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Hair Is Falling Out of My Fur Coat !

— What’s Causing This?

Mink fur coat texture close up
Fur coat close up shedding detail
Professional garment cleaning process
Cold storage vault for fur coats

If you’ve noticed hair shedding from your fur coat, don’t panic. A small amount of shedding can be normal — especially with vintage or natural pelts — but consistent hair loss is a signal that something needs attention.

At Marc Kaufman Furs, we’ve seen every scenario over decades of professional fur care. Here’s what may be happening — and what to do next.

1. Natural Seasonal Shedding (Yes, It Happens)

Real fur is organic. Just like human hair, a few loose hairs can release over time — especially if the coat has been stored, transported, or recently handled.

  • ✔ A few hairs when shaken? Normal.
  • ✖ Clumps or bald patches? Not normal.

2. Drying Out (The Most Common Cause)

Fur needs controlled humidity. If stored:

  • In a regular closet
  • Near heat vents
  • In overly dry climates
  • Inside plastic garment bags

The leather backing (called the “pelt”) can dry out and become brittle. When that happens, the hair slips out easily. This is known as hair slippage — the most common reason for excessive shedding.

Professional cold storage prevents this entirely.

3. Improper Cleaning

If a fur coat has been:

  • Dry cleaned like regular clothing
  • Exposed to harsh chemicals
  • Cleaned at home

The pelt can weaken. Fur requires specialized cleaning processes — not standard garment treatment.

4. Age & Vintage Wear

Older furs (especially 20+ years old) may begin to shed if they were not climate stored consistently throughout their life.

The good news? Many vintage pieces can be:

  • Rehydrated
  • Reconditioned
  • Restyled
  • Fully remodeled

5. Moisture Damage

Rain, snow, or high humidity won’t immediately ruin fur — but repeated exposure without proper drying can weaken the skin underneath.

If your coat got wet:

  • Never use heat to dry it
  • Hang it in a well-ventilated space
  • Bring it to a fur specialist for inspection

How to Tell If It’s Serious

Gently tug a small hidden area:

  • If only 1–2 hairs release → likely normal
  • If multiple hairs slide out easily → professional conditioning is recommended

If you notice cracking sounds when bending the coat, that’s a sign the pelt has dried.

Can It Be Fixed?

In many cases, yes.

Marc Kaufman Furs offers:

The earlier shedding is addressed, the better the outcome.

Prevention Tips for the Future

  • Store in professional cold storage during off-season
  • Avoid plastic covers
  • Never hang fur in a cramped closet
  • Have it professionally cleaned once per season
  • Avoid perfume or hairspray contact

Final Thought

Shedding doesn’t automatically mean your fur coat is ruined. Most cases are preventable and repairable when handled correctly.

If you’re unsure about your coat’s condition, bring it in for a complimentary evaluation. With over a century of expertise, our specialists can determine exactly what’s happening — and how to preserve your investment for generations.