. It doesn’t fall from the root. This is damage—not part of the natural cycle. You’ll usually find short, uneven pieces around your ends, crown, or edges.

Real Question from a Subscriber

Q: “I see hair on the floor every time I do my twists—is that normal?”


A:Some shedding is normal. But if you're seeing broken pieces or your hair looks thinner, you need to check your moisture levels, technique, and product use.

What Is Breakage?

Breakage happens when your hair snaps mid-strand. It doesn’t fall from the root. This is damage—not part of the natural cycle. You’ll usually find short, uneven pieces around your ends, crown, or edges.


🔴If you’re seeing broken bits of hair on your sink, in your comb, or on your shirt—it’s breakage, not shedding.


What Causes Breakage?

  • Dryness and lack of moisture

  • Overmanipulation (tight styles, rough detangling)

  • Heat damage

  • Protein imbalance

  • Skipping trims


Breakage is preventable. Once you spot it, you can start repairing and protecting your strands.


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    How It Affects Your Hair, Skin, and Nails

    • Hair: More breakage leads to thin ends, frizz, and slow length retention

    • Scalp: An unhealthy scalp can trigger both shedding and breakage

    • Nails: Brittle nails and excessive shedding may point to nutrient issues like low biotin, iron, or zinc

    What to Look For

    Shedding:

    • Long strand with white bulb on the end

    • Usually painless

    • Happens daily in small amounts

    Breakage:

    • Short strands without a bulb

    • Hair looks uneven or frayed

    • Breaks when styling or detangling

    • More common at the crown or ends


    📌 Run your fingers through your hair. If the hair you pull has a bulb, it's shedding.

    If it's short with no bulb, it's breakage.

    Customer Testimonial

    Nicole B., Boostie since 2021

    📣 “Once I realized it was breakage and not shedding, everything changed. The REPAIR mask and Hair Boost combo made my ends feel stronger in two weeks.”

    Boostie Case Study: Recommended Products to go from Breakage to Balance

    Boostie Nicole from Chicago noticed lots of tiny strands after detangling. She thought she was shedding—but it was breakage.


    We helped her shift to a bi-weekly wash day routine using:

    She trimmed her ends, cut down on heat, and deep conditioned consistently.

    What to Do If You’re Shedding or Breaking

    ✅ For Shedding:


    • Drink more water

    • Add iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds)

    • Scalp massage with HAIR BOOST

    • Protect your peace—stress makes shedding worse


    ✅ For Breakage:


    • Stick to your bi-weekly wash day

    • Always detangle with a wide-tooth comb on damp hair

    • Use a deep conditioner regularly

    • Protect your ends—don’t sleep without your bonnet


    Real Question from a Subscriber

    Q: “How do I know if I need protein or moisture?”


    A:If your hair is mushy and stretchy, it needs protein. If it’s snapping and feels like straw, it needs moisture.

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