How much hair loss during washing is normal? Answer named
Why your hair falls out in the shower (photo: Freepik)
During hair washing in the shower, people often notice strands left on the comb or in their hands. This is a normal process, since new hairs grow in their place. However, increased shedding may signal issues in the body, according to the website Real Simple.
Why hair falls out in the shower
Hair loss is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, but several factors can make it seem worse. Washing and conditioning can loosen hairs that are already in the shedding phase.
If you don’t wash or brush your hair every day, shed hairs can build up and fall out all at once, making it look like you’re losing more hair than you actually are.
Water and conditioner can also cause hair to clump together, making shedding look a bit heavier than usual.
It’s normal to lose quite a bit of hair while washing, but it’s important that the amount does not exceed 50–100 hairs per day. So if you notice a few dozen hairs in the shower, that can still be within the normal range.
During washing, hairs that have built up over the past one or two days are simply rinsed away, which is why the number may seem higher. If your hair is long, it can look like you’re losing more, even though the actual amount is the same.
Possible signs of a problem include if:
- You regularly lose more than 200–300 hairs
- Your hair is noticeably thinning
- Shedding lasts longer than 2–3 months
- You experience itching, dandruff, or scalp pain
Another good way to check for excessive hair loss is to gather your hair into a ponytail. If it feels thinner than usual, you may be experiencing excessive shedding.
What to do to reduce hair shedding
Wash your hair properly
Don’t wash your hair with hot water — use warm or slightly cool water instead.
Also, avoid scrubbing your scalp with your nails. Massage gently using your fingertips. Don’t tangle your hair into a lather; wash it with smooth, downward motions from roots to ends.
Shampoo and hair care
It’s important to choose a shampoo that's free of harsh sulfates and suits your scalp type. Apply conditioner only to the lengths of your hair, not the roots.
Hair masks should be used just 1–2 times a week.
Don’t brush your hair immediately after washing. Wait 5–10 minutes, and avoid rubbing it with a towel. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle gently.
Nutrition and lifestyle
Hair loss is often linked to deficiencies in:
- Protein (meat, eggs, fish, legumes)
- Iron
- B vitamins
- Vitamin D
Hair shedding can also be affected by:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Extreme or crash dieting
You may also be interested in:
- Top 6 signs you’re washing your hair too often
- A home remedy named that deeply moisturizes hair and reduces breakage
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
